History can be made at any time, and that definitely was the case for the Norwin boys wrestlers on the mat Feb 1st. For the first time in team history dating back to 1957 the team made team states.
”It was really special for me as a freshman being able to play a role in our run,” said freshman Coleton Klippa. “Wrestling seniors and all different grades was a great challenge and really pushed me.”
On Feb 1, Norwin boys faced off against a strong Connellsville team in the WPIAL semifinals. The boys fought hard, but ultimately came up short losing the match 40-18. Despite the loss, the boys still had to compete in the third-place match against Thomas Jefferson. Despite a tough matchup, the boys pulled through with a 36-30 win over TJ. This meant for the boys that they would have to face off against Obama Academy in the preliminary round of states.
“As a team our main strength was unity, we were always wrestling for each other,” said Klippa. “Our coach had us becoming a family from day one knowing it would pay off in the long run.”
The boys easily rolled over Obama Academy winning 75-0. Next up for the boys would be Franklin Regional. The Franklin team this year has been incredibly strong and that continued in the first round of states. The Norwin boys put up a good fight, but ultimately came up short losing 38-13. Even though the team’s run ended there they still made history for the program.
“Even though we are losing a lot of good leaders from the team, we will be just as strong next year,” said Klippa. “ We have a lot of great kids coming up from the middle school and will have a strong team next year and in the future.”
On the individual side of things, two Norwin boys made it. Junior Luca Butera, and Freshman Coleton Klippa both made it into the tournament. Klippa made it into the second round where he lost. Both wrestlers showed promise for the future, and can hopefully take over the program after the success of past seniors.
”It was tough to lose by one point in regionals,” said Klippa. “ Even though my run got cut short im going to build off it next season.”
