WRESTLING: Father Judge Claims 2017 PCL Title, Captures Districts and Is Hershey Bound

By John Knebels, photos by Kevin Murphy , 02/03/17, 11:45AM EST

PHILADELPHIA-- Father Judge High School defeated Archbishop Wood, 32-27, in the Catholic League wrestling championship January 31 at Judge.

After storming to a 24-6 lead behind victories by Erik Lindemann at 182, Alex Chokas at 195, Dean Jakeman at 285, Liam Logue at 106, and Eamonn Logue at 106, Father Judge needed to withstand a furious rally by Wood.

Stephen Veneziale. Alex Shaffer, and Zach Shaffer collected a combined 15 points among them at 120, 126, and 132, respectively, to trim Wood’s deficit to 24-21, Caesar Fountain battled Brett Yoos to an 8-6 decision at 138 to extend Judge’s lead to 27-21. Wood’s Matthew Pallage countered with a decision at 145. At 152, Trevor Elfvin won by a technical fall in 5:53, mathematically clinching the title since Judge’s edge had swelled to 32-24.

“The (team) effort has been great,” said Elfvin. “Everyone is really focused on their individual goals which is making everyone word harder and making us a better team because we all want the best for teach other.”

As a senior, Elfvin was asked what “words of wisdom” he might impart to the underclassmen as they attempt to defending Judge’s championship crown next season.

“Wrestle as many matches as you can throughout the offseason because it will really show in your wrestling ‘in-season,’” said Elfvin. “Another thing is to always trust your coaches because they always know what is best for you. As the (Philadelphia 76ers’) great Joel Embiid would say, ‘Trust the process.’”

Father Judge coach Jim Savage said Judge’s success has been a year-round endeavor.

“From the first day of practice, we set the tone for the rest of the season,” said Savage. “We implement our system and continue to drill throughout the year. We stress being prepared. Our athletes physically and mentally prepared on Tuesday night. We ask for ‘fight and effort.’ Our guys showed that in the championship.”

Savage stressed the notion that every single match was as important ingredient to winning the title.

“We knew if we were going to win, we needed to win some close toss-up battles,” said Savage. “The fall we got from Liam Logue at 106 was huge for us.

“It was a total team effort and I don’t think you can point out one or two individuals; even the guys who lost did their job. However, we needed a win to clinch the title, it was great having Trevor ready to step on the mat. He is a great competitor and an even better person. I was extremely happy for him and glad he had that opportunity.”

On February 2, the Crusaders captured the District 12 title by defeating Central High School, 42-15. The Crusaders seized a 26-0 lead and never looked back. The Crusaders will compete in the PIAA state tournament in Hershey, February 9th -11th.

Philadelphia Catholic League Finals

January 31, 2017

Father Judge 32, Archbishop Wood 27

(Father Judge wrestlers in bold)

170 - Harry Green dec. Mike Davis, 15-10 (3-0 AW)

182 - Erik Lindemann dec. Xavier Pomrink, 5-3 (3-3)

195 - Alex Chokas pinned Charley Mininger, 1:40 (9-3 FJ)

220 - Connor Bishop dec. Sean Armstrong, 3-1 TB (9-6 FJ)

285 - Dean Jakeman pinned Jeremy Wertz, 3:35 (15-6 FJ)

106 - Liam Logue pinned T.J. England, 1:28 (21-6 FJ)

113 - Eamonn Logue dec. Max Shaffer, 4-1 (24-6 FJ)

120 - Stephen Veneziale won by forfeit (24-12 FJ)