BELLEFONTE – While the Bellefonte high school wrestling team prepares for the district tournament on Feb. 21, this past weekend, the junior high andyYouth wrestling team went to Altoona for the PJW Regional Tournament, their last chance to qualify for the PJW State Tournament or PAJW State Championships. They went to the meet hoping to leave with a few state qualifiers, and were not disappointed.

With only the top four advancing to the PAJW State Championships in Johnstown, the junior high team left with two state qualifiers from the 157-pound bracket, freshman Jacob Bowman and Bentlee Hall. In the final round, the two teammates had to wrestle against each other for the first-place title. Ultimately, they played rock-paper-scissors, as both had already secured their spot at states. Jacob “won” in a 3-0 match.

“Last year I didn’t make it to states, that motivated me this year,” Bowman said, looking back at all his hard work finally paying off. He faced Qwentyn Campbell from Hollidaysburg in the semi-finals, winning 10-2. Jacob is thrilled about this opportunity, “especially with Bentlee.”

“The only thing you deserve is what you earned,” Hall said, grateful for the upcoming competition. From Bald Eagle Area, Bentlee took on Mason Quimby, finishing with a definitive win of 9-0. Jacob recalls Bentlee and himself talking all season about the opportunity to go to states “together”. Although they dodged having to compete at qualifiers, Bentlee and Jacob still might have to face off at states from Feb. 27 to March 1.

These two were the only qualifiers from the junior high team, but others represented Bellefonte well too.

Cristiana Pacheco, a middle schooler in the 103-pound bracket, and Mason Jackson, a freshman in the 172-pound bracket, each came in fifth.

“So proud of everyone who competed and represented our team so well,” Coach Alterio said.

The results seem to be exactly what he wanted from the team. The youth division also had some outstanding performances, with even fewer advancements allowed than the Junior High. Only the top three boys and top two girls will move to the PJW State Tournament in Harrisburg. Bellefonte ended the night taking seven athletes to compete.

There were five first-place winners for the Red Raiders, all in different brackets – Carter Silvis (135l), JJ Wensel (120), Eden Gall (girls, 110), Harper Matis (girls, 125) and Camryn Scott (girls, 87). In second place, came Josiah Pacheco in the 85-pound bracket and Madison Scott in the girls 125-pound bracket. All seven of these wrestlers will move on to states.

Even though they didn’t qualify for states, Karalenna Silvis in the girls 94lb and Harper Maney in the girls 57lb, positively represented Bellefonte, winning a spot on the podium in third place. With such a promising youth group, Bellefonte’s wrestling future is bright.

The PJW Regional Tournament was undoubtedly a success for Bellefonte. Qualifying for the State Tournament or Championship is no easy feat. With their hopes aimed at a place on the podium, for the next few weeks these athletes will continue to train and refine their skills. Whether a junior high or youth wrestler, they know Bellefonte is behind them the whole way, so look out for the upcoming wrestling state championship results.

This article was written by a local student as part of the Press Forward Program through the Centre Foundation