The Butler Junior High Wrestling team qualified a record 5 wrestlers for the PJW State Tournament!

The top 3 in each weight class at the Area 7 tournament earlier today earned the right to wrestle at the Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling State Championships next weekend in Johnstown, PA. 

Levi Donnel easily won the 80 lb division and looks to become a 3 time state place winner next weekend. 

Shawndell Zapata won the 210 lb class by defeating the wrestler from Kiski who defeated him just a week earlier in the finals at the District VII tournament.  This will be Shawndell's first time wrestling at the State Tournament.

Greg Schultz used a wild 7-5 win the semi finals to make the finals at 250 lbs.  He finished second to a very good Kiski wrestler.  This will be Greg's second trip to the State Tournament.  He placed 3 years ago.

Justin Kabay lost his first round match to the eventual champion, but came back with 3 straight dominant performances earning falls in each to place 3rd at 145 lbs.  This will be Justin's first trip to the State Tournament. 

Cooper Baxter lost a controversial decision in the semi finals where he was called for an illegal slam and his opponent could not continue the match.  Cooper battled back to finish 3rd in a very tough and competitive 155 lb weight class.  This will be Baxter's second trip to the State Tournament. 

Wrestling will begin on Saturday at 8 am at the Cambria County War Memorial in Johnstown, Pa.  Steven Green was the lone state qualifier for the Junior High "GT" last season and the last place winners were 3 years ago when Riley Burdine placed 2nd and Saavon Mosby placed 6th. 

Matches can be seen live on FloWrestling.com.

I'm very proud of these guys and look forward to coaching them this coming weekend. 

Go "GT" Wrestling!!!