A Successful Week for Canon-McMillan Wrestling

The season hasn't started yet, but that does not mean that the CM wrestling program can't find success in the off-season. Last week, August 9-11 was the 3rd annual CM Wrestling Alumni Camp and August 12 was the inaugural Mac Open Golf Scramble.

The Alumni Wrestling Camp is a summer wrestling camp for Big Mac wrestlers only that is put on each year by the school's alumni. It started three years ago when Camp Director Josiah Hritsko pulled together some of his closest high school teammates to bring technique, motivation, and team bonding to the current generation of CM wrestlers through ages K-12.

This year, the camp was put on by a similar bunch, but with newcomer camp counselors Brendan Furman (Cornell), Nick Konyk (Mercyhurst), Matt Oblock (Wheeling Jesuit), and Declan Lewis. On day 1 Connor Schram (Stanford) and Colt Shorts (Cal Poly) returned to show off some of their west coast knowledge. Bobby Patnesky (Coach Penn State Behrend) and Dalton Macri (UNC) came in for day 2 sessions, teaching moves from the top and neutral positions. Day 3 was one of the camp's best days in its history with 2016 NCAA Champion Nico Megaludis (Penn State) demonstrating detailed moves from his time as a Nittany Lion and local WPIAL wrestler. Also on that Friday, Angelo Broglia (Clarion) taught Jiu Jitsu, a mixed martial arts form, to the boys in a means to discuss a different path for life post-wrestling. The broad history of Big Mac wrestlers that the camp can pull from is truly incredible.

In addition to the technique, the wrestlers were taken to North Strabane Park and Angel's Acres to talk about goals and to do some team bonding activities. Camp Counselors, Coach Slack, and new HS head coach Jeff Havelka spoke to everyone about the upcoming season and finding an identity. And as for the coveted camp championship belt? In its second year of existence the three teams -- Gold (Furman), Blue (Konyk), and White (Oblock) -- competed with all age groups by earning points in relay races, games, and a final triathlon event to decide a winner. Gold team emerged victorious for the second year under a new captain and hoisted the team belt. Final awards were given to Tanner Mizenko (Junior High) for being the Team Motivator and to Tim Hritsko (High School) for being the Hardest Worker. View the Wrestling Camp gallery HERE.

After the younger generation of CM wrestlers took part in camp, the older alumnus took to the golf course on Saturday for the first annual “Mac Open” Golf Scramble. The event was put together in conjunction with Chad Maggi and Brian Hritsko of the Canon-McMillan Wrestling Alumni Association. 84 wrestlers, fans, family, and friends gathered at the Village Green Golf Course to golf 18 holes, compete for prizes, and eat and drink. Prizes were awarded for “The Kyle Deliere” longest drive, closest to pin, longest putt, “The Dami” closest second shot, and “The Michael Caldwell” putting contest. By the end of the day, Jason Dami, Chuck Murdy, Mike Murdy, and Brandon Lesko finished first out of 21 teams shooting 15 under par. View the gallery for the Mac Open HERE.

Both the Alumni Wrestling Camp and Mac Open Golf Scramble were possible because of the great local sponsors. The camp looks forward to its fourth year and the golf outing looks to become an annual event. The proceeds from each event will be put back into the Canon-McMillan Wrestling Alumni Association to benefit the current K-12 wrestling programs and Kyle Deliere and Michael Caldwell scholarships.

Wrestlers Walk in Canonsburg July 4th Celebration

Every year thousands of people gather together at the Canonsburg 4th of July parade, and this year was no different at the 55th annual town celebration. There are floats, signs, bands, sports teams, and more that walk and ride down the mile-long path of the event. Historically, the parade has been two and a half hours long with over 100 different attractions, making it the second largest July 4th parade in PA.

Throughout the years, Canon-McMillan wrestlers have taken part in the celebration. One of the biggest appearances for the program was in 2013 when the team was invited to become the Grand Marshals of the entire procession. This honor was granted due to the team's back-to-back PIAA AAA State Championship titles under head coach Chris Mary.

This year the Canon Mac wrestling boys walked in the parade carrying banners for businesses in the Canonsburg area; this voluntarism to walk in the event helps to raise funds for the program this season. In addition, Brendan Furman rolled down Pike St. in style to boast his 2017 State Championship. Make sure to check out the pictures from the day, and we hope that you had a great Independence Day!

High School Wrestlers Meet New Coach

Wednesday, June 28 was the first night of the beginning of a new era for the CMHS Wrestling Program. With the announcement of the new head coach, Jeff Havelka, in May, the team decided to get together at Angel's Acres to have a meet and greet with their new leader.

After a great dinner, Coach Havelka was able to introduce himself to the high school team and let the parents know what he has in store for the upcoming season. The night was not all business, though, as the the boys swam and played some corn hole with the new coach. All look forward to the upcoming 2017/2018 season.

CM Wrestling Hires New Head Coach

The Canon-McMillan High School Wrestling Program has had its fair share of coaches throughout the years. After four years as head coach, Jason Cardillo resigned at the end of this season with 4 Team Section titles, 2 Team WPIAL finals, 18 Section Champions, 3 WPIAL Champions, and 3 State Champions under his tutelage.

CM decided on a new head coach last month by bringing on Jeff Havelka to continue the program's tradition. Havelka wrestled at Burgettstown HS and served as assistant coach at Waynesburg University and head coach at Chartiers-Houston HS.

Read more about the head coach in the Observer Reporter HERE.