Butler wrestlers surprise unbeaten Pine-Richland

By SAM TALLARICO Eagle Staff Writer

January 26, 2006 Last Updated: January 26, 2006 01:51 PM High School

BUTLER TWP — Aaron Pascazi's win at the 160-pound weight class on Wednesday technically gave the Butler wrestling team its 36-30 victory over previously-undefeated Pine-Richland.

But Tornado coach Scott saw things differently.

"Aaron's match obviously was the one that put it away, but there was not one match that wasn't pivotal," said Stoner.

"It was a good feeling, heading into the final match and know you've earned it and know you don't have to put it on one kid.

"I think we did an outstanding job, knocking off the top team," Stoner added.

The Rams entered the match 16-0 overall and 7-0 in the section, needing Wednesday's match to win the Section 3-AAA title outright. With the loss, the team will be co-champions with North Allegheny.

"We weren't as ready as (Butler) was," said Rams coach Tom McGarrity. "They were ready for us."

Clinging to a 19-18 lead with six bouts to go — and Butler was set to forfeit that final bout at 189 — the Tornado won the next four matches to stake themselves to an insurmountable 36-18 lead.

Jon Sanko (140) grabbed a 5-0 decision and Josh Pascazi (145) earned a 14-1 major decision over John McDonald, who had 13 wins coming into the match.

"I believe that was Sanko's 14th straight win The kid got bumped out a lot last year," said Stoner. "He's really gained some maturity. Josh, he doesn't know he's a sophomore. He has the ability of stopping counters."

"I thought my 145 would give me a better match," said McGarrity.

Josh Coburn (152) followed up with a pin and Aaron Pascazi grabbed a 12-1 major decision to seal the win.

The Rams won the last two bouts to close out the scoring, a pin at 171 by Jeff Bonano and a forfeit at 189.

The teams started out exchanging pins, the Rams' Matt Munchnak at 215 over Marino Quercio, then heavyweight Marcus Hough answering with a second-period fall over Ben Scherer.

"My heavyweight just came back from an injury and he pinned Hough (twice) last year," said McGarrity.

Butler (11-3, 5-3) followed Hough's win with victories in three of the next four matches to open up a 19-9 lead.

Dave Jaillet, filling in for an injured Rob Runyan at 103, also earned a second-period pin before the Rams' Sam Brehm earned a 7-2 decsion over Brian Nicelli.

Ian McLaughlin (119) won an 11-2 major decision, then Derek Hays picked up a hard-fought 5-3 overtime decision, scoring a takedown just before the buzzer.

"We just got Derek back and he's been steadily improving," said Stoner. "You can put wins up on the board, but these are the kinds of matches that carry you."

The Rams would pull to within one point when Mike Fiore had a technical fall at 130 over Stewart Rapone and Ryan McGarrity an 11-0 major decision over Alex Evanoff at 135.

"No question those are their toughest kids," said Stoner.

Said McGarrity, "They stayed off their backs at 130 and 135. I don't know how, but they did it."

The win ranks as one of the Butler program's biggest, knocking off a top-five team.

"I want to thank the kids and the fans," said Stoner. "These are the kind of wins I'd like under our belts and for the kids to enjoy."

Match started at 215

103 —

Dave Jaillet (B) pinned Nick Feldman, 2:34

112 —

Sam Brehm (PR) dec. Brian Nicelli, 7-2

119 —

Ian McLaughlin (B) major dec. over Dustin Fosnaught, 11-2

125 —