Plum JO wrestlers place at state tournaments
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A trio of Plum youth wrestlers — Nicholas Pifer, AJ Pifer and Ethan Schwartz — qualified for and took part in the Keystone State Tournament March 17-19, at IUP’s Kovalchick Center.
AJ Pifer and Schwartz also qualified for the Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling State Tournament March 25-26, at Pitt’s Petersen Events Center.
A two-time Keystone State qualifier, AJ Pifer, at 10U and 75 pounds, captured at Keystone State title at IUP this year after previously earning second- and third-place finishes in 2022.
He won gold by defeating last year’s state runner-up, Adam Bachmann from Council Rock, 1-0 in triple overtime in the state finals.
Pifer also wrestled his way to a PJW state runner-up finish.
“AJ is one of those kids that if asked to run through a wall for his coaches he would do it,” coach Shane Valko said.
“He has come so far since he stepped on the mat five years ago, and his potential is unlimited. His athletic ability and knowledge of the sport has only begun to be tapped. AJ has a gift that not many kids possess, and that is tenacity and determination to be the very best.”
Schwartz, at 8U and 55 pounds, qualified for Keystones and PJW states for the first time.
He found himself on the medals podium in consecutive weeks with a sixth at both tournaments.
“Ethan had an amazing few tournaments,” Valko said. “He is very coachable, hard-working and everything a coach asks for in a (young wrestler). He is lighting-fast and has amazing technique and is going to be someone to watch out for in the coming years.”
In addition to the Plum JO Wrestling program and Silent Victory Training Center, Schwartz trains with the All American Wrestling Club in Latrobe.
Nicholas Pifer, at 12U and 95 pounds, now is a two-time Keystone State qualifier in addition to being a previous PJW state qualifier.
“Nicholas is coming into his own in this sport,” Valko said. “He has a mat-savvy offense and stingy defense. He will be a force to face on the mat in the coming years.”
In addition to Plum, Nicholas and AJ Pifer train with Young Guns Wrestling Club, Roughhouse, Hutchy Hammers and Silent Victory Training Center.
“Plum wrestling is creating something special,” Valko said. “In order to have a successful middle school and high school program it takes an army to build the foundation that starts at the elementary level.”