Thanks Coach Slack

27 YEARS!

It’s hard to believe, but Coach Brian Krenzelak dedicated 27 years to coaching CM wrestling. Whether it be youth, middle, or high school. This doesn’t count his years as a CM wrestler. He dedicated his time to the community and district that he grew up in and we are better for it.

At Canon-McMillan, we are accustomed to exceptional results with wrestling. Through the years, teams under Coach Slack have not disappointed. The bulk of Slack’s time with CM was with the Jr. High team. The teams in which he assisted or head coached for at the Jr. High amassed 276 wins with only 18 losses. This record included 9 undefeated seasons. They were crowned champions of the Southwest Regional Tournament, considered one of the toughest Jr. High tournaments in the state, in 2013, 2016, and 2019. He was named the 2018 WPIAL and PIAA Jr. High Coach of the Year. He was named the Jr. High Section Coach of the Year three times. This was all before he gave us three great years as the High School head coach. Not just for boys, but also spearheading the start of the girls wrestling program. He propelled the boys program to a twenty-second WPIAL team title, the first in ten years. Before it was sanctioned by the PIAA, his mentorship of the girls pushed them to a Western Regional and Pennsylvania State Championship. When girls wrestling became a PIAA sanctioned sport, he and the girl’s team were able to back those up by repeating both accomplishments to become the first PIAA girl’s state championship team. For his efforts, he was name the 2023 WPIAL AAA HS Coach of the Year and the Section Coach of the Year.

His High School coaching record with the boys will sit at 36 - 16, while with the girls is at 16 - 1. But, his effect on the program doesn’t quite match his short time at the High School. He stewarded wrestlers within our district that would account for twelve individual state champions. As mentioned above, his time at the High School level produced a WPIAL Championship for the boys and a State Championship for the girls. But his teaching prior to the high school level helped those teams reach four other WPIAL Championships and three State Championships. He created a new outlet in the district for girls to compete. And it wasn’t just compete. It was to win.

So, while Brian has resigned to focus on his family, we should say thank you for all of your time and you will be missed.

*Credit Jonathan Guth/Oberserver-Reporter

Congratulations Aleeya and Bri'Ella!!!

The Lady Macs have shining stars in the making

Girls wrestling is the fastest growing sport in the nation right now. To go along with the varsity girls success, the youth girls are also out showing what they’ve got. We first need to congratulate Bri’Ella Collins for defending her PJW State Championship to earn her second title in as many years. She secured this title on the heels of a second place outing at the Keystone State Championships. Not to be forgotten, we also need to congratulate Aleeya Dreshman for her PJW State Championship run this year! Aleeya push to the top of the PJW podium after securing third at the Keystone State Championships. While these two girls pulled down the most glorified of the medals awarded, they were by no means the only youth girls to secure podium placements at the state championships this past post-season.

Also securing medals for the youth girls at the PJW Championships were Isabella Bueno-Bistarkey in fourth place, Gianna Cafeo with fifth place, and Cora Studd with sixth place. Huge compliments to these girls for their accomplishments at this tournament. Also qualifying for the PJW State Championships but not placing were Anabelle Bauman, Noelle Miller, Addie Saussol, Farrah Henderson, Ella Saussol, and Abigail Bueno-Bistarkey.

Many of the mentioned girls also competed at the Keystone State Championships earlier in the post-season. Already mentioned was Bri’Ella Collins gathering second place. While she wasn’t able to defend her state title at this championship, this is still an amazing showing. Also with a second place performance was Isablella Bueno-Bistarkey. Others that gathered podium positions were Aleeya Dreshman in third, Noelle Miller in sixth, Gianna Cafeo and Abigail Bueno-Bistarkey in seventh, and Cora Studd in eighth. While not able to stand on the podium, Ella Saussol, Addie Saussol, and Brooke Valentic also wrestled and should be proud of the work they put into the sport.

How about our boys?!

