Rich get richer
JACKSON TWP — Manuel Santos had wrestled for eight years in Puerto Rico prior to his move to the Seneca Valley School District six months ago.
It was not surprising he joined the Raiders' team, but what could he offer a program that has become one of the best in the state in recent years?
A lot, as it turns out.
A junior competing at 172 pounds, Santos improved his record to 8-1 this season with a 12-2 major decision Wednesday night over Butler's Mickey Kreinbucher. The bout was part of SV's dominant 46-18 triumph.
“I'm really close with Alejandro (Herrera-Rondon, SV's senior star) and he told me before the season that the team is really good,” Santos said through his translator, Diego Ochoa. “I felt some pressure joining the team, but I've enjoyed it. I like the team and the environment.”
Raiders' coach Kevin Wildrick has been impressed with the effort turned in by Santos.
“He had to get used to being on top and bottom because in international wrestling, you're always on your feet to start,” Wildrick said. “There's a few other little things he needs to pick up, but he's done well and wrestles an exciting style.”
The Raiders had already clinched the team win by the time Santos took the mat. The night began at 106 pounds and SV opened up a 24-3 lead after five bouts, including forfeit wins at 113 and 120.
“We have some guys who are battling injuries,” said Butler coach Scott Stoner. “Plus, there's a lot of talent on Seneca's roster.”Earning pins for the Raiders (9-0) were Connor Smith at 106 pounds and Herrera-Rondon at 152.SV finished second in the WPIAL Class 3A team tournament the last two years, including a 3-point loss to Waynesburg in last year's final. Wildrick's squad has also reached the state quarterfinals twice and the semifinals once over the last three seasons.He likes the make-up of this team and believes it can add to the program's recent run of success.“Only the (WPIAL) team champion will probably make it to states, if that tournament is even held, so who knows about that,” said Wildrick. “But this is a great group of guys who have wrestled together for a long time.”One of Butler's four victories came from junior Cooper Baxter at 189 pounds, where he earned a 5-1 decision over Liam Volk-Klos.Two years ago, Baxter was two wins away from making it to the state tournament. Last year, he was just one win shy.“He's putting in the work, doing the little things to make himself better,” said Stoner. “He's really pushing himself.”“The ultimate goal is to win a state championship,” said Baxter, who held a slim 2-1 edge on Volk-Klos after two periods before earning an escape and takedown in the final period. “This year, it would be great to get on the podium (top eight) at states.”Baxter is also a star quarterback for the Golden Tornado's football team.“Back in the spring and early summer, I really didn't get much work in specific to a sport,” he said. “I just tried to get bigger, stronger and faster.”Domenic Vivirito (138 pounds) and Jake Pomykata (285) both had pins for Butler (3-2).Both teams will be busy this weekend. Seneca Valley will compete at the Kiski Area Duals and Butler will be at the Southmoreland Duals.<b>Seneca Valley 46, Butler 18</b>(Match started at 106 pounds)106-Connor Smith (SV) pinned Ana Malovich, 5:45; 113-Tyler Chappell (SV) won by forfeit; 120-Hunter Swedish (SV) won by forfeit; 126-Nick Schaukowitsch (B) dec. Jacob Eubanks, 4-0; 132-Dylan Chappell (SV) won by forfeit; 138-Domenic Vivirito (B) pinned Wayne Pirt, 1:49; 145-Chanz Shearer (SV) dec. Nate McMaster, 9-2; 152-Alejandro Herrera-Rondon (SV) pinned Cade Savochka, 1:51; 160-Antonio Amelio (SV) dec. Steven Green, 3-0; 172-Manuel Santos (SV) major dec. Mickey Kreinbucher, 12-2; 189-Cooper Baxter (B) dec. Liam Volk-Klos, 5-1; 215-TJ Border (SV) won by forfeit; 285-Jake Pomykata (B) pinned Sennaca Harney, 4:45
