East Xtra: All-star program has eastern flavor
Share with others:
Burrell's Fantastic Foursome will make its final scholastic appearance Sunday at The Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic.
Travis McKillop will wrestle for the Pennsylvania All-Stars in the feature match against the United States All-Stars at 6 p.m.
Buccaneers teammates Dave Makara, Jeremy Landowski and Brian Beattie will compete for the WPIAL All-Stars in the preliminary match against Team Michigan at 4 p.m. at Pitt's Fitzgerald Fieldhouse.
"It's nice to have us four together at The Classic," Makara said. "We've been wrestling together for so long. It's a fitting way to end our careers. We're really looking forward to it."
Makara (148-33), a three-time WPIAL Class AA champ and three-time PIAA place-winner, is entered in the 130-pound weight class against Terry Turner (120-15), a Michigan Division I champion from Davison High School.
"My brothers wrestled in The Classic, so I'm very familiar with the format," said Makara, referring to his brothers, Joe (2003) and Jason (2005). "I've been to several Classics and always wondered what it would be like to be a participant. Now I'll get that chance."
Landowski (148-47), a four-time WPIAL Class AA place-winner, two-time WPIAL finalist and three-time PIAA place-winner, will follow Makara at 135 against Camryn Jackson (155-34), a University of Michigan recruit who is a two-time Michigan Division 2 champion.
"Wrestling in The Classic is a reward for what we were able to accomplish in our careers," Makara said. "It gives all of us a chance to finish our careers on a positive note."
Beattie (160-42), a four-time WPIAL Class AA place-winner, two-time WPIAL champ and three-time PIAA place-winner, will wrestle at 215 against Jacob Hampton (112-54), a Michigan Division 2 runner-up from Haslett High School.
McKillop (163-31) is a three-time PIAA place-winner and one-time champion who competes at 160. He has signed a letter of intent with Pitt-Johnstown. His opponent in the feature match is Bryce Hammond (157-14), a two-time California champion from Bakersfield High School. Hammond is a Cal State-Bakersfield recruit.
First Published March 24, 2011 12:00 am