While the girls racked up the medals and kudos, the boys worked their butts off to make appearances at these state championships as well. Parker Kolarcik, Cameron Longstreth, CJ Dreshman, Abel Stoffella, Carter Brett, Owen Smith and Grayson Koons all represented Canon-McMillan at the Keystone State Championships. Grayson, Owen, and CJ all fell out in the blood round. For the PJW State Championships, Grayson Koons, Axel Frederick, Nolan Valentic, Abel Stoffella, Carter Brett, Kyle Studd, Larenzo Gregory, Mason Haught, CJ Dreshman, Owen Smith, Victor Moreau, Parker Kolarcik, and Neil Kirby all qualified. While none were able to stand on the podium, making it to these tournaments is a great accomplishment.

Middle School Boys to Look For

While the youth boys did great work making their marks at the state tournaments, the middle school boys were able to claim hardware at both tournaments.

For the PJW State Championships, the middle school team was able to qualify nine of fifteen weight classes. Dakota Carmona, Gionno Gardner, and Mason Calgaro all placed fifth. Austin Smith and Owen Rush placed seventh while Lee Dreshmen placed eighth. Also qualifying but coming short of the podium were Aidan Finnigan, Bryce Collins, and Isaac Hrelec. Not to mention that Parker and Victor from the above group were on the middle school team.

As for the Keystone State Championships, the team didn’t place as well. Austin Smith took third, Dakota Carmona took fifth and Lee Dreshman took seventh. Others to qualify were Aidan Finnigan, Bryce Collins, Gionno Gardner, and Isaac Hrelec.

Off Season Notes

Andrew Binni was selected to represent the WPIAL at the Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic where he closed his CM career with a 9 - 0 major decision. We will look to cheer him on for the US Naval Academy as next season rolls around. The girl’s team had many recognitions for being the first sanctioned state champions. Most recently, by Mayor David Rhome and the Canonsburg Borough Council.

Also, as with many sports, there isn’t always a true off-season. If our wrestlers aren’t engaging in other sports, many are continuing there wrestling actions in the freestyle and Greco-Roman disciplines. Some have already qualified for PA Freestyle and Greco-Roman State Championships. We’ll continue to check on those wrestlers to see how they do.

Senior Night

First Home Match of the Season

With the opening dual of the season with North Allegheny postponed, the meet against Mt. Lebanon was not only the first home meet of the year but also served as our opportunity to honor the seniors that will become alumni this year. We honored four senior girls: Capri Chambers, Leilani Ramos, Dynisty WIlliams, and Valarie Solorio. We also honored twelve senior boys: Mason Williams, Nicholas Casella, Nick Fedorchack, Kevin Yu, Aaron Fisher, Geno Calgaro, Josiah Gardner, Blake Ward, Ryder Joseph, Tanner Mizenko, and Andrew Binni.

On the night there was also some great wrestling to be seen. The night started with the Junior High Boy’s team came out with a 59 - 24 victory. They were led by falls from Lee Dreshman, John Banaszak, Gionno Gardner, Mason Calgaro, Bryce Collins, Cole Tournay, Austin Smith, and Dakota Carmona. Next up, the girls shutout the Blue Devils with a 75 - 0 effort. Falls were tallied by Malia Ramos, Yunuen Ayala, Bailey Emery, Leilani Ramos, Evangeline Gray, and Dynisty Williams. Finally, the Boy’s Varsity team took down their Blue Devils with a 45 - 21 score. Those collecting falls were Andrew Binni, Vincent Binni, and Geno Calgaro.

TRICADA Varsity and Junior High Tournaments

After all of the Big Macs took care of their assignments with the Blue Devils, the boy’s Junior High and Varsity teams hosted the TRICADA tournament. The Varsity team was able to secure sixth in team points. Crowned champions were Collier Hartman and Geno Calgaro. Falling just short as runner-up were Andrew Binni and Vincent Binni. Lastly placing third was Ryder Joseph. The Junior High team was able to push all the way up to second place. They went 7 - 0 in the finals. Champions were Lee Dreshman, Gionno Gardner, Aidan Finnigan, Mason Calgaro, Bryce Collins, Austin Smith, and Dakota Carmona. While going undefeated in the finals, there was only one able to secure third place, Owen Rush. Others with fourth place were Parker Kolarcik, John Banaszak, Nick Hajdu, and Caleb Anderson.

Next Up…

Up next the Boys Junior High and Varsity teams will travel to Baldwin while the Girls team will travel to Seneca Valley. After taking on Seneca Valley, the girls will head to the Cumberland Valley Duals. The boys varsity will head out to the Virgina Duals. The Junior High team will rest up for the weekend.

