Nelson eighth at states, first Ridley medalist since 1985

HERSHEY — Kennett’s John Pardo knew he belonged in Hershey and knew he could be one of those guys on the podium, but he just needed another win or two to validate those beliefs.

Saturday, on the final day of the Class 3A PIAA Championships, Pardo even impressed himself.

The junior won his last two bouts in the Giant Center in Hershey to tie a program-best with a third-place finish at 215 pounds.

“I learned that I can really go all the way,” Pardo said. “I’m better than I thought I was. I don’t really need to overthink anything anymore.”

Pardo was the highest area placer, tying Kyle Bove’s third-place finish in 2009 as a Kennett record. Fellow Blue Demon, Bailey Shindle (285 pounds), capped his career with an eighth-place medal, and Ridley sophomore Curtis Nelson finished eighth as well.

Nelson was all smiles despite two losses Saturday.

“I’m pretty happy,” Nelson said. “I **** to end it on a loss, but I still got my medal and I still came here did what I did.”

In the fourth round of consolations, Nelson got in a 5-0 hole and couldn’t complete the comeback against Altoona’s Braiden Weaver, in a 5-4 loss. For seventh, Nelson led 3-2 at one point, but gave up the next four points before getting pinned by Easton’s Nicholas Salamone.

The progress was evident for Nelson, and ending a 37-year state medal drought for Ridley didn’t hurt, either. He was the first state medalist for the Green Raiders since Ron Venit finished fourth at 185 pounds in 1985. Nelson still has two more years to add to his accomplishments.

“I put myself in a good spot,” Nelson said. “Every year I try to work up. Last year I got here but didn’t medal. This year I got here and medaled. I’m always hoping for first, so I’ll be going for gold.”

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Ridley’s Curtis Nelson gets a hug from coach Ron Rainey after his win over Central Dauphin’s Thunder Beard in the 107-pound blood round. (Nate Heckenberger – For MediaNews Group)