PIAA Wrestling: Easton's Krazer, Palisades' Witt, Panther Valley's Banks win titles
Source: The Morning Call
Author: Tom Housenick
HERSHEY -- Aubrey Krazer and Savannah Witt took in all of the attention and applause this weekend's inaugural PIAA Girls Wrestling Championships had to offer.
Two of the sport's high-profile figures in Pennsylvania enjoyed every unique moment in the Giant Center, but never lost sight of the ultimate goal.
Krazer and Witt delivered state titles in dominating fashion.
The Easton junior decked Moon's Haley Smarsh in 2 minutes, 26 seconds in the 130-pound final for her three consecutive state gold medal.
The Palisades junior dominated previously unbeaten Butler senior Ana Malovich 13-7 at 118 pounds. It was her second title and third finals appearance.
They were joined by Brenda Banks of Panther Valley as repeat champions. The sophomore beat Souderton's MacKenna Atkinson for the second weekend in a row, this time 3-0 to take 235-pound gold.
"Definitely a lot more pressure than last year," Banks said. "Last year at state, we were wrestling in Central Dauphin's gym. No spotlight. No middle mat. Just kind of in the corner. So, this is definitely different than last year and much more of a deal.
"I think I handled it fairly well. My score was 3-0. I was proud of that. Even though I wasn't able to get a large margin, I was able to not give up any points. I think I did pretty good."
The trio and the other 11 area medalists were part of history at the first PIAA-sanctioned state tournament.
"There was a lot going on," Krazer said. "A lot of excitement. There was a lot of support on the women's side. I feel like that was a big thing for the girls who were there to see and feel. It was awesome."
Krazer was awesome, winning three of her four matches by pin and the other 16-5 in the semis.
Witt also was impressive with three pins plus the decision in the final. She, too, was impressed with the PIAA's presentation of the weekend.
"This [state title] felt more real," she said. "I think we got the appreciation I think we deserved for it. It was great to wrestle alongside the boys to showcase them too so they can see what we could do as well."
Parkland's Anthony Shave was recognized as the girls state wrestling coaches association's coach of the year.
Bishop McCort's Jordyn Fouse was voted as the tournament's outstanding wrestler. She had three pins and a technical fall en route to the 136-pound title and a 35-1 season record. The award is named in honor of Brooke Zumas, a former Parkland assistant coach who was instrumental in SanctionPA's movement to get the sport recognized by the PIAA.
There were 11 other Morning Call-area wrestlers who earned medals, led by Parkland's Ella Hesener (100 pounds), Northampton's Mylea Lambert (155) and Palisades' Bryce Snyder (190), who all finished fourth.
Canon-McMillan won the team title. Palisades was fourth. Parkland was tied for eighth.
