To say that the Emmaus wrestling team had a good week would be, well, an understatement.
The past four days for head coach Jim Best squad might go down as the greatest ever in the program’s history,
First, it was the incredible 31-21 dual meet win on Wednesday night against the four-time defending 3A team state champs in Bethlehem Catholic.
Then, to cap off that amazing performance, was a first-place finish on Saturday night at the prestigious Top Best Memorial Top Hat Tournament at Williamsport High School.
“To win the team title in a tournament as competitive as the Top Hat is impressive, but to do it without a wrestler scoring team points in one of the weight classes is even more impressive,” said Best, the Hornets third year coach.
“Of the 12 wrestlers competing, all 12 won individual matches and contributed to the team scoring. In addition, many of the individual wins included bonus points for major decisions, technical falls and pin falls. Those bonus points added up throughout the tournament and proved to be the difference maker between a team championship and a runner up finish.”
Emmaus edged District 7 power Connellsville 206-204 to win the team title. The Hornets crowned two individual champions and had eight others place.
At 133, junior Emilio Albanese rolled through the competition winning his third consecutive title. Albanese defeated Mifflinburg’s Bradley Wagner by major decision in the finals 15-4.
Sophomore Cam Martinez was also impressive as he captured his first title at 107 rolling to a 14-2 major decision Sean Morley of Conestoga Valley.
Senior Logan Roth, who was one of the many heroes in the Hornets win over Becahi, reached the finals at 285 before settling for a runner-up finish after falling 4-1 to Central Mountain’s Hayes Henry.
At 172, senior Xayden Sallit took third place, while younger brother, sophomore Xyler (160) and junior Teagan Caciolo both finished fourth.
In his first ever appearance at the tournament, sophomore Talan Springer (114) placed fifth as did senior Jackson Max at 139.
Junior Levi Max finished in sixth place at 121 and classmate Tommy Fallstich was eighth at 145.
Senior Aiden Bayard (152) and junior Chase DeCesare (215) did not place.
“Really special to me was knowing that the wrestlers were super motivated to win the team title so that I could receive the team title trophy for a tournament that is named in honor of my nephew that tragically lost his life 11 years ago,” said Best. “It’s a special group of young men that we (the coaches) get to coach, and we are always grateful for the opportunity.”
The Hornets will return to league action on Wednesday at 7 p.m. as they travel to East Stroudsburg South.
To stay up to date with Emmaus sports, follow @Emmaussports.com on ‘X’ and like Emmaus sports on facebook.
Top Hat Tournament – Emmaus
107 – Cam Martinez (1st)
114 – Talan Springer (5th)
121 – Levi Max (6th)
127 – Teagan Caciolo (4th)
133 – Emilio Albanese (1st)
139 – Jackson Max (5th)
145 – Tommy Fallstich (8th)
152 – Aiden Bayard (DNP)
160 – Xyler Sallit (4th)
172 – Xayden Sallit (3rd)
215 – Chase DeCesare (DNP)
285 – Logan Roth (2nd)
Team – 1. Emmaus 206 points, 2. Connellsville 204, 3. Mifflinburg 176.5, 4. Central Mountain 152, 5. Derry 139.5