Brian Hagberg
UNION CITY, Pa. – Sheffield senior Ethan Finch set another milestone in his storied Wolverines wrestling career Saturday.
With a 5-0 performance at the Union City Duals, Finch increased his career wins total to 98 and moved into the top spot on Sheffield’s career wins list. Finch passed the mark of 95 wins set by Terry Schrader in 1992.
Now at 17-0 on the season, Finch will have a chance to add to his accolades this week as he could become the first Sheffield wrestler to reach the 100-win plateau as early as Thursday against Cranberry.
If Finch were to reach win No. 100 against Cranberry, it would add a little extra for Sheffield head coach Jack Rice.
“I think it’s pretty awesome that he could potentially get 100 against the team I won a state title for,” Rice said.
Finch’s accomplishment was a part of a strong day for the Wolverines. Sheffield went 4-1 against the five other teams involved-Cambridge Springs, North East, Northwestern, Union City and Youngsville-with the lone loss coming against the Blue Devils.
“All the boys stepped up today, they all turned in good performances,” Rice said.
Sheffield opened the day with a 48-12 win over North East. The Wolverines followed that with a 42-30 victory over the host Bears.
The Blue Devils came away with a 40-30 win to hand the Wolverines their lone defeat. Sheffield bounced back with a 45-18 win against Youngsville and closed the day with a 42-15 victory over Northwestern.
Landon Mead and Chase Kyler joined Finch in going 5-0 on the day. Mead improved to 9-7 on the season, while Kyler moved to 13-3. Finch had a pair of forfeits and three pinfall victories. He pinned all three opponents in less than 25 seconds, and now has seven victories of 25 seconds or less this season.
Kyler had a pair of first-period pins on the day as well and Mead won all four of his contested matches via pinfall, two in the first period and two in the second period.
“We had several 4-1 and 3-2 performances,” Rice said. “We’re getting better and working toward the postseason.”
Sheffield returns to its home mat Tuesday for a cross-county matchup against Youngsville.
