On making the leap into a statewide and nationally relevant wrestler:
"I was small as a freshman, and dedicated myself all summer to becoming bigger, faster, and stronger. Also, continuing to be committed to getting better as a wrestler."
About winning the finals in the tiebreaker:
"I thought about the hard work and struggles involved in making weight, the grind in that match, and how great it would be to become Ironman champion."
Evan Silver (Blair Academy, NJ) -- Junior, 112-Pound Champion
On dominating two top-five wrestlers in the nation to become Ironman champion:
"It was all about the preparation, we've been working hard since September for this weekend. I just seized the opportunity in both matches (against Gulibon and Cisneros) to get ahead early on."
Mason Beckman (Reynolds, PA) -- Junior, 119-Pound Champion
Facing Robinson in the quarterfinal with a 1-0 lead, Robinson chose down in the third period and Beckman scored a turn for two NF points. Then, in the semifinal and final, Beckman rode out Grey and Stieber in the second period of both matches that were scoreless buts.
Beckman earned the vote on InterMat analyst Josh Lowe's ballot for Most Outstanding Wrestler.
About his dominance in the top position:
"It's about getting the right start off the whistle, and finding the pressure. Control the hips of the opponent, and dictate the pace to make him react to me."
The difference between disappointments at state the last two years and this Saturday at the Ironman:
"I have a new focus this year, no longer needing gimmicks to get motivated. Just about getting loose, having fun, and going for six minutes."
Logan Stieber (Monroeville, OH) -- Senior, 125-Pound Champion
Stieber was selected Most Oustanding Wrestler of the Walsh Ironman tournament.
On wrestling in the main event, last match of the evening, right after his brother had lost:
"Didn't phase me in the least. I was relaxed, and unlike in other matches didn't force anything."
About winning the No. 1 vs. No. 2 battle, and being named MOW:
"That throw and cradle in the second period were huge for me. I wrestled a smart finals match and was happy to win the award."
Nate Skonieczny (Walsh Jesuit, OH) -- Sophomore, 130-Pound Champion
Why this championship means so much:
"It's my home tournament; a lot of people come to watch. Going 2-2 last year was a disappointment, this year not so much."
Discussing his four upset victories:
"I was just locked in this weekend. All the off-season training really paid off."
Cam Tessari (Monroeville, OH) -- Junior, 135-Pound champion
On breaking the semifinal hex -- with a 5-4 win:
"Felt great to get over the hump. Obviously not having (two of the great wrestlers in Ironman history with) Taylor and Villalonga as opponents really helped. But I came in determined to win."
About the finals match with Kitzis:
"I got the score early, getting the lead I wanted, and then just focused on crisp positions from there."
Chris Villalonga (Blair Academy, NJ) -- Senior, 140-Pound Champion
This marks Villalonga's third Ironman title in four championship finals appearances. He is the 8th wrestler in tournament history to win three titles. Unofficially, he joins only David Taylor, Travis Blasco, and Mark Jayne with four Ironman finals appearances.
About the historical accomplishment:
"In such a tough tournament as this, it's a great honor; though, I would have liked to have wrestled better tonight."
On the ride-out in the tiebreaker:
"Knew I had to ride him to win. Changed strategy slightly to get (Ian Miller) back down to the mat and go from there. I didn't want to hang on, and tried to get a rhythm going."
Andrew Alton (Central Mountain, PA) -- Senior, 145-Pound Champion
Discussing the finals bout, a 5-4 win over Brad Squire:
"I was trying to get my moves working right away, and did (to the tune of two first period takedowns). However, the match slowed after that. I tried to stay comfortable, remaining confident throughout."
Dylan Alton (Central Mountain, PA) -- Senior, 152-Pound Champion
On preparing for the meat-grinder that is the Ironman:
"My brother and I competed in college opens three consecutive weekends. Just running, training, and wrestling hard."
