Sweet repeat for Pirozzola
The Neshaminy senior won his second consecutive state title. Council Rock junior Rocky Mantella lost in the semifinals.
By TOM WARING
Courier Times
HERSHEY - What an appropriate way for Michael Pirozzola to end his high school wrestling career.
Pirozzola, perhaps the most dominant wrestler in southeastern Pennsylvania history, pinned Pottsville's Keith Kleckner last night in 2:47 to capture the 145-pound championship at the PIAA Class AAA championships in front of 8,078 fans at Hersheypark Arena.
Pirozzola completed his career by winning two state titles and finishing second twice. He was so grateful after the bout that he kissed the mat.
"It's been really cool wrestling in front of everybody," Pirozzola said. "The fans have been great."
Neshaminy coach Vic Stanley, like most wrestling observers, cannot say enough about Pirozzola.
"It's been a privilege to be in his corner," Stanley said. "He's been a joy to coach and a joy to be around. He's a nice kid. His mom and dad raised a champion and a gentleman."
On hand for Pirozzola's second gold medal-winning performance were his parents, sister, grandparents and extended family.
Winning two state titles is no small feat. Neshaminy Maple Point's John Reich is the only other local wrestler to do it.
How close was Pirozzola to being a four-time champion? In 1997, he dropped a 7-6 decision to Shikellamy's Anthony Rivera in the 119-pound final, In '98, he suffered a 4-3 loss to Downingtown's Mark Conley in the 130-pound championship bout.
"I'll take those losses for all the good times I've had," Pirozzola said.
Pirozzola's victory over Kleckner was no surprise. Last year, the two met in the 140-pound semifinals. Pirozzola pinned him in a mere 27 seconds.
Pirozzola faced a pair of tough opponents in Friday afternoon's quarterfinals and yesterday morning's semifinals. Still, he earned major decisions against Shikellamy's Andy Hoffman (13-3) and St. Mary's Josh Keebler (13-5).
Even Kleckner gave Pirozzola a battle in the first period.
"Everyone out here is a winner," Pirozzola said.
Pirozzola will redshirt at Lehigh University next season, though he'll compete in tournaments unattached. Before that, he'll wrestle in a few high school all-star tournaments.
He finished the season 36-1. In the postseason, he was 13-0 with eight pins, three major decisions, a bye and an injury default.
The postseason was kind to Pirozzola. He won four Section One and District One North titles, along with three Southeast Regional championships.
For his career, Pirozzola was 141-7 with a District One-record 105 pins. "He's been a pinner all his life," Stanley said.
He holds the area record for most victories and is tied for 18th among PIAA wrestlers.
Pirozzola is the 18th wrestler to reach the final four times, and just the first from District One to do so. In fact, he's the only District One wrestler to place four times at states.
Sunday, March 12, 2000