The Bethel Park High School wrestling program took a step up in competition during the Christmas vacation.

The Black Hawks were one of 42 teams from seven states that participated in the Powerade Christmas Tournament, which took place Dec. 29-30 at Canon-McMillan High School.

"Our wrestling program has experienced great success over the past few years, but we still have a long way to go," said Bethel Park coach Bob Stewart, referring to Bethel Park's 34-6 record over the past two seasons. "That's why we entered the Powerade Tournament. It's one of the top five tournaments in the country."

Bethel Park had a respectable 13th-place finish in the two-day tournament. The Black Hawks compiled 110 points, only 15 short of a top 10 finish.

"Eleven of our 13 entries won two or more matches, but only three were place-winners," Stewart said. "We had five kids lose in the fourth round of consolations, which left them one win short of placing. We had three others who came within two wins of placing."

Adam Lazenga was Bethel Park's highest place-winner. Lazenga, a standout linebacker for the PIAA runner-up Black Hawks football squad, advanced to the 215-pound title match with three victories, but had to settle for a silver medal when Westmont Hilltop's Zac Bennett pinned him at 2:46.

"Adam was facing a two-time PIAA [Class AA] finalist," Stewart said. "He did a fine job in the tournament, especially when you consider he's had less that two weeks of practice since the football season ended. He hasn't had enough time to get into wrestling shape."

Bethel Park's other place-winners were Nick Bonaccorsi and Corey Delmastro. Bonaccorsi placed fifth at 160 after losing in the quarterfinals to Central Dauphin's Kenny Courts, the eventual runner-up. Delmastro finished sixth at 171 after a 3-0 loss to Bellefonte's Christian Oberle, the eventual runner-up.

"Corey wrestled during his freshman and sophomore years, but decided to concentrate on his studies last year," Stewart said. "He wanted to come back for his senior year. We're glad to have him back."

Stewart was especially impressed with Delmastro's 2-1 win against West Allegheny's Troy Reaghard in the quarterfinals. Reaghard won the WPIAL Class AAA title at 152 pounds last season.

"The way we wrestled at Powerade was encouraging, but also a little disappointing," Stewart admitted. "We lost some very close matches during the tournament, especially in the fourth round of consolations."

Rob Heuler (103), Dylan Mogan (112), Martin Sams (119), Anthony Bonaccorsi (125) and Jake Ricciuti (152) fell one win short of place-winner status after losing in the fourth round of consolations.

Jason Bonham (140), Mike Ganley (145) and Jake Ricciuti (189) were two wins short of placing.

"Jason had 30 wins as a freshman, but missed all of last season after having shoulder surgery," Stewart said. "It's great to have him back this year. He's one of our team leaders, on and off the mat. He also leads the team in pins."

Bethel Park begins the new year as the WPIAL's top-ranked team in Class AAA. The Black Hawks have a 7-0 record, which includes three wins in Class AAA Section 4A and four wins at the North Hills Duals.

"It's nice for the kids to be ranked No. 1, but it doesn't mean anything if we don't back it up," Stewart said. "The battle for the WPIAL title is wide open. There are no dominant teams this year. There are at least six teams that have a legitimate shot of winning the WPIAL title."

Stewart is also looking forward to the Allegheny County Championships, which are scheduled for Jan. 16-17 at Fox Chapel Area High School.

"We've finished among the top four in the county team standings the past four years, but no higher than third," Stewart said. "Our goal is to win the team title this year, but it will be tough to unseat [defending champion] Shady Side Academy.

"We are also hoping to have our first individual county champion. We've had a few kids finish second, but none have won a title."

Bethel Park has had five wrestlers advance to the finals during the seven-year history of the tournament, but all five had to settle for silver medals.

Lazenga was the most recent, as he lost to Chartiers Valley's Matt Wilps in last year's finals.Bethel Park carries top ranking in Class AAA into new year