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WRESTLING: Father Judge Topples Archbishop Ryan for Catholic League Wrestling Title

By John Knebels Photos by Kathy Leister, 01/30/19, 3:45PM EST

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The Father Judge Crusaders win the 2019 PCL Wrestling Championship after defeating Archbishop Ryan 50-12- PSD Photo by Kathy Leister

By: John Knebels

PHILADELPHIA – Father Judge has returned to the winning circle.

For the third time in four years and fourth in six, the Crusaders gave their fans a Catholic League wrestling championship. In a packed Father Judge gymnasium Tuesday night, Judge coasted past neighborhood rival Archbishop Ryan, 50-12.

“This title happened because of the dedication and challenges we have put ourselves through to prepare for this,” said Judge senior Robert Lawlor, who notched a decision at 145. “The Judge coaches prepared us for any situation on the mat. Winning the plaque is a great achievement.”

Lawlor was asked what he will remember most.

“The atmosphere during the match,” he said. “The roaring student section, family members screaming their lungs off, and proud alumni supporting from the stands.”

Lawlor is a tri-captain along with seniors Liam Logue and Caesar Fountain. The trio has combined for more than 300 varsity victories. Logue is one of three brothers to win matches; Liam snared victory at 132 pounds, junior Eamonn at 120, and freshman Sean at 106. 

Fountain reiterated Lawlor’s sentiments.

2019 PCL Wrestling Championship Highlights by Kathy Leister:

“This title happened because 13 people progressed in the wrestling room and progressed at these hard tournaments,” said Fountain, victorious at 152. “We had some tough matches, hard fought wins, and some losses, but we’re conditioned to fight for six minutes and then some. Our work ethic is amazing.

“We were prepared for war tonight and we showed how much we believed in ourselves. It is important to us because it shows that if you put extra work in, you will get results.”

Using a phrase that would make fictional character Rocky Balboa proud, Fountain said the Crusaders “have the eye of the tiger.”

“I’ll remember the crowd and me hoisting the plaque up while on my teammates’ shoulders,” said Fountain. “The moment itself will be burned into my head for life. Your individual match is what you usually miss details from or completely forget . . . but the experiences last forever.”

Aforementioned Liam Logue relished his leadership role.

“Being captain in the PCL championship was an honor, as I was able to help lead new and experienced wrestlers to victory,” he said. “We worked together to each other's strengths and broke Ryan's will early in the match.”

Junior Brenden Spicer, who at 170 pounds joined teammates Eamonn Logue (120), junior Danny Wildonger (160), and sophomore Jose Lage (285) with victories via pin, labeled his teammates and coaches “a great group of people.”

“It was an amazing feeling to be able to take home a championship for the team,” said Spicer. “I am honored to be able to compete under such a great program.” 

Judge coach Jim Savage is no stranger to Catholic League championships. 

In addition to winning as both a wrestler and assistant coach at his alma mater, since-closed North Catholic, Savage has garnered 11 titles as a head honcho, including seven in his 11 years at North. After North closed, Savage inherited Father Judge in 2011. 

“We have played a lot of difficult dual matches against great competition, some the best in the state and some nationally ranked,” said Savage. “So it’s a combination of our tough schedule and our wrestlers progressing that is a big reason why we are Catholic League champs.”

In the regular-season meeting between the two – won by Judge by a more competitive 42-30 – the first two matches split. In the final, however, the aforementioned Sean Logue succeeded at 106 and Judge junior Max Edwards followed suit at 113. 

With the heart of their lineup coming up, the Crusaders were in terrific shape.

“It’s big when you get two wins instead of one,” said Savage. “We’ve been on the other side of that, too, when you’re expecting two wins but don’t get them, so then it’s up do someone else to get an upset.”

Savage said his goal is to win, at minimum, eight out of the 14 matches. So when the Crusaders led by 29 with five matches remaining (they ultimately seized 11 of the 14 events), it would have taken a complete 30-point collapse to not finish on top.

Judge vs. Ryan PCL Championship - PSD Photos by Kathy Leister

That’s not how wrestlers think, though.

“When you’re on the mat, you have an opportunity to compete,” said Savage. “That’s all you’re really thinking about. Once the match starts, the only thing on your mind is your opponent, regardless of the score.”

Father Judge will face Northeast in the District 12 final tomorrow at Franklin Towne Center.

 

(John Knebels can be reached at Jknebels@gmail.comor on Twitter @johnknebels.)