Happy New Year!!

And We Hope You All Had a Happy Holidays!!

Let’s Catch up on the last two weeks of 2023

USC Dual

The dual versus Upper St. Clair was the team’s first opportunity of the season to have all three school teams together. Canon McMillan was able to make a clean sweep of the night from top to bottom. Starting with the Middle School match-up where the Big Macs rode nine falls to a 64-24 victory. The Lady Macs took the mat to follow that up with ten falls of their own to go for a 72-12 victory. Lastly for the night, the varsity Big Macs found seven falls on their way to a 54-18 victory. With all those falls, it’s difficult to single out any wrestler with these monstrous team efforts. These victories were a great way to push into the coming holiday tournaments. Thank you to the Upper St. Clair district for recording the events.

Findlay Invitational Girls High School Tournament

The Lady Macs jumped right on a bus after the USC match to head to the F.I.G.H.T. in Findlay. They battled hard at the tournament and the team was able to secure 5th place overall. Able to grab podium spots were Lailani Ramos with 8th, Capri Chambers and Audrey Calgaro with 7th, and Bailey Emery and Natalie Rush with 2nd. While none were able to secure overall victory, this team is growing an gaining momentum in their run to defend their State Championship title.

Rush named PG Athlete of the Week

Just after the Findlay Tournament, the Post-Gazette named Natalie Rush one of the athlete’s of the week. They took the time to highlight her Lady Mac wrestling accolades and had a short interview where you can get some insight in the girl of the week.

This wrapped up the week for CM wrestling as all teams had a short but sweet Christmas break and got ready for the next BIG tournament.

Bring on POWERADE

Powerade kicked off action with Junior and Girls Tournaments on Wednesday and Thursday.

CCNS was able to place one girl in the girls elementary group. Briella Collins was able to battle through and grab fourth place. While no other CCNS wrestler was able to get to the podium, it was still a great showing for them all.

On the other hand, the Lady Macs ramped off of their success at Findlay. They spring boarded the team to a first place finish by a margin of 71.5 points. The team was able to place four into the finals. While only one was able to take gold on the day, it’s still an incredible showing for such a young team. Bailey Emery, Paige Ward, and Audrey Calgaro all made it to the finals where they each fell just short and garnered second place. Natalie Rush was able to finish off her impressive run during the tournament to gather first place and was this time recognized by the Observer-Reporter.

Many of the Junior High wrestlers entered into the Junior age group tournament mostly wrestling in the 15 and under group. There were three wrestlers who came one win short, in very large brackets, of securing a place spot. However, there were three that were able to stand on the podium. Caleb Anderson came back from a first round loss to grab fourth place. Austin Smith fought back from a semi-final loss to get third place. Finally, Owen Rush battled to a first place finish.

There was also a Junior High girls division that some of our wrestlers completed in. While there were only seven that are Junior High age with our girls team, two of them were able to secure places. Addie Saussol and Aracelli Clem both took fourth place.

The Junior Varsity Powerade Tournament was completed on Thursday evening. The team place 17 wrestlers into the JV tournament and fought to the bitter end. After all the work was done, Blake Ward came out in fourth place. Vincent Binni was able to work all the way to second place.

The Varsity team only entered eight wrestlers into the loaded tournament that featured nearly 60 nationally ranked wrestlers across 69 schools from 12 states. One of those nationally ranked wrestlers includes our very own Andrew Binni at #18 at 127 lbs. Binni was the only member of the Big Macs to place at Powerade. He was able to take a win from the #14 wrestler, Colin Martin of Stauntion River, VA. However he dropped matches in the Semifinals to #3 Jax Forrest and the consolation finals to an honorably mentioned ranking Manuel Saldate.

Alumni Banquet

In the midst of Christmas and Powerade, we want to thank all of the alumni who attended the banquet in which Tanny Deliere, David Cook, Lenny Patnesky and Keilan O’Daniel were all honored by the alumni association for their dedication to the wrestling organization.

It a great time to catch up with wrestlers of years past an honor the men who continue to contribute their efforts to our teams.

