Erdely and Whyte Triumph at TriCADA Wrestling Championships

ROGERSVILLE — In a thrilling display of skill and determination, senior wrestlers Jonah Erdely of Frazier and Colin Whyte of West Greene captured titles at the TriCADA wrestling championships held at West Greene High School on February 3, 2024. Both athletes reached significant milestones in their high school careers, enhancing their impressive records and securing their first TriCADA titles.

Erdely, who has committed to Seton Hill University, achieved his championship by defeating Logan Noyes of Burgettstown with a decisive 9-0 major decision in the finals at the 152-pound weight class. “It’s awesome to come here and finally win this tournament my senior year,” Erdely remarked after his victory. Having previously suffered a close defeat in the finals last year, Erdely’s win marked a rewarding culmination of his wrestling journey. With a season record now standing at 13-1 and an overall mark of 105-23, he shared his intention to continue improving: “I will get back into the wrestling room and continue to train.”

Erdely’s path to the title included two victories by fall, followed by a commanding 12-0 major decision over Victor Bonus from McGuffey. Reflecting on the challenges he faced in previous years, Erdely noted, “I came up short last year, but it was a close match against a tough opponent.” His success stands out, especially as his team has faced challenges with participation numbers this season, having only four competitors at the tournament. He praised his teammates for their work ethic and determination, expressing confidence in their ongoing development.

Meanwhile, Whyte exorcised past disappointments to claim the championship in the 285-pound weight class. The senior, who had placed fourth at the Powerade tournament just days prior, pinned all four of his opponents to secure his first TriCADA title. “It feels good to win this after what happened last year,” he said, referencing his first-round upset in the previous tournament. With a season record of 20-3 and a career mark of 136-33, Whyte is closing in on the all-time wins list for the Pioneers. His achievement ties him with a former teammate, Kory Bissett, for second place on the list. Whyte acknowledged the significance of having family support, stating, “It is pretty neat that I can go out there with my dad and uncle in my corner.”

The TriCADA tournament showcased numerous talented wrestlers. Among them was Noah Collins of the Pioneers, who placed fifth at 133 pounds, improving his career record to 89-43. Teammate Levi Yeater also contributed to the team’s efforts with a fifth-place finish at 172 pounds.

The competition was fierce, with Alek Palko of Jefferson-Morgan returning from injury to win the title at 172 pounds, also pinning all four of his opponents. Palko expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating, “I felt like I was wrestling well in all three positions.”

In team standings, Canon-McMillan emerged as the overall champion with 288.5 points, followed by Trinity with 219.5 points and McGuffey with 186.5 points. The tournament also honored Jon Emma of Canon-McMillan with the Justin Stephenson Most Outstanding Wrestler award. This accolade is named in memory of the former junior high principal and athletic director who passed away in 2024 after battling cancer.

As the wrestling season progresses, Erdely and Whyte’s victories at the TriCADA championships exemplify the culmination of hard work and dedication, setting the stage for continued success in their athletic careers. Both athletes look forward to the upcoming dual meets and tournaments as they strive to further enhance their skills and contribute to their teams.