Frank Martellotti is having an almost perfect senior season at Shady Side Academy, despite wrestling one of the strongest schedules in the WPIAL.

Martellotti opened the season with a third-place finish at the Ironman Tournament, which took place Dec. 11-12 at Ohio's Walsh Jesuit High School.

He followed that performance by claiming a title at the Powerade Christmas Tournament last week at Canon-McMillan High School.

"The Ironman Tournament is considered one of the two strongest tournaments in the country," Martellotti said. "The Powerade Tournament isn't far behind. The competition I faced at both tournaments will help me prepare for the postseason tournaments."

Martellotti captured his second Powerade Tournament title by dominating the 130-pound weight class. He recorded five victories, including a 10-4 win against Blue Mountain's Tyler Rauenzahn in the title match.

"It was much easier [wrestling in the finals] this year because I knew what to expect," Martellotti said. "I've trained very hard and felt very confident when I stepped on the mat."

Martellotti entered the week with a 22-1 record. His only setback was a 2-1 decision to Walsh Jesuit's Nate Skonieczny in the Ironman Tournament semifinals.

"I'm pretty much where I want to be at this time of the year," Martellotti said. "I just need to improve my conditioning and work on a few little things."

Martellotti was joined in the Powerade Tournament finals by teammate Matthew Cunningham, who was also a returning champion. Cunningham came up short, however, in his attempt to become a two-time champion after dropping a 4-2 decision to Central Dauphin's Kenny Courts in the 171-pound final.

Shady Side Academy finished sixth in the team standings and had five wrestlers place among the top eight in their weight classes. The other Indians place-winners were Geoff Alexander (third at 119), Nick Ciesielski (fourth at 285) and Phillip Elias (eighth at 112).

Shady Side Academy coach Tim Giel reached a milestone at the Valley Duals, which took place Saturday. Giel became the 15th coach in WPIAL history to reach the 300-win plateau. Giel, in his 27th season, has a 301-169 record.

Shaler doubled its pleasure at the Steve DeAugustino Holiday Classic, which took ppace last week at West Mifflin Area High School.

The Titans had two champions, Josh Fleming and Jamal Conroy. Fleming claimed the 171-pound title with a pin of Keystone Oaks' Michael Kazalas. Conroy won the 285-pound crown with a 3-1 victory against Yough's Jeff Isbell.

"Josh pinned three of his four opponents," Shaler coach Drew D'Agostino said. "Jamal had two pins and a major decision then dominated in the title match."

Conroy was a returning champion.

"Jamal beat [Laurel Highlands'] Eric Minerd in last year's title match," D'Agostino said. "Josh lost his second match last year and placed third after winning six matches in the consolation bracket."

Shaler finished sixth in the 25-team field at the DeAugustino Classic and had five wrestlers place among the top six in their weight class. The other three Titans place-winners were Josh Stagel (fourth at 125), Joe Jackson (fifth at 189) and Kevin Cavolic (fourth at 215)

North Allegheny placed seventh at the Manheim Christmas Tournament last week. The Tigers had two wrestlers advance to the finals, Greg Gaus and Alex Panormios.

Gaus claimed the 103-pound title with a 1-0 win against Jake Smith of Virginia's J.W. Robinson High. Panormios was pinned in the 285-pound final by Cumberland Valley's Travis Friend.

Gaus and Panormios were among seven Tigers wrestlers who placed among the top six in their weight classes. The other five place-winners were Nick Rodgers (third at 125), Kevin Monper (fifth at 135), Andy Candiello (third at 145), Seb Fischer (third at 189) and Dan Pegher (sixth at 215).

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