Catch UP with the Collegiate Wrestlers

We have a number of wrestlers around the collegiate level. We’ll start with Brandon Dami who currently holds a 7-10 record. He has made it to the blood round of 2 tournaments. Gabe Stafford is wrestling with Edinboro. He has a had a few opportunities at the beginning of the year. He wrestled in the Ohio State Dual and the Clarion Open. Grace Elliot is wrestling with the University of the Cumberlands. She has amassed a 10-7 record while collecting a title at the Trojan Open. She also competed at the Senior Nationals. Gerrit Nijenhuis is competing with Oklahoma. He has posted 8-7 record. He had to medically forfeit out of the Michigan State Open to collect 6th place. He fell short in the Reno Tournament of Champions to his teammate to collect 2nd. He recently tabbed 8th at the Southern Scuffle.

Onto the new Year

First up for the new year will be a joint bout for JH, Girls and Varsity against Mt. Lebanon. It will be Senior Night! Then forward into the TRICADA tournament which will again be hosted at Canon McMillan High School.

With all of those in the books, we look onto the new year with hope. Hope for all of these successful teams we are building in this Canon McMillan program. Hope for all of wrestling families for be happy and healthy.

23-24 Pre-Season Primer

As the 2023-2024 wrestling season approaches, Canon McMillan looks to build off stellar performances on the boys and girls side. ‘22-23 ended with a girl’s state championship and a boy’s team that won the WPIAL en route to a fourth place PIAA finish. We say goodbye and good luck to some seniors and welcome upcoming stars. We have to be excited for the potential of the boy’s team and hopeful for the first PIAA sanctioned season for the girl’s side.

Before the season has begun, we’ve already had two commitments to collegiate wrestling programs. Andrew Binni has signed to continue with the Naval Academy. Valarie Solorio has signed to continue with perennial powerhouse, Iowa.

We can look for last year’s seniors on the mat for Cornell (Matthew Furman), W&J (Brandon Dami), Edinboro (Gabe Stafford), Davis & Elkins (Luke Shaffer), University of the Cumberlands (Grace Elliot), and East Stroudsburg (Madison Mansmann). You can still find past graduates on the mat as well. Gerrit Nijenhuis will complete with Oklahoma. Jacob Houpt is with Kent State. Ezzie Schaub grapples at Slippery Rock. Jacob Gardner will tussle for Seton Hill..

The Off-Season

The wrestlers stayed busy through the season. Some made their marks in other sports while others continued with on the mat activities. Many took to the Fargo Junior Nationals to test their skills. Bailey Emery, Collier Hartman, Grace O’Korn, Ryder Joseph, Andrew Binni, Natalie Rush and Valerie Solorio all competed at the Nationals.  While all were able to secure at least one victory, Val was able to secure second place. Val continued on to compete at the U20 World Team Trials where an injury forced her to default out. She was able to secure enough victories to get eighth place. Natalie Rush competed at the NHSCA National Duals where she competed with Ranger Pride Wrestling. The team was able to gather second place while Natalie compiled a 4-3 record. Andrew Binni also competed in those duals for team TNWC Silver Fox where he went 7-1. Andrew Binni also wrestled at the PAUSAW FS State Championships taking second. Grace O’Korn wrestled to 3rd place at those Freestyle State Championships. Collier Hartman went to the Greco-Roman side and took first place. Andrew Binni even took his work to the Clarion Open where he was able to go 1-2. And these are just some of the off-season accomplishments of our wrestlers.

A Look Ahead

The girls team will be participating in the first PIAA sanctioned season on the heals of winning an unsanctioned state championship. The team is led by returning state champion and senior, Valarie Solorio. She will be competing to become the first sanctioned PIAA girls state champion. Also returning are other state place winners with Natalie Rush, Dynisty Williams, and Audrey Calgaro. Others that return that were able to place at the Western Regional tournament include Paige Ward, Grace O’Korn, Leilani Ramos, Capri Chambers, and Sienna VanBalen. With the official sanction, there will be more structure to the girls meets this year with 13 weight classes to fill. We will have to wait to see how the roster fills and the weights shake out, but there is much hope for this season as they look to repeat their championship performance from last year.

