BUTLER TWP - Try knocking the smile off Scott Stoner's face these days.

Butler's varsity wrestling coach might still be wearing one for a few years to come.

The Golden Tornado's elementary wrestling program tied with North Allegheny and Chartiers Valley for the North Hills League Tournament championship this year with 52 points. The program also is sending five wrestlers to the Pennsylvania Junior Youth Tournament April 1 and 2 in Hershey.

Butler had never won the North Hills League title. It had never sent more than one wrestler to the youth state tournament in any one year.

"This is a big deal," Stoner said. "These are significant developments. Hopefully, we're getting to the point where we're consistently getting experienced, quality young wrestlers filtering into the high school program.

"You want them to do well down there, to be competitive with North Allegheny kids, Chartiers Valley kids, as early as possible. Once they get to that level, they'll work hard to stay at that level. Connellsville has used that system for years."

The Tornado varsity reaped the benefits of the system this season when five freshmen found success in the lighter weight classes, including WPIAL qualifier and 30-match winner Ian McLaughlin.

"Those kids were products of this program," Butler elementary wrestling coach Bill McCance said. "They're just the tip of the iceberg. There's more on the way."

The five Butler elementary wrestlers headed to Hershey are Spencer Thompson, Ryan Hannon, Connor Foust, Cole Baxter and Ryan Marzullo.

Baxter won a junior state title two years ago, becoming the first Butler wrestler to do so.

"Cole has a great chance to win at states this year," McCance said. "The other four guys have a great shot at placing."

McCance is in his third year as coach of the elementary program. His son, T.J. McCance, is the only 100-win wrestler in Butler High School history and had his sophomore season at Clarion University curtailed by injuries this year.

T.J. McCance recently was offered the Clarion High School varsity wrestling coach position, but turned it down. He plans to return as an active wrestler at Clarion University next season.

His father hopes to return as Butler elementary wrestling coach next season.

"They decided to formally take applications for the position," McCance said. "I'd like to come back - I prefer to come back - and 90 percent of the parents want me back.

"You never know. I've already been offered positions (as elementary mat coach) at other schools, so we'll wait and see."

Former Butler High wrestler Jason Kneidinger is McCance's assistant elementary level. Gary Gombos, another former Tornado wrestler, coaches the junior high team.

"Former wrestlers coming back and getting involved … That's what Scott's wanted," McCance said. "The program is coming together from top to bottom."

Butler elementary wrestling president Jay Miranda said this year's program was run no differently than in recent years.

"It's just that we've got some kids who have been here for a while and it (wrestling knowledge) is kicking in," Miranda said. "They're more sure of themselves on the mat. They believe they can win."

And wrestling is not their life.

"All of these kids participate in other sports," Miranda said. "That's a good thing. It guards against burnout."

Stoner agreed.

"I've always advocated and encouraged kids to experience other sports," Stoner said. "Play football, soccer, baseball, basketball - that gives me a better all-around athlete come wrestling season.

"We have more dedicated parents now, too. They're taking their kids around to tournaments beyond the (North Hills) League. That's been a big factor in all of this."