The 2023-2024 school year welcomed a resurgence of the sport of wrestling in PCSD, and the district celebrated all levels of its programs this past Thursday, concluding with a statement victory by Valley Forge’s boy’s wrestling over Normandy. 

The evening began with a Tri-Meet featuring Shiloh, Greenbriar, and Hillside with members of the middle school girl’s wrestling club, the Parma Pink Flamingos, and the district’s youth wrestling program, the Parma Conquerors, cheering from the stands. Following the middle school matches, Normandy was able to showcase their hardworking girl’s wrestling program with a 57 – 12 victory. Despite the final score, Forge concluded the night with a hard fought comeback win by pin by Hadeel Abuqbitta!

Finally, the night concluded with the much anticipated showdown between the reinvigorated Patriots and upstart Invaders boys programs. Athletes from both sides embraced the excitement of the refreshed crosstown rivalry and had a chance to complete in front of a packed gym full of students, staff, community members, and alumni from Valley Forge, Normandy, and the recently closed Parma Senior High School, honoring the roots that program had in the Thursday nights battle. 

Coming off a championship at the Bill Dies tournament, Nate Hale had the first match of the evening, setting the pace for Valley Forge with a victory by pin. Matching Hale’s energy and keeping the momentum in favor of Valley Forge was Bobby Tupa, Anthony Wing, and Adam Beatty. Heading into the middle weights, both Bryson Ziol and Juan Ruiz provided fans with bouts that went the distance, including an overtime thriller by Ruiz. Though both VF wrestlers fell short on the scoreboard, the energy from these matches helped propel Valley Forge to victories at 175 and 190 with dominant performances by Amir Abukhalil and Chase Scheely. The night concluded with a big pin by Forge’s big man at the 285 weight class, Elijah Wiggins.

Following the final triumphant hand raise for VF, the electric crowd recognized the 63 to 9 Patriots victory and grit and determination shown by all of the evening’s competitors. Valley Forge is again at home this Thursday, January 25, 2024, hosting both Cuyahoga Falls and Holy Name.