Local MIfflin/Juniata County wrestlers fare well at Ultimate Warrior Tournament

By Kenny Varner Jr.
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Updated: January 27, 2020

By BRIAN CARSON

ALLPORT – Trey Kibe (170) and Nic Allison (106) led the area contingent of 12 medalists at the Ultimate Warrior Tournament on Saturday at West Branch High School.

Joining the defending champs were Mifflin County teammates Derek Burk (third at 120), Ethan Kauffman (third at 138), Brycen Hassinger (third at 182), Blaine Davis (fourth at 285), Kyler Everly (fifth at 132), and Anson Wagner (seventh at 152).

Mount Union had three medal winners – Bryce Beatty (second at 113), Jake Ryan (second at 285), and Kevin Morehouse (third at 126). Juniata had one medalist in freshman Casey Smith (seventh at 106).

In the battle of top-ranked wrestlers, Kibe, Class 3A No.1 and Stoltzfus, Class 2A top gun, battled to a scoreless tie through one. Stoltzfus chose down for period two and got out for one. Kibe, all too familiar with Stoltzfus and his mat prowess, chose neutral for period three.

The gamble paid off.

Kibe, who lost to the Lock Haven commit at Powerade 4-3 in December, finally broke through the tough Stoltzfus defense for a takedown with 12 seconds left in regulation for the 2-1 lead. Stoltzfus was close to coming around for two as the buzzer sounded and the crowd finally caught its collective breath.

The duo is now 2-2 against each other in their stellar careers. The final meeting between the two, Stoltzfus is a senior, may have been the best.

Allison gave up the opening takedown to Coen Bainey of Bald Eagle Area in the finals but that was all she wrote for the Eagle freshman. The Husky sophomore ran off 15 consecutive points for the major decision victory, thanks to two takedowns and eight nearfall points from the headlock and two cradles.

The Trojans placed two in the finals and both came up shy of a championship.

Tyrone’s Hunter Walk had takedowns in the first and second period and a reversal in the third to down Beatty 6-2.

Kolby Flank of Wilson Area pulled the upset of the finals, knocking off the top-ranked and previously unbeaten Ryan 5-2 at 220. Flank won the Outstanding Wrestler Award for his efforts.

Both wrestlers worked heavy hands and tried upper-body throws throughout the match. The difference was two headlocks Flank slipped for takedowns in the second and third periods.

Mifflin County scored 189.5 points to finish second behind Southern Columbia (210.5).

Mount Union placed 16th out of 34 teams with 74 points.

Juniata finished 26th with 26.5 points.