About beating three nationally-ranked wrestlers on Saturday:
"I kept pushing the pace and having fun. That's at the core of my success."
Doug Buckwalter -- Head Coach -- Central Mountain, PA
The impact of having the Alton twins on the team these last four years:
"It's been a real pleasure to coach them. They perform on the mat, work hard in practice, and do it right off the mat. Their presence and that of their class (including Jordan Rich and others) has elevated the intensity level in the room. It increases the ability and confidence level of everyone to go into tournaments with two kids pretty much locks to place very high on the podium."
Nick Sulzer (St. Edward, OH) -- Senior, 160-Pound Champion
Sulzer was named the winner of the first annual Major Ray Mendoza Award, which will go to the wrestler who earns his team the most points during the tournament. He scored 33 team points during the competition.
About the semifinal with Demas this afternoon, who beat him in the state final this past year:
"I worked a lot on always trying to score even in ‘short time'. Wrestling the whole match at pace and not slowing down. Those efforts worked out for me today."
On dominating all matches other than the semifinal match:
"I'm happy with the performance here, but it's about continuing to get better and improve."
Charles Argue (Mt. Carmel, IL) -- Senior, 171-Pound Champion
Thoughts on improving from the setbacks of last year:
"Failing to place at Ironman (and losing two one-point matches at state) inspires me to work with my coaches every day to fine tune things and work (relentlessly) toward becoming a better wrestler."
About his big-move capability:
"Actually much of my practice is spent on defense. When opponents shoot on me, I seize the opportunity to counter for scoring."
Michael Evans (Blair Academy, NJ) -- Senior, 189-Pound Champion
The impact on my wrestling style since transferring into Blair:
"I've gotten a lot better in the neutral position, a lot better hand fighter, and a lot better at controlling matches."
On being such an aggressive, go-get-them wrestler:
"My goal is to be full sprint for the duration of the six minute (plus) match. Being at Blair helps in that we're practicing as hard, if not harder, than everyone else."
Tank Knowles (Calvary Chapel, CA) -- Junior, 215-Pound Champion
On being a short, undersized wrestler at the weight:
"Being relentless and having speed have been advantages since day one for me. They remain at the key of my matches right now."
Goals for the rest of the season:
"I want to be an undefeated state champ and win the Dave Schultz Award (for Most Outstanding Wrestler at state)."
Mike McMullan (Wyoming Seminary, PA) -- Senior, 285-Pound Champion
About wrestling an absolute mammoth (Buzzelli) in the finals despite being a smaller heavyweight:
"Speed and technique kill. I wrestle like a middleweight (career path of 160-189-285-285)."
Discussing the upcoming Beast of the East:
"My weight is going to be very tough (three top six wrestlers in it). Just work hard at practice, wrestle toward my strength in the neutral position, and avoid getting crushed underneath."
Greg Urbas -- Head Coach --St. Edward, OH
On finishing third despite starting nine sophomores and a freshmen, and not having Jamie Clark:
"This sophomore group is so talented, and they work so very hard. We're just going to get better as the year goes on and the kids grow with us. The attitude and spirit from the kids was awesome to watch and see grow in the room."
Jeff Jordan -- Head Coach -- Graham, OH
About finishing second without two starters and going 2-5 in quarterfinal round:
"All our kids seemed to wrestle above seed, and it was awesome to see (five) wrestlers battle back in consolation to the third place match. The finish reflected a complete team effort."
Jeff Buxton -- Head Coach -- Blair Academy, NJ
This is a back-to-back championship for the Blair Academy squad, a seventh in nine, and a ninth title overall at the Walsh Ironman.
About the second day dominance after ending the first day in fifth place:
"We expected to be in that type of position after Day 1 with the unproven nature of about one-third of the lineup. However, those money rounds (quarters and semis) were truly that for us this year. Key to the performance was wrestlers like Jesse Shanaman, Brooks Black, and Todd Preston performing significantly above seed. And we also refocused well when sent into the consolation bracket."
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