Mt. Pleasant’s Miscovich aims to learn from mistakes

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, January 24, 2018 | 10:26 AM

Things didn't look good for Mt. Pleasant senior wrestler Al Miscovich in a recent bout against Derry junior Jason Baker.

He trailed 3-0 early in the third period but rallied to tie the score and then won the match 5-3 with a takedown in overtime.

Miscovich (21-4) knows he has to start matches better, especially against good wrestlers, as the wrestling campaign moves toward the postseason.

“The first thing he said when he came off the mat was he has to start better,” said Mt. Pleasant coach Zack Sheridan, whose Vikings (6-4) will host Jefferson-Morgan (4-3) in the Section 2-AA fifth-place match Wednesday. “He tends to start off slow and finish strong. He has to focus on better starts.”

Miscovich is ranked No. 3 at 132 pounds by the Tribune-Review in Class AA behind Quaker Valley junior John Rocco Kazalas and Burrell freshman A.J. Corrado. Baker is ranked fourth.

The Mt. Pleasant grappler is looking forward to the individual tournament coming up next month as he eyes a second trip to Hershey for the PIAA tournament March 8-10.

“My first goal was to get 100 wins, which I did,” Miscovich said. “Then I want to get top 5 in the state.

“To do that, I stay after practice to get extra workouts. I go to the gym and lift weights. Keeping up with my work, eating right and staying healthy is the key.”

Miscovich (116-47) qualified for the state tournament as a sophomore but missed earning a medal.

Being a senior, he knows he can't hold back. He has to put forth his best effort.

“I have a different attitude, and my mindset will be different going into the tournament,” Miscovich said. “Last year, my mind wasn't where it needed to be. This year it will be.”

That showed at the Westmoreland County Coaches Association tournament earlier this month. He was winning his first-round bout against Valley's Kain Stone but attempted a move, got caught and then was pinned. He bounced back to finish fourth.

He lost to Corrado in the third-place match 6-2, but he beat Baker in the consolation rounds.

“That match is behind me now,” Miscovich said. “I was winning 6-0, and I tried a move and I got caught on my back. I know how to avoid it.”

Miscovich will be tested this weekend at the Bedford tournament, which he said is one of his favorites.

“I like it because the competition is tough, and I'll see different kids,” he said. “I like it a lot. I'm looking forward to it.”

Sheridan said his job is keeping Miscovich focused on his goals.

“I keep reminding him of what they are,” Sheridan said. “Starting fast will be the key.”

Paul Schofield is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at pschofield@tribweb.com or via Twitter @Schofield_Trib.

Tags: Mt. Pleasant