Middle weights anchor Raider wrestlers

Cameron County is showing some muscle in the middle weights as the Red Raiders prepare for Feb. 22-23 PIAA District 9 wrestling tournament at Clarion University. CCHS has several potential regional qualifiers.

Coach Scott Baker's boys have three more opportunities to hone their skills. They'll compete at Coudersport on Friday night. Then they'll board the bus for the long trip to Saturday's Central Erie Tournament, a recent addition to the schedule.

The final regular season match, originally to be held Wednesday on the home mat against Smethport, will have to be rescheduled as a result of the basketball playoff game.

Sophomore Randy Schatz continued his hot streak as the Raiders beat Bucktail last Saturday, 46-16, and knocked off Clarion on Wednesday, 43-30.

Schatz, wrestling at 145, recorded pins in 2:28 and 1:20 to run his record to 17-2.

Junior Mike Baker (17-4) had a pin against Bucktail at 171, then dropped down to 160 to take on a tough Danny Walters of Clarion and fell, 3-2.

Senior Marcus Mullens (12- 3) continued his strong showing at 189, winning a pair of decisions, 15-2 and 9-3.

Senior Taylor Songer (15-7) continued his late-season surge with a pin and a technical fall at 152.

Hunter Bardo, a sophomore, improved to 11-3 win a quick pin against Bucktail at 160 and a forfeit against Clarion at 171.

Three other members of the super sophomore class were also double winners. Matt Bailey improved to 15-9 at 140 with a decision and a forfeit. Dom Manginell (13-9) won by technical fall and forfeit at 125. Matt Melott (215) took a 5-1 decision and was awarded a forfeit win,

Also competing for Cameron County were sophomores Tyler Bidwell (12-11, 130), Bryce Frey (135), along with junior Ryan Neyman (285) and Brandon Davies (119).