Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic: Ohio's Stieber follows older brother's path
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Hunter Stieber attended the 2010 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic as a spectator.
Stieber, a senior at Monroeville High School in Ohio, will return to Pitt's Fitzgerald Field House March 27 for the 2011 Classic as a participant.
Stieber, a three-time Ohio state champion, will follow in the footsteps of his older brother, Logan, who wrestled on the United States All-Star Team last year.
Logan, a four-time Ohio state champion, has moved on to Ohio State. Hunter will have a chance to match his brother's accomplishment when he participates in the Ohio state tournament the first weekend of March.
"It wasn't a complete surprise, since they picked Logan last year, but it's still a great honor to be chosen," said Hunter, who will take a 41-0 record at 135 pounds into section tournaments this weekend. "However, I was a little surprised to see that my best friend was also chosen."
Monroeville teammate Cam Tessari, another three-time state champion, competing at 140, also will wrestle in the Classic.
"Cam and I have been wrestling since we were in first grade," Stieber said. "Our mothers were best friends in high school, so I've known Cam for as long as I can remember."
Stieber entered the week with a 182-2 career record; Tessari has a 177-6 mark.
"A lot of people are making a big deal about the possibility of Monroeville having three four-time champions in two years," Tessari said. "It would be amazing for a school our size to have three four-time state champions."
And how small is Monroeville.
"We have only one stop light in the entire town," Tessari said. "Our town has a population of fewer than 1,300. It's a small town, but we're fortunate to have a strong wrestling program."
Stieber and Tessari have decided to join Logan Stieber at Ohio State next year.
"I didn't pick Ohio State because my brother was there, but having him there made my decision a little easier," Stieber said. "I was very impressed with the campus, the coaching staff, and the current wrestlers."
Tessari agreed. "I love the coaches. They know what it takes to get to the next level."
Logan Stieber took a medical redshirt this season because of a hand injury.
The Pennsylvania All-Star Team will not be chosen until after the PIAA tournament.
"It doesn't matter who I wrestle," Stieber said. "I'll just have to wait and see who they pick. I'm just glad to have been chosen."
The United States All-Star Team will face the Pennsylvania All-Stars in the 6 p.m. feature match. A team of WPIAL All-Stars will face the Michigan All-Stars in the 4 p.m. preliminary match.
The Classic is produced and sponsored by the Post-Gazette Dapper Dan Charities and local volunteers. Proceeds from the Classic support a youth wrestling program for inner-city children through the Dapper Dan Youth Sports Leagues at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania.
Tickets can be purchased at Wright Automotive Group on Route 19, Monroeville Chrysler Jeep, Canon McMillan High School, or by calling the Dapper Dan Charities at 412-263-3850. For more information about the Wrestling Classic or to order tickets, visit www.wrestlingclassic.com.
First Published February 18, 2011 12:00 am
