Seneca Valley wrestling shows no signs of slowing down as the Raiders prepare to send four wrestlers to Hershey for the PIAA tourney Thursday through Saturday at Hershey’s Giant Center.

“Obviously we want to do our best out there,” SV coach Kevin Wildrick said. “Set high goals is what we say to the guys. Take one match at a time out there, get out there, get acclimated and take care of your first match.”

Class 3A action begins Friday at 2:15 p.m., where Dylan Chappell (39-4) at 106 pounds, Alejandro Herrera-Rondon (44-1) at 113, Antonio Amelio (30-13) at 145, and Jason Geyer (36-10) at 132 will participate in their first match-ups.

Geyer is the only Raider without a first-round bye.

Despite most of the Raiders not knowing who their second round match-ups are just yet, the preparation for Seneca will remain the same.

“We like everybody’s shot going into the tournament,” Wildrick said. “You’re not going too heavy on technique at this point, you’re letting guys get themselves ready. This late in the season you don’t give them a step by step practice every day.”

Herrera-Rondon can speak from experience as he was able to win a state title last season at 106 pounds as a freshman.

“I still practice hard, just try to tweak some things that might be giving me some trouble,” Herrera-Rondon said. “When I’m at the tournament, I’m more energized and excited because its a state tournament. You got one shot this year to win a state title and you got to make the most of it.”

Fellow sophomore Amelio won a section title at 145 pounds this year and will get his first taste of state competition along with Chappell and Geyer.

“I’m just looking forward to going out there and have fun,” Amelio said. “I really want to hit the podium and enjoy myself down there, it’ll be a great experience.”

Geyer, a senior, has finished second in the section the past two seasons, but is finally heading to Hershey in his final year with the Raiders.

Sophomore Chappell finished third in the section last season, while falling short of regional competition.

Up north, Slippery Rock senior Kaleb Kamerer qualified for the 2A state competition by placing third at the Northwest regional tournament last weekend.

“This is our first time in going to the state tournament,” Slippery Rock coach Shamus Carr said. “I’m a first-year coach, this is Kaleb’s first time going to the state tournament. He’s a very talented wrestler and I’m excited about the opportunity to go and see how we stand compared to these other teams and try to represent Slippery Rock the best we can.”

A month ago, Kamerer earned a section title before placing second at the District 10 competition. Kamerer’s record sits at 31-5 on the season.

“I’ve set high expectations for myself and I expect nothing less than to come home with a medal,” Kamerer said.

In the first round, Kamerer is set to square off with a familiar opponent in Austin Walley from Ellwood City (33-3).

“I haven’t really thought too much about it,” Kamerer said. “I used to wrestle him when I was younger, but other than that he’s just another guy in front of me.”

The Class 2A state tourney kicks off at 1:15 p.m. Thursday.