Rosa San Clementi at the Giant Center
By: Kiana Madrigal
The PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association) took place from March 5 to March 7 at the Giant Center in Hershey, bringing together the best high school wrestlers in the state. Wallenpaupack sent two students this year, senior Gabe Caufield, and junior Rosa San Clementi. Both wrestlers qualified for the state tournament for the first time this year, marking a major milestone in their wrestling careers.
The competitors left for Hershey on Wednesday ahead of the tournament to get a chance to “roll around” on the mats inside the Giant Center before the competition officially began. This opportunity allowed them to be acclimated to the massive arena and take in the atmosphere before it filled with spectators and the excitement that surrounds the state championship.
Competition began Thursday morning with weigh-ins and preliminary rounds. The day’s schedule included the first round of wrestling for AA boys, followed by the girls, and then AAA matches, along with some consolation rounds.
San Clementi faced a tough challenge in her opening match, going up against the top-preforming wrestler in her weight class. She was defeated by a technical fall in the second period. Later that evening, she competed in her consolation bracket but was pinned in the first period, ending her run in the tournament. While Rosa was disappointed to be out on the first day, she was honored to gain the experience of competing at the highest level in the state.
“It was so cool to be at a stadium like that and to compete with people on that level,” Rosa said. “I’m so grateful to my coaches and to everyone supporting me.”
On Friday morning, Rosa, her coaches, and Kaylee Newcomer— who joined the trip as Rosa’s warm-up partner and hype-person— took the time to celebrate the incredible season by having Duck Donuts for breakfast and taking a ride through Hershey World.
