Green Knights Defeat Panthers 36-19

Pen Argyl's Green Knights remain unbeaten after defeating the Panthers 36-19 Dec. 23.

Athletic Director Robert Frey noted that although the Panthers lost to their northern rival, the match was very competitive and the loss was to Pen Argyl, which is considered to have one of the better wrestling teams in the state.

In each of four extremely close matches a missed opportunity and/or a mistake cost the Panthers critical points: 130 lbs., Zach Bartelson (PA) decisioned against Spencer Beaver (SV), 5-4; 145 lbs., Luciano Burriesci (PA) decisioned against Travis Buddock (SV), 6-4; 171 lbs., Tyler Horn (PA) decisioned against Ray O'Donnell, 4-3; and at 215 lbs., Ryan Barry (PA) decisioned against Justin Blode (SV), 5-3.

The Panthers also recorded both the meet's longest and shortest wins. In overtime at 125 pounds, Saucon Valley's Paul Sloand decisioned against Pen Argyl's Steve Burriesci, 9-8, and at 189 pounds, the Panthers' Ian Gimbar quickly took control and overpowered the Knights' Dylan Evans, pinning him in just 37 seconds.

Other results from the meet included: 103 lbs., Matt Williams (PA) over Bryan Israel (SV), 10-4; 112 lbs., Jaime Welsh (PA) over Brody Bisson (SV), 7-3; 119 lbs., Will Jusino (SV) major decision over Patrick Guerro (PA), 14-2; 135 lbs., Mike Racciato (PA) pinned Nate Gimbar (SV) in 2:13; 140 lbs., Jarrett Stoelzl (PA) pinned Andrei Gaulsing (SV) in 4:31; 152 lbs., John Lynch (SV) over Rex Lutz (PA), 10-3; and 160 lbs., Richard York (SV) over Jeff Holden (PA), 13-6. Pen Argyl heavyweight Kirby Mutton won by forfeit.

In 2009, Pen Argyl was undefeated in Colonial League competition. The Green Knights also won the District XI Class AA dual meet title and finished third in the PIAA state dual meet competition.