Southmoreland quarterback Datz makes quick transition to mats

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, December 19, 2017 | 7:00 PM

Being a multi-sport athlete has become the norm in high school athletics. Once football season ends, many athletes play basketball or wrestle in the winter.

Usually, athletes who wrestle and play football are linemen. That isn't the case at Southmoreland.

For the Scotties, their best playmaker in football is their best wrestler. Senior Jaden Datz served as the quarterback and safety for Southmoreland and has turned his attention to leading the Scotties' wrestling team.

“I think wrestling can help a lot of other sports,” second-year wrestling coach Steve Santia said. “The hip work is crucial. It can make it an easy transition to any other sport.”

Datz is coming off a season where he went 32-8 and was the WPIAL Class AA runner-up at 160 pounds. He also finished 1-2 at the Southwest Regional.

“His main goal is the state tournament,” Santia said. “Last year was a tough one. He had a good path on paper. You never know with this sport. I think Jaden has the ability to be on the podium.”

If Datz is going to make it to Hershey this season, it will be at a different weight class. Because of lineup constraints, Datz has filled in at 182 to start the season, but Santia plans on him going down to 170 once the playoffs begin.

“I don't have a full lineup so we try to get good matchups, and he never complains about where he wrestles,” Santia said. “I think wrestling at different weight classes will help prepare you for the postseason and even at the next level. I think it will make a big difference.”

It has already made a big difference early on in the season. Southmoreland competed at the North Coast Classic in Independence, Ohio, and Datz won his weight class. In the tournament, he won all seven of his bouts.

“It is a great way to start the season,” Santia said. “It gets your momentum going for the season. A lot of times it is confidence in these matches.”

Datz also recorded a pin in Southmoreland's 60-9 win against Frazier. With eight wins so far this season, Datz has 92 career victories.

“I think he will hit it in January some time,” Santia said about Datz getting his 100th win. “Would you rather have a state medal or 100 wins? There are thousands of kids who have 100 wins. It is a big deal, but your goal should be higher than that.”

Datz has not committed to continue his athletic career yet, but Santia believes he will play football at the next level.

Drew Karpen is a freelance writer.

Tags: Southmoreland