A-K Valley Senior Spotlight: Valley’s Charles Perkins

By: Ted Sarneso
Sunday, December 24, 2023 | 11:04 AM

Valley senior wrestler Charles Perkins comes from a family steeped in wrestling.

His father, Chuck, runs the Valley Youth Wrestling program. His three younger brothers wrestle in the program or did when they were younger, and his sister handles the media for the program. Charles even helps referee the program’s home tournaments.

Charles went through the program himself after some people approached him and his father asking if Charles would want to try wrestling.

“I remember they asked that because of how aggressive I was at that time,” Perkins said. “They could see I could have an outlet for that in other ways than just football.”

Perkins learned a lot about wrestling and the lessons it could teach while going through the youth program.

“The development process was good at times and bad at times,” Perkins said. “There were days when you had your back to the wall, but you just had to stick with it and push through. I learned all about hard work and the feeling of perseverance.”

Perkins has taken what he learned and developed into one of the better wrestlers in the Alle-Kiski Valley.

In his career, he has compiled a 63-26 record and produced 41 pins. Last season, he went 30-12 and was a section runner-up, a fourth-place finisher at WPIALs and was seventh at regionals.

“I was winning at WPIALs, and a simple mistake cost me the match,” Perkins said. “I feel like I fell short last year. I have to stress or show something else this year.”

Perkins is off to a great start this season, going 3-0 with two pins and a tech fall.

And he’s glad to be back on the mat after a spring of running the 4×400 in track and a fall of bringing down ball carriers for the football team.

“I’m excited to just get back into it,” Perkins said. “Those two sports are the only reason I don’t do wrestling year-round.”

Perkins took a few minutes for a Senior Spotligth Q-and-A:

Are you in the same weight class this year as last year?

No. I jumped up one weight class from 160 to 172. I could do both if I wanted to, but I don’t necessarily want to.

What is your strongest position when you’re on the mat, up or down?

I would say when I’m down. Once you’re down, depending on the score, you can control the match if you can get out.

What is your strength in getting out?

Mostly stand-ups and being fast and explosive.

You accepted a forfeit in your team’s last match against Greensburg Salem, but what was it like to sit back and watch your teammates battle for a close victory?

I couldn’t really give them any more energy than what they were bringing on the mat. I just was out there supporting them. It’s different to see the wrestlers come up and see how different the teams are year to year.

How has wrestling helped you on the football field?

I know I wouldn’t have been as good a football player as I was if I didn’t wrestle. It helps you break down and see how the other player is running and helps you make a more solid tackle.

What’s it like having your entire family focused on wrestling?

It’s definitely different because I was the first in my family to get into wrestling, so when I was younger, it wasn’t like that. It’s a different experience for me watching my younger brothers progress and develop, get better and grow.

College plans?

I’ve always wanted to go to Ohio State, but I would go to a school that would give me the most money on a scholarship for wrestling. I want to study sports management.

What is one fact about yourself that would surprise people to know?

Just my overall work ethic, that I actually care about what’s going on.

What’s one piece of advice you would want to leave your teammates before graduating?

Trust the process and it will all work out in the end.

Tags: Valley