Andrew Kratsa has been snakebitten at times during his time with the Fox Chapel wrestling program. The 145-pound senior wrestler didn’t get an opportunity to wrestle in the postseason as a freshman because he suffered a concussion after being slammed in practice.
Other injuries popped up along the way, but Kratsa persevered. By placing fourth at the Class 3A Northern Sectional, Kratsa earned a spot in the WPIAL tournament for the second consecutive year.
Kratsa reached a new career high in wins this season, accumulating a 24-12 record heading into districts.
“It feels fantastic. I put in a lot of work to get here,” Kratsa said.
Kratsa was one of four wrestlers for the Foxes — along with Adam Haines (152 pounds), Calyx Kimbrough (160) and Joe Geller (215) — to reach the WPIAL championships. Haines was a runner-up at the section tournament, while Geller finished third and Kimbrough came in fourth.
Results for the WPIAL tournament were too late for this edition.
Fox Chapel coach Michael Frank said Kratsa, who has a 70-48 career record, has been an important part of the program. What has stood out about this season is that Kratsa is healthy and seems to be more confident.
“He has a lot more belief in himself,” Frank said. “He always had the skills, and he’s at a good weight for himself this year. He’s getting into positions he knows he can wrestle well out of. He knows that if he can get to his strengths, he can find success.”
Kratsa lost 8-3 in the section quarterfinals to Kiski Area’s Ben Murphy. He bounced back by winning three straight — over Central Catholic’s Jude Landreneau, Butler’s Dennis Brunton and Mars’ Samuel Passarelli — to reach the third-place match.
Kratsa said he has been able to win a lot of matches because of his conditioning.
“Late in the match, I know I can push when it counts,” Kratsa said.
Kratsa finished fourth at sections after losing a rematch with Murphy.
Frank said he thinks all four wrestlers had a good week of work leading into WPIALs. He’s hoping to see them challenge for a spot in regionals.
Geller is two wins short of hitting the century mark.
“I want to see them confident on the mat,” Frank said. “I want to see them get to their offense and dictate the match themselves instead of letting the other person dictate the pace or position. When they wrestle their styles and positions, they are confident they can compete against the top guys.”
Kratsa lost both of his matches at WPIALs last year. He hopes the experience will serve him well.
“It’s a tough tournament,” Kratsa said. “You have to come in mentally ready for a fight.”