Plum wrestlers come roaring back from early deficit to defeat Kiski Area

By: Michael Love
Wednesday, January 17, 2024 | 9:54 PM

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After five weights of Wednesday’s Section 1-3A match between Kiski Area and Plum at Plum High School, the visiting Cavaliers owned a sizeable lead thanks to a technical fall, two decisions and two forfeits.

But Plum, starting at 121, mounted a rally.

And when senior Charlie Campbell earned a 9-4 decision over Kiski Area senior Riley Shearer at 160, the Mustangs clinched the win and solidified their place in the WPIAL team tournament.

“I was pretty confident our guys could get it done,” said Campbell, who improved to 11-8 overall to secure the 33-23 senior-night victory. “We went out and were aggressive and got bonus points in a couple of our matches. I knew going into my match that I had to win, and I got my points.”

Plum improved to 7-3 overall and 3-1 in the section. The Mustangs now turn their attention to preparation for this weekend’s Allegheny County Tournament.

“Last year we went over there to (Kiski Area’s) senior night and won, so we knew they were coming here and would be ready,” Mustangs senior Antonino Walker said. “We knew that we were going to need extra points, and we got those.”

Walker pinned freshman Travis Shearer in 1 minute, 5 seconds at 152. It was the third straight pin for the Mustangs in a run of eight consecutive victories. Senior Dylan Overcash pinned freshman Tyler Bollinger in 21 seconds at 139, and junior Trent Reese scored a fall over junior Ezra Keitzer in 25 seconds at 145.

“They got out to that lead, and we just knew what we needed to do,” Walker said.

Kiski Area fell to 6-9 overall and dropped to 2-2 in the section. The Cavaliers remain alive for a berth to the WPIAL team tournament and cap section action next Wednesday against Shaler.

“They have a lot of experience, and take nothing away from them, but they have eight seniors and nine of my 13 starters are either freshmen or sophomores,” Kiski Area coach Chris Heater said. “We’re on opposite ends of the experience level right now, but I felt our guys wrestled hard. We wrestled some of their guys who probably should’ve bonused us but didn’t. We took them into the third period and were scoring points. I am super proud of a lot of our guys and the effort they gave.

“Right now, we’re in position for the playoffs, and I would like that for our guys. It would be another nice step in their growth.”

Kiski Area sophomore Cooper Roscosky started the match with a technical fall to put Kiski ahead 5-0.

Abrahm Taylor, also a sophomore, improved to 20-4 on the season with a decision victory at 215, and junior Ryder Ekas gave the Cavaliers an 11-0 lead with another decision at heavyweight.

Kiski extended its lead to 23-0 when freshmen Payton King and Dominic Roland received forfeits at 107 and 114, respectively.

Plum senior Rylen Campbell then started the comeback with a win at 121.

He improved to 5-1 in his return from injury, using three takedowns and an escape to defeat Cavaliers senior Clayton Cramer, 7-2, and get the Mustangs on the board.

Campbell missed a month and a half recovering after exiting the the Chartiers Houston Tournament on Dec. 2.

“It felt great to be out there and for it to be senior night,” he said. “It was an amazing atmosphere with the fans. I am glad I could get the win. I just wished I could’ve performed better. But I had confidence that after me, we would continue to come back. Now, were building up for counties.”

Plum’s rally also included decision wins for seniors Sam Snyder (127) and Carson Yocca (133).

With the Mustangs ahead by seven, one match to go, and the victory clinched, senior Pitt commit Jack Tongel added on with a 6-0 victory over Kiski senior Evan Artman at 172 to set the final.

“This win starts off the week well,” Walker said. “We just need to keep it going right into the weekend.”

Michael Love is a TribLive reporter covering sports in the Alle-Kiski Valley and the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh. A Clearfield native and a graduate of Westminster (Pa.), he joined the Trib in 2002 after spending five years at the Clearfield Progress. He can be reached at mlove@triblive.com.

Tags: Kiski Area, Plum