PIAA WRESTLING: Monger's PIAA run ends
Mar. 10—HERSHEY — Dalton Monger's high school career has been filled with more highs than lows.
A few of those highlights for the Pottsville/Nativity 145-pounder from Tower City:
Three-time Schuylkill League champion. Well over 100 career victories. A victory at states as a senior.
Monger's high school journey, though, came to an end Friday afternoon in the second round of consolations at the PIAA Class 3A Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center.
Sun Valley's Brandon Carr proved too long and too strong for Monger, winning by major decision 9-0. Carr took control when he reversed Monger to his back in the second period for a five-point move. Monger tried to attack on his feet, but Carr prevented him from getting in on deep shots.
"Dalton's a great kid," Pottsville coach Gary Keener said. "We started about 10 years ago as a little (kid) out in Tower City. I'm proud of him — amazing career. ... He's been a privilege to coach."
Monger went 1-2 in Hershey to finish his season at 39-11. That moved his career mark to 122-36, even tough he lost half of his sophomore season to COVID-19 restrictions.
"I'm disappointed," Monger said. "It's not where I wanted to finish off, but now it's just on to college, next best thing. Keep it moving forward."
Monger will continue his academic and wrestling careers at Messiah College. Teammates Connor Demcher (Pitt-Johnstown) and Blake Bender (York College) will wrestle at the next level, too.
"I love the atmosphere (at Messiah)," Monger said. "I love the teammates and the coaches. They treat us all like family, and that's what I like."
He plans to major in education.
"I've always paid it forward by teaching and helping others," Monger said. "Teaching will also give me an opportunity to help coach youth wrestlers. I like my role models, my coaches, and want to be like them one day."
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