Joe Waltko wants to win an NCAA Division I title, but first he wants WPIAL and PIAA titles.

Waltko, a starter at North Allegheny High School since his freshman year, has made his college decision.

"Teague Moore is a North Allegheny graduate who won a national title," Waltko said. "That's what I want to do. That's the main reason I chose Clarion University."

But it wasn't the only reason.

"I wanted to stay close to home so it's easy for my family to follow my college career," Waltko said. "I also wanted to find a smaller college. I don't want to be just another face in the crowd at a large university. Clarion was the right fit for me and coach Moore is the right coach for me."

Waltko also wanted to make his decision before his senior season began.

"Making an early decision means I have one less thing to worry about," Waltko said. "Now I can concentrate on my senior season,"

Waltko is a three-time WPIAL Class AAA runner-up who is hoping to win that elusive title.

"Losing in the WPIAL finals again was very frustrating, especially since I've beaten all three before," Waltko said. "My goal is to finish my high school career with WPIAL and PIAA titles."

Waltko broke into North Allegheny's starting lineup as a 103-pound freshman. He won a Section 3-AAA title, then placed second in the WPIAL and fourth in the PIAA en route to a 30-7 record.

He moved up to 119 as a sophomore and won another section title, then placed second in the WPIAL, losing to Hempfield's Nico Cortese, 3-1. He finished the season with a 35-7 record after posting a disappointing 1-2 record in the state tournament.

Last season, Waltko placed first in the section, second in the WPIAL, and third in the PIAA. He lost in the WPIAL final to West Mifflin's Sam Sherlock, 3-2. His only loss at Hershey was to the eventual champion, Blue Mountain's Cortlandt Choate, in the semifinals.

Waltko finished the season with a 38-5 record, giving him a 103-19 mark going into his senior year.

"I've been working hard to prepare for my senior year," Waltko said. "I've been lifting a lot more. That may have been my downfall last year. I've also been running every day."

He's one of 10 returning starters for NA.

"We have a team that is capable of defending the Section 3 title and competing for the WPIAL title," said Waltko, who is one of seven Tigers who had 15 or more wins last season.

The other returning North Allegheny starters are Kevin Monper (19-17 at 103), Andy Candiello (32-9 at 130), Adam Powers (16-14 at 135), Ricky Peluso (16-11 at 135), Dave Cawley (20-5 at 140) and Seb Fischer (18-11 at 160).

"We also have Nick Rodgers back," said Waltko, referring to a Tigers teammate who had 32 wins as a freshman, but missed most of last season with a concussion. "It really hurt having him out of the lineup last year. It's so good to have him back healthy."

Waltko also pointed out that teammate Kameron Palagi will not be wrestling this year. Palagi, a starter at 215 last season, suffered a season-ending injury after posting a 15-8 record. The injury has forced him to retire from competition.

"Losing Kameron is a big loss," Waltko said.

Waltko hopes to start next year as a freshman at Clarion.

"I don't want to redshirt," Waltko said. "I want to start right away and become a four-time NCAA place-winner."

Waltko wants to major in education.

"I want to become a history teacher," Waltko said.

Waltko made his college decision after a second visit to Clarion a couple weeks ago.

"I went and sat in on a practice," Waltko said. "I like the way Coach Moore was running his practice."

Waltko was one of three recruits who chose Clarion that weekend. The other two were West Mifflin's James Fleming and Erie Cathedral Prep's Nick Milano.

"I was glad to see that we all picked Clarion that weekend," Waltko said. "That bodes well for our future."