The sixth-seeded Panthers host 11th-seeded Pennsbury in the first round of the 3A District One Team Championship Duals.
By Gary Weckselblatt
Following another outstanding regular season, the Quakertown Community High School wrestling team begins what it hopes will be a run to the state tournament in the 3A District One Team Championship Duals.
The sixth-seeded Panthers will host 11th-seeded Pennsbury in the first round of the duals Thursday night at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 and
must be purchased online. No tickets will be sold at the door. For those unable to attend,
Thursday’s match can be seen here.
“It’s been a really good season and pretty awesome to be chosen for districts,” Coach Kurt Handel said. “It’s not every year we make it this far, so it’s quite an honor. The kids have worked hard but know there’s more work to do.”
The District includes 68 high school teams, so Quakertown’s sixth seed points to a powerful lineup that includes Collin Gaj (28-0), Calvin Lachman (25-3), Mason Ziegler (25-4), Zach Borzio (25-60, and Issac Williams (21-8).
Other first-round matches include Council Rock South 1 vs Upper Perkiomen 16; Sun Valley 2 vs Central Bucks South 15; Pennridge 3 vs Strath Haven 14; Spring-Ford 4 vs Conestoga 13; Boyertown 5, Downingtown West 12; Kennett 7 vs Perkiomen Valley 10; and Owen J. Roberts 8 vs WC Henderson 9.
Should Quakertown defeat Pennsbury, it sets up a potential matchup with Pennridge if the Rams take care of business against Strath Haven. Pennridge edged Quakertown 37-32 earlier this season.
Thursday night’s winners will travel to Upper Dublin Saturday. The top four teams qualify for the state tournament.
“That’s our goal,” Coach Handel said of states. “We’re excited for Thursday night. We love the support we get from the home crowd. They can be electrifying.”
Gary Weckselblatt, QCSD Director of Communications, writes about the people and the programs that impact the Quakertown Community School District. He can be reached at 215-529-2028 or [email protected].