PIAA WRESTLING: ATHENS' GALASSO DOMINANT IN OPENING-ROUND TECH FALL; ADVANCES TO CLASS AA CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTERFINALS (15 PHOTOS) (2019-03-07)
By TIM BIRNEYValley Sports ReportHERSHEY - Athens senior David Galasso was dominant in his opening match at the PIAA Class AA wrestling championships, posting a 17-2 technical fall of Huntingdon's Myles Baney here Thursday morning at the Giant Center.
Galasso, who was 1-2 here last year, needed just 2:22 to finish off the technical fall.
"This is his second trip here," said Athens coach Shawn Bradley. "Having been here before is a huge advantage. We go to big tournaments, but it's not the same.
"He wrestled well today, very well," added Bradley. "If he keeps it up, he can definitely come out of here with a medal."
Galasso scored three quick takedowns in the first period to take a 6-2 lead, then scored three near-fall points with 17 seconds remaining. He added three more near-fall points at the buzzer to build a 12-2 cushion.
Galasso scored a switch reversal just six seconds into the second period, and quickly turned Baney to his back for three near-fall points to close out the bout.
Galasso joins teammate Gavin Bradley in the quarterfinals. He will face Southwest Region runner-up Christian Clutter (41-3) of McGuffey.
"I'm glad we're walking out of here with two wins," said Bradley. "These kids have put themselves in position where they need one win to place.
"That's what we wanted today, and they both wrestled very well," he added.
Friday's action begins at 9 a.m. with the quarterfinals.
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IN PHOTOS: Athens senior David Galasso. ... PHOTOS BY TIM BIRNEY.