The boys team is looking to build on last year’s successes. The group will be led by returning PIAA runner-up Andrew Binni and returning WPIAL champion Tanner Mizenko. Also returning is Geno Calgaro who placed at WPIAL, Collier Hartman, Ryder Joseph, Mason Williams, and Blake Ward all who placed in the sectionals. There are a few large gaps to fill with the losses of Brandon Dami, Gabe Stafford and PIAA runner-up Matt Furman. But with an influx moving up from the middle school team, there is definitely someone that will take control of each weight class. While the ones mentioned already will be looked to for leadership, there is plenty of space for someone to make a new name for themselves. Andrew Binni is on the cusp of 100 wins while currently sitting at 98. Tanner Mizenko has a long chance at 100 wins while currently at 70. Geno Calgaro will be setting his sights on 50 wins sometime this season.

The coaching

Behind the bench, Canon McMillan will be headed once again by Brian Krenzelak. Or, how many to refer to him as “Coach Slack”. After a year in which he was named WPIAL AAA Coach of the Year, he’ll look to not only build off of the WPIAL championship and solid PIAA showing for the boys, but also lead the girls to a potential first PIAA state championship. He’s surrounded himself with a great coaching staff that are returning from last year. Albert Miles was at once a fellow CM wrestler who continued on to gather a Division II NCAA National Championship. Jurdon Maier was named as the Section 6 Assistant Coach of the Year and is also a CM wrestling alumni. Mark Powell, after a stellar wrestling career in which he finished as the second most winning wrestler in Trinity history at the time, also has prior head coaching experience with Trinity. Cody Klempay is a CM alumni wrestler that won two state championships. Dave Gump and Ron Totterdale and Dave Gump are also CM alumni wrestlers. Sheila Mitchell also touts being a volleyball coach for CM.

The middle school team lost AJ Williams this season. He had a 13 year coaching tenure with Canon McMillan while leading the middle school team for the last two seasons. He will move onto an assistant varsity position with Chartier-Houston. We wish him all the best with his chance at our AA neighbors.

We will welcome in a new face to Canon McMillan coaching, Jason Carpetta. This will by no means be Jason’s first coaching experience. He has coached Fort Cherry to two WPIAL titles at the High School level. He last coached for Peters Township High School and had amassed nearly 200 wins coaching at the high school level. The middle school will keep Blaze Kansco and Ian Binotto from last year that are CM wrestling alumni. To add to the group, Brad Neu and Nick Konyk are also CM wrestling alumni.

Waynesburg vs Canon McMillan Alumni Match

In an effort to support both the Waynesburg Wrestling Association and the CCNS youth program, alumni from both schools got together on Saturday October 14th at Waynesburg Central High School. It was a pre-season event unlike any other. A time for some once-upon-a-timers to relive life on the mat and remember how difficult wrestling one minute periods actually were. With that effort, these guys were able to PACK the gym! The “Dual Meet”, as it is, would see some blood times, injury times, overtimes, and just some heavy breathing times.

For Canon McMillan, wrestlers ranged from 1983 to 2018 graduates. Waynesburg was able to round up wrestlers ranging from 1980 to 2012. All of these guys include NCAA All Americans, NCAA wrestlers, PIAA place winners, and current coaches. There was even an “exhibition” style match with a couple 8 year old wrestlers.

While Waynesburg ended up winning the “dual” meet, by my count, 37-12, it was an honor to see all these men get together and help support their youth programs. Hopefully, this is something that can continue for more years and we can bring out more alumni to participate. See the individual results below.

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Wrestling began with a fun matchup of two 8 year olds. It was a showdown of Owen Bosworth of WBG and Cora Studd of CM. Owen capitalized with an early takedown. He moved Kora to her back. While Kora fought hard, Owen was able to complete the fall at 42 seconds.

The first bout of the alumni featured Clint Podish, WBG class of 2007, and Joey Proie, CM class of 2002. Early in the first, Podish registered a takedown. Proie stands out for an escape. Podish finishes off the period with an ankle pick to end the first 4-1. Podish chooses bottom to start the second. He starts with an escape. Proie pushes in and is able to secure his own takedown. Before the period let out, Podish was able to hit a switch for a reversal. Second ends 7-4. They start neutral in the third. After trading takedowns and escapes, the match wrapped at 10-7.

