Bramwell leads Ridley resurgence; Catka eyes state title defense

FRANCONIA — The days of using decades to mark time between qualifiers in the state wrestling tournament may be over for Ridley.

Tommy Bramwell finished second at 285 pounds in the Class 3A Southeast Regional Saturday at Souderton High School, earning a trip to Hershey.

Bramwell hoped for a better outcome in his bout with Coltin Deery of Garnet Valley, who recorded a 12-2 major decision to win the gold and his first regional title.

However, being the first Ridley wrestler to reach states since John Rowles finished third in the region in 1999 is anything but a consolation prize.

“It feels great to be the guy,” said Bramwell, who went 3-1 in the tournament. “I don’t think it will take that long for the next guy (to reach states). If guys come back and work hard, I think a couple of them can go next year.”

It was a memorable tournament for several Delaware County wrestlers, starting with defending state champion Hunter Catka. The Sun Valley product was named the region’s Outstanding Wrestler after winning gold for a second straight year. Catka pinned his four opponents in a combined 8 minutes, 16 seconds.

Proof, perhaps, that he’s all the way back from a broken leg.

“I’d like to think so,” Catka said. “I feel good. I was kind of feeling sick Friday and my voice was hoarse. But I feel good now. I’ve been working on my top moves, my tilts and everything on top.”

John Crawford, at 160 pounds, became Strath Haven’s first regional champion after dominating his bracket. He defeated freshman Matt Collajezzi (Council Rock South) 2-0 in the final.

“It feels good, it feels cool,” Crawford said. “I was second in the region last year. This is good.”

Panthers coach Tony Gilliano took custody of the gold medal, the bracket sheet and the Hershey’s bar won by Crawford. Then he playfully challenged his wrestler.

“You’re not getting this back until you get a medal,” Gilliano said.

Crawford has experience, having gone 1-2 in the states last year.

At 145 pounds, Brendon Stocku of Penncrest led at several stages of his consolation match but finished fourth when Nick Barnhart (Avon Grove) rallied for a 9-9 decision.

“I’d like to have won first place,” Stocku said. “But at this point states it’s the only thing I care about.”

Stocku won three straight bouts, two by fall, and survived a lateral drop – the thud of which shook the crowd – to reach the final bout.

At 113 pounds, Keito Shaw of Upper Darby defeated Garnet Valley’s Christopher Wood, 8-3, for fifth place and his first trip to states.

“In a year I’ve gone from 0-1 to states,” said Shaw, who was on the JV team last year. “I feel great. I give all credit to the coaching staff for getting me ready to wrestle.”

At 126 pounds, freshman Chase Barlow of Strath Haven won three straight decisions, and fought his way to a fifth-place finish. Fighting through the consolation round was a challenge and then some.

“It’s tough, it’s a mental game,” Barlow said. “I’m happy making it (to states).”

Elsewhere in the consolation round, 220-pounders Terrance Averett (Glen Mills) and Bill Brosko (Marple Newtown) were locked in a battle featuring several lead changes and an overtime period. Brosko prevailed in the extra session, winning by fall in 5:51.

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Strath Haven’s John Crawford gets congratulations from coach Anthony Gilliano after winning the 160-pound regional championship Saturday. (Nate Heckenberger/For Digital First Media)