Franklin Regional coach Matt Lebe and his wrestlers left Altoona unsatisfied after competing in the PIAA Class 3A team tournament Feb. 8.
The Panthers went 1-2, dropping close matches to Nazareth, 32-29, and Connellsville, 28-22. They defeated Central Mountain, 39-11, to finish the team season 19-2.
And while they were happy with their two days of results at the state tournament, no one can take away their WPIAL Class 3A title.
It’s a season of which Lebe and the wrestlers can be proud.
“What a team year and what a team effort that these guys have had all year,” Lebe said. “So super proud of them. What a great season.
“We lost two matches that if we swing one thing our way we win. Everyone did their job.”
Franklin Regional and Nazareth battled with the Panthers winning the first two bouts and then the last two. But Nazareth won a couple middleweight 50/50 matches that turned the tide.
The Warriors lost close matches at 127 and 133 pounds but still led 19-15 with five bouts left after a pin by Max Firestine at 145 and a win by Luke Ankney at 152.
“I was proud of the guys. I could have done a better job coaching,” Lebe said. “We left a couple matches out there. It was not anyone in particular. Sometimes in sports, that is how things happen.
“Nazareth is a great team. One win goes a different way, then we had a chance to win the match. We put forth a good effort.”
The Panthers responded with a dominating performance against Central Mountain, winning 10 of 13 matches, including the first five to build an early 20-0 lead.
Collecting five-point technical wins were Henry Patts (215), Beau Fennick (107) and Firestine (145).
Other winners included heavyweight Elishua Daugherty, Titus Colangelo (114), Sal Nassif (121), Chase Smith (133), Nico Sarnic (139), Luke Ankney (160) and Ethan Cartwright (172).
That set up the rematch with Connellsville. The Falcons overturned three matches from the WPIAL finals, which the Panthers won 32-25, to earn the PIAA consolation round win.
The Falcons who reversed decisions were Tommy Gretz (107), Zach Franks (114) and Julian Ruggieri (145). Connellsville won the first three matches and seven of the first nine to build leads of 10-0 and 28-10.
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The Panthers won the final four bouts, including Daugherty’s win against Tyler Gallis, but could not overcome the huge lead.
“Connellsville is a great team and are well coached,” Lebe said. “They won the key matches this time around.
“We got a taste and hopefully we’re in the same situation again next year. The guys know what it takes to get here, and hopefully we take that next step.”
The Panthers quickly turned their attention to the four weeks of grueling individual wrestling with hopes of earning a trip to Hershey for the PIAA individual tournament March 6-8.