Bellwood-Antis had two place-winners, both of whom are underclassmen, at the district 6 2A championships in Altoona last week.

Sophomore Chase Focht went 2-3 over two days to finish 8th in the 160-pound weight class. Guyer also placed 8th at 114, with a similar 2-3 performance.

“Overall, I’m happy with my team’s growth since last year,” said first-year coach Josh Hewitt. “Bellwood didn’t have any place winners last season and this year we have two that finished eighth, Bryson and Chase both had tough brackets and are both underclassmen.”

Chase decisioned Noah Flipovich and pinned Ryan Booher before losing to Tyrone’s Mason VanAllman. After winning his first match in wrestle-backs, Focht lost two more and was finished.

Bryson decisioned Cannon Forcellini and then got pinned by William Edwards. After topping  Jorden Shaffer in the consolation round, Guyer lost his next two.

“The future of Bellwood wrestling is definitely looking much brighter, and we will rely heavily on both Bryson and Chase to keep that momentum going.  I’m confident both will climb higher on the podium next season,” Coach Hewitt said.

Another B-A wrestler who had a successful season was freshman Nolan Hewitt. He went into the District 6 meet with a legitimate shot at advancing to regionals, but he was injured in the second round of the 107-pound weight class bracket against Ethan Cotchen. Hewitt was forced to forfeit and withdraw from the tournament, but he finished his season 24-9.

One senior who saw his career come to an end was senior Tanner McElravy who went 2-2 and ended the season 8-18. For his career McElravy went 18-36.

Guyer, meanwhile, ended his campaign 14-12, while Focht was 14-15, giving the Devils a solid foundation for next season.

“Finishing in the top 8 in either of their brackets is something to be very proud of,” Coach Hewitt said.