The Cumberland Valley Kickoff Classic rolls into Day 2 of action on Saturday with a field full of big-time programs from across the state. Nazareth (130.5 team points) leads the team standings after Day 1, followed by Council Rock South (116.5), Hempfield Area (97.5), Canon McMillan (92) and Boiling Springs (87).
Here’s a look at five must-watch semifinals for Saturday, which are set for 9 a.m. at CV High School:
Ben Monn vs. Jeffrey Russell
Cumberland Valley’s Ben Monn, a returning sixth-place state medalist, is a semifinalist at 120 pounds after working his way to a 9-1 major decision over Northern’s Liam Strouse in the quarterfinals. The junior is wrestling 120 pounds while teammate Ruston Dzielak is at 113 for the season-opening tournament, though their roles could change in time for the postseason. Monn has a date with Shippensburg’s Jeffrey Russell, who logged a big-time win over two-time Bishop McDevitt state medalist Nate Smith in the quarterfinals. Monn is steady and consistent, but faces a long and skilled wrestler in Russell.
Caydin Wickard vs. Sean Pierson
Nazareth’s Sean Pierson is the top-ranked 126-pounder in the state and a two-time state medalist who placed third last season. He’s a tough defender on his feet and one of the best in the state from top position. How much time he gets to spend there could depend on the impressive scoring prowess shown by Boiling Springs junior Caydin Wickard, who won both of his matches by technical fall. Wickard moved to Pennsylvania from California, where he ranked among the best in the state during his career at Golden Valley High School. His coming-out party is on its way; could it come against Pierson? Bubblers coach Rod Wright seems to think so.
Kollin Myers vs. Ty Linsenbigler
This clash features the No. 1 wrestler in the state in the 2A ranks in Boiling Springs senior Kollin Myers and the No. 6 in 3A in Hempfield Area’s Ty Linsenbigler. Myers has a big edge in experience and hardware with three state medals, including his second career runner-up finish last season, while Linsenbigler is a sophomore coming off his first state tournament appearance. Myers must be considered the favorite in this one, but he should have a full six-minute battle ahead of him Saturday morning.
Jake Lucas vs. Max Hale
Cumberland Valley sophomore Jake Lucas was one of the most intriguing freshmen in the state last season. He flashed his ability at the CV Kickoff Classic, but suffered an elbow injury late in the year that impacted his postseason performance. Lucas gets a litmus test type matchup in the semifinals against Downingtown West junior Max Hale, a 50-match winner and sixth-place state finisher as a sophomore. Lucas should give him a match and would make a leap from his spot at No. 20 in the PA Power Wrestling state rankings with a win.
Dylan Rodenhaber vs. Dillon Ferretti
This matchup pits a couple of up-and-coming 220-pounders looking to take the next steps in their careers. Red Land’s Dylan Rodenhaber was a district qualifier at 195 pounds as a sophomore last season, while Hempfield Area’s Dillon Ferretti went into the opening weekend ranked No. 11 in the state. It’s an especially big opportunity for Rodenhaber to showcase his athleticism get a much-needed confidence boost early in the year.