Penn Hills wrestlers Perkins, Butler look to take next step

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, December 2, 2017 | 1:24 AM

As WPIAL qualifiers two years in a row, junior Justin Perkins and senior DeShawn Butler are looking to take the next step by becoming state qualifiers for Penn Hills wrestling this season.

Last season, Butler (29-12) qualified for WPIALs after finishing second to Kiski Area's Isaac Reid at 285 pounds in the Section 1-AAA individual championships.

At the WPIAL Class AAA/Southwest Regional, Butler lost to Indiana's Brent Johnson, 5-4, in the third-round consolations.

“I just need to focus on what the task at hand is and make sure when I get there to just win. I need to wrestle the way I think I need to win,” Butler said.

“Last year was almost a wake-up call for me. It just seemed like I would get so close, then I failed when I was so close. Now, I got the opportunity to do even better. I won't have another chance after this year.”

Last season, Perkins (16-3) qualified for WPIALs after finishing fourth at the Section 1 tournament after losing to Kiski Area's Matt Siszka in the 120-pound weight class.

Perkins wasn't able to make weight at WPIALs and didn't participate in the postseason tournament.

“I have been telling them to continue to build on what they have been doing,” coach Jeremy Packer said. “This is their time. Last year, both of them let some opportunities slip through their fingers, and now they need to grab those opportunities and get the most out of them.”

Earlier in the season, Perkins captured the 126-pound titles at the Steve DeAugustino Holiday Classic and Allegheny County tournaments, while Butler finished in fifth place at the Holiday Classic and seventh at the county tournament.

“We are trying to get them to realize their potential and work hard and take them as far as they want to go in the sport,” Packer said. “The ceiling is wide open for both of them, especially for Justin.”

The Indians, who have only 11 wrestlers this season, hope to have more grapplers join Perkins, who will wrestle at 132, and Butler as potential WPIAL qualifiers this season.

Sophomores Mike Devito (120, 126), Ray Jenkins (138) and Dom Burden (152, 160), as well as seniors Tyree White (171, 182) and Lugman Luhujjiddan (182, 195) return for the Indians.

Packer is looking forward to contributions from freshman Hunter Shields, who will start the season out at 120 pounds and work down to 113.

“They get tired of wrestling each other sometimes. With the limited amount in the room, you get sick of each other. We are looking forward to getting some different looks,” Packer said.

“They just have to train every day. They have to be consistent with training. They need to commit themselves to the season and the sport. They need to try to cut out the distractions.”

The Indians will start their season at the Eastern Area Invitational on Dec. 8 at Gateway.

Andrew John is a freelance writer.

Tags: Penn Hills