Fayette County wrestling witnessed a notable resurgence as the Albert Gallatin Colonials secured a commanding victory over the Laurel Highlands Mustangs with a final score of 68-6 during a non-section match at Albert Gallatin High School on December 6. This event marked a significant moment not only for the winning team but also for the broader wrestling community in the region, which has faced challenges in recent years, including declining participation and reduced team numbers.
Historically, Fayette County has produced competitive wrestling teams, but recent years have seen a shift towards individual competition as team participation has waned. Albert Gallatin and Laurel Highlands have encountered their own hurdles; the Colonials have struggled in team matches, while the Mustangs have experienced years without a high school team. Yet, the recent match suggests a potential turnaround for both programs.
Resurgence for Local Teams
Veteran coach Duane Dupont, who has led the Mustangs in the past and has accumulated over 33 years of coaching experience, expressed optimism about the future. “We are starting to get those guys coming through the feeder system now, so we have some kids with experience, but we are still fairly young,” Dupont said. He noted that the team boasts only two seniors, with a significant number of freshmen and sophomores emerging from the elementary and middle school programs.
Dupont also commended Laurel Highlands for their recent progress, stating, “They have come a long way in the few years that they have got their program back. They have a lot of numbers, a lot of middle school kids and quite a few high school kids, and it’s good to see.”
Laurel Highlands coach Jimmy Harris, who has a history with the Mustangs as a former wrestler, acknowledged the progress made since last season. Despite competing as an independent this year, Harris looks forward to rejoining the WPIAL next season. “The numbers are looking up, but our most experienced wrestlers are in their second year, so we just have to keep working one minute at a time,” he stated.
The match showcased promising talent from Albert Gallatin, particularly from freshman Greyson Morris, who won by fall in just 55 seconds at the 114-pound weight class. Morris currently holds an 11-4 record and recently placed fourth at the Chartiers-Houston Invitational. Teammate Roman Smith also made headlines with a 15-0 technical fall at 189 pounds and an overall record of 8-5 this season.
Highlights of the Match
The dual meet commenced with the heavyweight bout at 285 pounds, where Colin Rockwell helped Albert Gallatin establish an early lead with a technical fall in 2:53. The Colonials quickly extended their advantage to 11-0 after Gavin Morris won by forfeit at 107 pounds. Following a series of impressive victories, including a technical fall by Julius Poole at 139 pounds and a fall by Clayton Bolinger at 145 pounds, the Colonials solidified their dominance.
Dupont expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, particularly highlighting the success of wrestler Wyatt Wilson, who won his first varsity match at 160 pounds. “I was happy for my 160-pounder. That was his first varsity match, and he came away with a victory,” Dupont remarked.
On the other side, Laurel Highlands introduced Marion Jones, a newcomer to the sport, who impressed with a fall in 30 seconds at 215 pounds. Harris praised Jones’s athleticism and potential, noting that this was technically his first year in wrestling competition.
Looking ahead, the Colonials will prepare for the Southmoreland Holiday Classic on December 29 and 30, followed by participation in the TriCADA tournament on January 2 and 3. They will then open Section 8-3A action against Latrobe on January 7 at 19:00. Dupont emphasized the importance of commitment, stating, “The wrestling in Southwestern Pennsylvania is incredible. If you are not going to put the work in, then you won’t have very much success in this sport.”
Laurel Highlands is set to face Yough on Monday at 19:00 before taking part in the upcoming holiday tournaments, as Harris seeks to provide his team with a comprehensive schedule for the season. “We are trying to get a full schedule this season for our kids,” he affirmed.
The developments in both programs suggest an encouraging future for high school wrestling in Fayette County, as coaches and athletes alike work towards revitalizing the sport.