Kiski Area’s Cooper Roscosky, Burrell’s Cam Baker fall in PIAA semifinals

By: Paul Schofield
Friday, March 8, 2024 | 10:10 PM

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HERSHEY — All Kiski Area sophomore Cooper Roscosky wanted from the PIAA Class 3A wrestling championship was his best performance.

He figures the next two seasons will be his time to shine.

Roscosky advanced to the semifinals by pinning Strath Haven sophomore Michael Spielman in 1 minute, 43 seconds to earn his first state medal Friday at the Giant Center.

Roscosky will settle for a top-six finish after he dropped a 12-1 decision to Daniel Boone senior Tucker Hogan.

Roscosky will now try to climb higher on the podium Saturday.

“Whatever happens this season will prepare me for next year,” Roscosky said. “I just wanted to do my best. Obviously the goal is to win a state title.”

Burrell sophomore Cam Baker saw his hopes of a gold medal end in the Class 2A 107-pound semifinals when he dropped a 20-5 technical fall decision to Faith Christian Academy freshman Joey Bachmann.

Baker (44-5) gave up a takedown and a two-point nearfall midway through the first period and never recovered. He trailed 8-2 after the first period.

It was the second consecutive year he lost in the semifinals. He ended up third in 2023.

He dropped into the consolation round, where wrestling begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

Baker reached the semifinals by defeating Tussey Mountain sophomore Dakota Santamaria, 5-4.

Baker’s teammate, senior Cooper Hornack, lost his chance at repeating as a state champion when he dropped a 4-3 decision to Midd-West junior Matthew Smith in the quarterfinals.

Hornack, however, will earn his fourth PIAA medal after winning his blood-round match.

The WPIAL wrestlers to reach the finals in Class 2A are Bentworth senior Chris Vargo (127), Frazier senior Rune Lawrence (215) and Central Valley senior Brenan Morgan (285).

The WPIAL Class 3A finalists are Norwin freshman Landon Sidun (114), Franklin Regional senior Tyler Kapusta (121), Thomas Jefferson junior Maddox Shaw (139), Trinity senior Bodie Morgan (172) and Pine-Richland junior Vaughn Spencer (172).

The finals are scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Burrell