Northern Tier Sports ReportWILLIAMSPORT — Towanda was in second after the first day of the District IV, Class AA Wrestling Championships Friday with 53 points, behind leaders Montoursville (78).
The Knights saw six wrestlers reach the semifinals, and guarantee themselves a spot in next weekend’s Regional Tournament.
Curtis Maynard (121), Gage Evans (133), Mason Higley (285), Reese Sluyter (139), Riley Vanderpool (145), and Sawyer Robinson (215) all made the final four of the winner’s bracket.
After getting a bye Maynard got an 11-0 major over Mifflinburg’s Jack Gramly in the quarters to reach the semis. He’ll get Montoursville’s Teli Bobotas Saturday morning.
Evans also had a bye, then scored a 17-0 tech fall over Benton’s Daniel Sleiman in the quarters. He’ll get Montoursville’s Blaize Vogel in the semifinals.
Higley also had a bye into the quarters, and finished his match just as they were announcing which mat he was on. He pinned Shamokin’s Robert Whitmer in 19 seconds, setting up a semifinal with Warrior Run’s Noah Johnson.
Reese Sluyter got a bye into the quarters, where he eked out a 3-2 win over Montoursville’s Karter Stone. In the semifinals he faces Midd-West’s Charley Paige.
Riley Vanderpool also got a bye, then made quick work of Sugar Valley’s Wyatt Conoway with a 15-0 tech fall. He’ll face Line Mountain’s Nolan Savage in the semifinals.
The Knights have five wrestlers in the elimination round: Chase Geurin (172), Jace Gunther (160), Rylee Sluyter (152), Tanner Vanderpool (127), and Zack Lantz (189).
Tanner Vanderpool pulled out an 18-1 tech fall in his preliminary match, but then lost a 19-3 tech fall in the quarters. He’ll get Muncy’s Kase Snyder in the elimination round.
Geurin lost a 15-0 tech fall in his quarterfinal match, setting up a elimination bout against Hughesville’s Wyatt Gavitt.
Gunther opened with an 8-0 loss in the preliminaries, and now faces Line Mountain’s Ethan Lenker in the elimination round.
Rylee Sluyter lost a close 7-4 decision in the opener, and faces Midd-West’s Evan Maneval in the elimination round.
After getting a bye Lantz lost 12-3 to Montoursville’s Owen Kleinman in the quarters. He’ll face Bloomsburg’s Hunter Collett in the elimination round.
Wrestling begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday.
— —
PHOTOS BY LANCE LARCOM
