B-A falls in annual Black and Blue Match
Ryan Kerns takes the down position in his match last night with Tyrone’s Levi Raling.
February 2, 2017
The Bellwood-Antis wrestling team took on neighboring rival Tyrone last night at the middle school gymnasium, and the Blue Devils fell 37-31.
The tension of the backyard rivalry was present as the contest came down to its final match-ups. Forfeits played a major factor in the outcome, with each side earning forfeit wins in the final two bouts, but the Golden Eagles remained on top.
However, the match allowed the communities to come together to raise funds for a local charity.
In all, B-A received four wins by forfeit from Noah Schratezmeier (182), Derrick Noonan (106), Baily Kudlaweic (120), and Kylob Tatsch (132).
The Blue Devils got a major decision win by Colton Gorrity (170), who defeated Tyrone’s Jack Lewis 12-2, and a decision from Ryan Kerns (195), who beat Levi Raling 4-1.
Outside of wrestling, the match was recognized as the annual Black and Blue Match held when the two rivals face off, which benefits Freedom Ride USA, a local bike ride held annually on July 4 to support and raise money for the James E. Van Zandt Veterans Hospital in Altoona. The match raised $128 to be donated to Freedom Ride USA.
This year’s fundraising was very much appreciated, as it was only the second year of the Black and Blue match.
The match was broadcast live on the BluePrint’s YouTube channel, and the entire event is still available for streaming by following the link embedded in this page.
The Blue Devils fell to 3-7.
