Takedown Report

Ohio State recruits beat Penn State recruits, Pa. squad falls at Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic

By: Paul Schofield

Vinny Kilkeary and Rocco Welsh ended their high school careers with wins at the 49th annual Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic on Saturday at Peters Township.

And the future Ohio State commits did it by defeating two Penn State commits. This could be the start of a good wrestling rivalry.

While Kilkeary and Welsh were winners, the strong United States squad handed the Pennsylvania squad a sound 33-9 beating before a standing-room-only crowd.

On hand for the match were former Classic All-Stars Sammy Sasso of Ohio State and Bethel Park grad and Pitt national champion Nino Bonaccorsi, who received a standing ovation.

Kilkeary turned a back trip into a cradle for a four-point move in the third period in his 5-2 victory against Braeden Davis of Dundee, Mich.

The Latrobe senior, the Tribune-Review Westmoreland Wrestler of the Year, was the first Pennsylvania wrestler to win.

Pins by Destiny Rodriguez and Brayden Thompson gave the United States a quick 12-0 lead.

Three more close decisions pushed that lead to 21-0 before Kilkeary stepped on the mat.

“It’s such a great feeling to get that last one done and go to the next level at Ohio State,” Kilkeary said. “I never hit that move, and I said, ‘Oh it’s right there. I have to hit it.’ It’s in my profile. I used it my freshman year to win a match in the quarterfinals.”

Kilkeary said he and Welsh winning made the day good.

“We only won three matches, and Rocco and I took out two Penn State guys,” Kilkeary said. “You can’t be happier to do that.” … rest of story at Tribhssn.triblive.com/Pa-squad-falls-at-pittsburgh-wrestling-classic

March 31, 2023 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized