By Alex Frazier
Thanks again for another great wrestling season. Suburban One wrestlers proved they are some of the best in the state. Ten SOL grapplers took home state medals, including gold medalists Billy Rappo of Council Rock South and John Michael Staudenmayer of Plymouth Whitemarsh. Rappo will be back next year looking for his second title.
I would appreciate any feedback about this year’s coverage or suggestions about what I can do to make it better for next year.
Before I close this season, I would like to recognize some special accomplishments.
Suburban One League Awards
Wrestlers of the Year
National ConferenceMatt Martoccio, Council Rock South
Though Martoccio had a disappointing end to his career at the state championship, it in no way diminishes his accomplishments at Council Rock South.
As coach Brad Silimperi said, “His career was written before the state tournament. He was so good for so long. He’s at or near the top of all categories on our Wall of Fame.”
Silimperi described him as a “workaholic, a perfectionist. He works to be the best.”
Martoccio finished his high school career at 145-40. This year he won sectional, district and regional championships. He will wrestle at Lock Haven University next year.
Continental ConferenceMatt Harkins, Hatboro-Horsham
Harkins placed fourth in the state this year. He finished his career with a 153-23 record. Harkins is undecided about his college career.
“He has lofty goals and he works hard,” said coach Glenn Kaiser. “He loves to get into the scrambles, score big points and look for the fall. We tried to change him. But we’ve been unsuccessful. It seems to work for him.”
Joe Stolfi, Souderton
Stolfi finished third in the state for the second year in a row. His Souderton career record is 139-26. He will wrestle for Bucknell next year.
“He’s always a hard worker,” Souderton wrestling coach Stan Smith said. “He’s a leader as well, and he will get the other kids to tow the line and get them excited.”
American ConferenceJohn Michael Staudenmayer, Plymouth Whitemarsh
Staudenmayer became the Colonials’ second state champ and finished his career at 169-11. He will be wrestling next year at the University of North Carolina.
“He’s a naturally talented athlete,” said PW coach Nate Wachter. “He has that muscle twitch, that explosiveness, but he’s had the right coaching since he was young, and it’s turned him into a good wrestler, but he’s worked his butt off to get there.”
Sportsmanship Awards
National Conference
Abington
Continental Conference
Central Bucks East
American Conference
Upper Dublin
Coach of the Year – Norristown’s Mark Harner. One can only imagine how good the Eagles would have been this year if all the Norristown youth wrestlers had stayed with the high school.
But even so, Harner’s charges captured their third straight American Conference title and won their first Southeast Regional title since 2001.
On top of that, three Norristown wrestlers medaled at states. Zach Fuentes (103) and Brett Harner (152) were fourth and heavyweight Gavin Queenan was seventh.
Team of the Year – Council Rock South. From top to bottom the Golden Hawks had solid depth, which they proved in winning a second District Duals Championship, their first since 2008.
Wrestler of the Year – Plymouth Whitemarsh’s John Michael Staudenmayer. After going 1-2 at states as a sophomore and placing third last year, Staudenmayer dominated his weight class this year to take home the 171-pound state crown.
Top Guns (final)
103—Billy Rappo, Council Rock South
112—Mike Pritchard, Bensalem
119— Matt Harkins, Hatboro-Horsham
125—Justin Staudenmayer, Plymouth Whitemarsh
130—Scott Wolfinger, Quakertown
135—Matt Rappo, Council Rock South
140—Matt Martoccio, Council Rock South
145— Brandon Parker, Norristown
152— Brett Harner, Norristown
160—Nick Russell, Neshaminy
171—John Staudenmayer, Plymouth Whitemarsh
189—John Bolich, Upper Moreland
215—Joe Stolfi, Souderton
285—Gavin Queenan, Norristown
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