Bishop McDevitt’s Riley Robell joined two exclusive wrestling clubs after his performance at the District 3 Class AA wrestling tournament on February 25.
The Crusader senior pinned his way to the gold medal at 285 lbs. – capturing his 100th career fall along the way, and becoming one of just 20 wrestlers to ever win four District 3 titles.
Notching 100 wins is a feat for the upper echelon of wrestlers; Robell’s 100 pins is a dominating accomplishment. With a career record of 130-14, an astounding 77 percent of his victories have been by pinfall.
No doubt, all eyes will be on the James Madison University football commit when he looks to defend his state title in the PIAA wrestling championships in Hershey March 9-11.
Robell was one of five Diocesan high school wrestlers to win gold in their respective weight classes at the district championships. He was joined by fellow Crusaders Ryan Lawler at 145, Lucas Lawler at 172 and Jakob Gilfoil at 189; and by Trinity’s Jagger Gray at 160.
Gray, a senior at Trinity who has committed to the University of Maryland, was also a repeat gold medalist at districts, having won the title at 172 last season.
The district champs hope to keep their momentum rolling into the post-season. But before they can take to the mats at the state championships in Hershey, they’ll have to advance through next weekend’s Southeast Region tournament.
The top seven place winners at districts move on to the region tournament. Diocesan wrestlers, in addition to the gold medalists, include Will Detar, Tucker Paynter and Major Lewis of Trinity; Gavin Badger of Lancaster Catholic; and Tillman Artell, Liam Lawler and Andrew Yoder of Bishop McDevitt.
(Photos by Jen Reed, The Catholic Witness.)
By Jen Reed, The Catholic Witness
