There was plenty to celebrate for the Penn Hills wrestling program as the season opened with a triangular against Riverview and Woodland Hills on Dec. 4. While the Indians varsity boys program picked up wins against the Raiders and the Wolverines, the girls program also got an opportunity to get some matches in.
Sarah Oranwa became the school’s first female junior high wrestler to win a match. The PIAA just started sponsoring a girls wrestling championship last season. The Indians have been developing the girls program over the past few years and had several varsity wrestlers compete in exhibition matches.
Strader in MACtion
Following a 1-4 start to the season, things looked bleak for the Miami (Ohio) football program.
But things turned around for the Redhawks. Led by sophomore defensive back Raion Strader, a Penn Hills graduate, Miami won its last seven games to tie Ohio for first place in the Mid-America Conference. The Redhawks won the MAC title last season.
Strader, named a freshman All-American, has continued to play well in the Miami defensive backfield. Strader has two interceptions and 16 pass breakups this season.
Dugger finds a role
Louisiana junior Jaden Dugger bet on himself by transferring from Georgetown to play for the Ragin’ Cajuns. The Penn Hills graduate will be able to see what a conference championship game feels like. Louisiana closed with the Sun Belt Conference’s West Division with a 10-2 overall record and 7-1 in conference.
The Ragin’ Cajuns will meet Marshall in the championship game.
Pugliese rocks on
Slippery Rock offensive lineman Luke Pugliese has seen his time grow at the Rock. After appearing in one game last season, Pugliese has played in all 12 for SRU this season as The Rock once again is knocking on the door for the national semifinals.
No. 11 nationally ranked SRU upset No. 3 Kutzotwn to reach the NCAA Division II quarterfinals. It was sweet revenge for The Rock, which was eliminated by Kutztown in the quarterfinals last season.
SRU beat the Golden Bears in stunning fashion, as The Rock scored on a hook-and-lateral 2-point conversion to steal a 25-24 overtime win.