Next up showcased Jeremy Ellis, WBG class of 2011, and Nate Santelli, CM class of 2002. Ellis fought off a shot from Santelli and spun behind to take the lead. He rode out the period to finish the first a 2-0. They went neutral for the second where Ellis again spun around and rode out the period. 4-0. Ellis would take top in the third. After a few turning attempts, the match would wrap up 4-0.

They moved to Mark Throckmorton, WBG class of 2004, and Aaron Jennings, Jefferson-Morgan class of 2004 wrestling for CM. This was stalemate of a match with both wrestlers trading some shot attempts and defenses. Each scored an escape during the periods they chose bottom. At one point, Throckmorton garnered some suspenseful gasps on throw attempt but, ultimately, he slipped off. They moved onto OVERTIME! About halfway into the overtime, Throckmorton exploded in on a single that he was able to finish on the edge of the mat to take a 3-1 victory.

Next saw Justin Smith, WBG class of 1998, against Kevin Brooks, CM class of 1993. Smith started strong with a takedown that was close to the edge and ultimately called out of bounds by the referee. Brooks came back with a shot of his own. Smith’s defense was strong though and tilted Brooks for a takedown and near fall. Ending the first at 4-0. An escape in the second pushed the lead to 5-0. A neutral start in the third saw Brooks slip off the top on a shot defense and ended the match at 7-0.

The next matchup was Tommy Henderson, WBG class of 2012, against Albert Miles, CM class of 2003. Miles put Henderson down into a front headlock early where he moved behind for the takedown. After a few tilt attempts, the period closed 2-0. After riding out Henderson throughout the second, Miles went down to start the third. Henderson tries to roll over the front on a side headlock. Miles slips it for a reversal and eventually lets him up. Towards the end, Miles fights off a chancery attempt and winds up with the first victory of the day for CM. 4-1.

JD Higgins, WBG class of 2006, matched up with Matt Luba, CM class of 2003. Luba flashed early with a takedown and Higgins escapes out. 2-1. The second period was on the feet with hand fighting and positioning. There were a couple shots pushed aside by both. Higgins took bottom for the third in which Luba rode the period out for the 2-1 victory.

Dustin Henderson, WBG class of 2006, took on Dustin Dunkovich, class of 2000. Through the first two periods, there was an escape by Henderson and loads of hand fighting. In the third, Dunkovich went to the bottom. Henderson locks a cradle and get a few swipes. Dunkovich rolls the cradle through and ends up on top. Henderson escapes from bottom and the match with a 4-2 win.

Up next were Joe Throckmorton, WBG class of 1980, and Ray Phillips, CM class of 1983. They circled through a scoreless first period. Throckmorton escaped in the second period. Phillips tried to return the favor in the third but Throckmorton rode with the college style near ankle lace. Throckmorton used a late period arm bar to turn Phillips and gathered a 3-0 win.

To the mat was Zach McGinnis, WBG class of 2011, and Mike Binni, CM class of 2018. This was an even first period with no score. Binni went on bottom in the second where McGinnis fought off an early flurry from Binny to stay on top. McGinnis put in the legs but Binni was able to slip out and get a reversal. McGinnis went down for the third. He popped up and went to work to catch up. A late takedown gave McGinnis the win 3-2.

Jeremy Snyder, WBG class of 2001, wrestled off with Dennis Cole, CM class of 2005. Cole fights off shots with front headlocks and go-behinds in the first and second period to take a 4-0 lead. The third was another neutral period that saw a few shot defenses but no points. Cole wins 4-0.

Matt Blair, WBG class of 1989, squared off with Bobby Owens, CM class of 1993. Blair defended a shot and spins for the takedown and finishes the first on top. 2-0. Blair goes bottom for the second. He escapes and they finish the second on their feet. Unfortunately, before the third period could start, Owens has an issue with is shoulder and defaults out of the match.

Following that, Luke Lohr, WBG class of 2010, sparred with Bryan Milligan, CM class of 2017. Lohr gets in deep on both a double and a high crotch in the period to end the first 4-1. A neutral start sees Lohr snap down Milligan to go up 6-1. Again a neutral start where Lohr ducks for a takedown and then defends a Milligan shot to score another. Lohr wins 10-2.

