Mauro covets state wrestling gold

Alongside his teammates Jaden Datz and Tyler Griffiths, Southmoreland 220 pound wrestler Ryan Mauro looks to place 5th or 6th at regionals this weekend giving him the “golden ticket’ to the state tournament in Hershey.

“I feel confident about regionals this weekend,”said Mauro.”My matches are going to be tough being at a lower seed and knowing that I have to work my way up to be in finals.”

Mauro placed 5th at WPIAL’s last week, giving him some confidence knowing he is still in the run for states.

“I know this week I have to wrestle my matches smart and do all the little things that will help me win,” said Mauro.”If I don’t do those small things, I’ll get caught up and they’ll be able to get shots on me.”

Earlier in the season, Mauro had the opportunity to work with state champion Jake Beistel on his “hook series and knee” picks.

“Having Jake work with me helped a lot with my offense and defense as a wrestler,”said Mauro.”He was there every day over his winter break helping me, and I couldn’t thank him enough for the things that he’s done to help me.”

Aside from Beistel, Mauro credits Chase Calhoun and his coaches with the success that he’s had.

“Both Chase and Coach Santia have pushed me every day to be the best that I can be and not give up,” said Mauro.”Chase doesn’t let up on me, and he forces me wrestle the best I can.”

Mauro looks to take the weekend match by match staying calm as he takes on each opponent he wrestles.

“I just have to execute and wrestle the way that coach Santia wants me to and I’ll be successful,” said Mauro.” coach Santia knows what needs to be done for me to win.”

Wrestling for regionals starts Feb. 24.

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