Five wrestlers qualified for the competition, freshman Dalton Wenner, sophomores Elijah Brosius, Conner Reszkowski and Dane Wenner, and senior Brayden McFetridge.
"The PA state tournament is considered by most the toughest tournament in the US," coach Dustin Wenner said. "This year is no exception… every weight class has many exceptional and talented wrestlers... but our wrestlers are looking forward to the challenge."
Wenner can speak from experience. He and his brother Darren, who is an assistant coach of the Cranberry team, both qualified in the 90s. Darren placed sixth in 1991. Dustin earned sixth place also, in 1992 and 1993.
Their experiences with the pressure and the quality of the competition will come in handy for the Cranberry wrestlers, most of who are making their first trip to compete at the Giant Center on March 9, 10, and, if they do well, 11.
Brosius was the Berries' only competitor at the state tournament last year and medaled with an eighth finish in the 106 bracket. Dane and Dalton Wenner attended the event as Brosius' sparing partners.
- Dalton Wenner, who was the North West Regional title holder at 107 and is 31-3 on the season, will have to wait until the tournament starts to find who he will face first. It will be the winner of the bout between Mason Beatty of Mount Union (36-8) and Roman Polcha of Newport (31-13)
- Elijah Brosius (30-10) will match up with Jackson Rush of West Perry (37-4) in the round of 16 for the 121 weight class.
- Conner Reszkowski (30-11) will have to wrestle into the round of 16 by beating Colten Shunk of Penns Valley (31-8) at 133.
- Dane Wenner (35-9) will meet Reagan Milheim of Warrior Run (45-4) in the round of 16 for the 139 bracket.
- It will be a battle of seniors when Brayden McFetridge (35-5) opens his state competition run with a bout against Seth Ross of Lackawanna Trail (36-4).
Full brackets can be viewed online at www.pa-wrestling.com. Matches can watched online through a subscription with Flo Wrestling.