Next, Phil Stoneking, WBG class of 1992, met up with Nate Frantz, Chartiers-Houston class of 2005 for CM. A scoreless first led into a second period on their feet. There was a shot/reshot flurry where Frantz finishes on top and the period. 2-0. Stoneking chose bottom for the third. Frantz put the legs in to try to ride Stoneking out. Stoneking slides through the back when Frantz went too high and straight to Frantz back. Stoneking marks the first fall for the old guys at 2:44.

For the last match of the day, the stakes were raised. Nick Garber, WBG class of 2007, and Dalton Macri, CM class of 2014, would wrestle a two minute first period followed by one minute second and third periods. In the first period Garber and Macri would trade nice looking takedowns and matching escapes for a tied 3-3 affair. In the second, Macri chooses bottom. He scrambles a reversal and lands straight to Garber’s back. After the near fall, they go into the third 8-3. Garber goes to the bottom, but he wouldn’t mount the comeback as Macri rides the period. Macri wins 8-3.

Another Historic Season for 2022-2023 Macs

While Canon-McMillan Wrestling is no stranger to success, we have some great milestones to celebrate following the 2022/2023 season. Starting from team achievements to coaching and onto boys and  girls individual accomplishments.

The teams that we grow through this district are amazing! After a 3rd in state finish last year in their inaugural season, the Lady Macs rose to FIRST place in just two short years. On the heels of their first girls wrestling state championship in school history, they appeared in the national rankings at number 21. Speaking of firsts for the ladies, Valarie Solorio was able to notch the first win by a female for the boys varsity team. Not to be outdone, the boys rode the school’s 42nd section and 22nd WPIAL titles to a 4th place finish at the state team tournament. While the high school wrestlers grappled with those accolades, the middle school wrestlers cruised to their own section title. With their section title, they were able to add a 2nd place at the TRICADA Tournament and they were a top 10 team at the Bellefonte Invitation (Considered the toughest Jr High Tournament in the PA). The little guys at CCNS were champions at the Seneca Valley Super Novice Duals and the South Fayette Open division tournament.

It was a banner year for head coach Brian “Slack” Krenzelak in his second season. To go along with all of the accomplishments that the teams made through the year, he was also named the WPIAL AAA High School Coach of the Year. His dedication to the sport and his wrestlers is only made apparent by this award. However, he wasn’t the only coach from Canon-McMillan to be honored this year. Jurdon Maier was awarded the WPIAL AAA Section 6 Assistant Coach of the Year. We’d also be remiss to not say that the tradition starts from the beginning. Before these amazing wrestlers that Jurdon and Brian get to coach make it to the High School, many pass through our Middle School wrestling program. Where we can proudly say that AJ Williams was recognized as the Section 6 Junior High Coach of the Year. It’s not without the hard work and dedication of not only these men, but all of the coaches from CCNS to Middle School and onto High School, that this program continues to grow and strive as one of the top in the state.

Not overshadowed by their coaching, the boys did great things themselves. Matthew Furman and Gabriel Stafford were both able to join the 100 win club with this season’s efforts. The list of tournament placings is just too long to go on about. There were 11 wrestlers that placed in the Southern Sectional Tournament with 3 champions to add to the list. Champions: Tanner Mizenko, Andrew Binni, and Gabriel Stafford, Runner-Up: Matthew Furman, and Geno Calgaro, 3rd: Collier Hartman, and Ryder Joseph, 5th: Luke Shaffer and Mason Williams, 6th: Brandon Dami and Blake Ward. All of these wrestlers moved onto the WPIAL tournament where Tanner Mizenko was crowned Canon-McMillan’s 157th WPIAL Champion. To accompany Tanner onto the PIAA State Tournament were Matthew Furman and Andrew Binni with their second place showings. Others to place at the WPIAL Tournament were Gabriel Stafford at 5th and Geno Calgaro at 8th. At the PIAA State Tournament, Matthew Furman and Andrew Binni were able to fight to 2nd place. Both falling just short to returning state champions and nationally ranked opponents. Andrew Binni was selected to wrestle at the Westmorland Stand Your Ground III event. Matthew Furman was further selected to represent the WPIAL at the Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic. He has signed on with Cornell to continue his academic and wrestling career. Joining Matthew in collegiate wrestling will be Brandon Dami who signed with W&J, Gabriel Stafford who signed with Edinboro and Luke Shaffer who signed with Davis & Elkins.

The Jr High boys had some notable accolades themselves. At the District 7 Southwest Regionals, Brayden Collins took 4th, Aiden Finnigan took 6th and Mason Calgaro took 7th. They also placed some wrestlers in the two end of year youth state tournaments. Bryce Collins took 6th at the Keystone State Championships. Cole Tourney took 4th and Gionno Gardner took 6th at the PJW State Championships. CCNS sent 7 boys out to post season tournaments. Liam Harding, Jase Houpt, Carter Brett, CJ Dreshman, Owen Smith, Lee Dreshman, and Meerick Sarles. Owen Smith became the highest boys finisher at second place at PJW. Lee Dreshman was able to grab 7th place at both PJW and Keystone.

The women of Canon-McMillan wrestling are blazing their own paths. Adding onto their state championship season, the girls need to start their own boards to track their post-season accomplishments. To start off, there were 11 that qualified for the state tournament by placing at the Western Regional Girls Tournament. Among them were four champions, Valarie Solorio, Madi Mansmann, Paige Ward, and Natalie Rush. Other placers include Grace O’Korn in second, Leilani Ramos (who scored her 50th career win this season), Dynisty Williams and Audrey Calgaro all in third, Elizabeth “Gracie” Elliot in fourth, and Capri Chambers and Sienna Van Balen in fifth. At the state tournament, 6 of those ladies were able to take medals home. Including, another first for Canon-McMillan, our first ever girls state champion, Valarie Solorio! Joining Val on the podium were Gracie Elliot and Natalie Rush at second, Dynisty Williams at fourth, and Madi Mansmann and Audrey Calgaro at fifth. Gracie and Val spring boarded these medals into competing at the World Team Trials in Spokane, Washington. While Gracie came one win short of the podium, Val was able to secure enough wins before an injury made her default out to 8th place. While those two competed in the trials, Natalie Rush, who also tabbed her 50th career win this season, was selected to the Pennsylvania Junior National Team which will compete at the Junior Women’s National Duals Championship in mid June. Gracie Elliott will take her academics and wrestling onto the University of the Cumberlands. Madison Mansmann will also continue onto East Stroudsburg University.

Those strong girls at the top have inspired younger girls to compete in the sport as well. In the Jr High ranks, there were four qualifiers for the the Keystone State Championship by Alaya Henderson, Malia Ramos, Milly Williams and Yunuen Ayala. Alaya was able to get to fourth place. Even the CCNS girls got into all of the fun. They were able to send 5 girls to the post-season championships. First, with Bri’ella Collins winning both the Keystone and the PJW State Championships. Also placing were Aleeya Dreshman at third at both tournaments, and Cora Studd at seventh at Keystone. Ella Saussol and Addie Saussol were able to qualify for the tournaments but were not able to place.

While all of these athletic accomplishments are great, collectively, our high school team was able do all of this while maintaining great grades. Boys selected to the Pennsylvania All-Academic Team included Matthew Furman, Brandon Dami, Luke Shaffer, Gabriel Stafford, Geno Calgaro, Andrew Binni, Tanner Mizenko, Josiah Gardner, and Ryder Joseph. Girls selected to the Pennsylvania All-Academic Team included Hope Carmona, Madison Mansmann, Chloe Ault, Ezzie Schaub, Capri Chambers, Grace O’Korn, Dynisty Williams, Leilani Ramos and Natalie Rush.

Being the alumni group, we should also catch-up on the alumnus that have continued past the high school ranks with wrestling. This year marked Brendan Furman’s last year of eligibility. He was able earn his spot back onto the Cornell line-up after double knee surgery. He was able to gather 65 wins and was an NCAA qualifier once through his career. Garrit Nijenhuis transfered to Oklahoma this year where he qualified for his third NCAA tournament. Gerrit was ranked 21st in his weight, got 7th in the Big 12 tournament and has amassed 45 wins so far on his career. Jacob Houpt is competing as a true freshman for Kent State University. He had 3 wins on the season and looks to continue to wrestle next season. Jimmy Baxter worked into a starting spot for Seton Hill University. He has 7 career wins so far. Jacob Gardner is also wrestling with Seton Hill University. He has 2 career wins so far.