3 Warrior Wrestlers take the mats at Regionals

The+Warrior+Wrestlers+and+their+coaches.+%28From+left+to+right%29+Dave+Williamson%2C+Jacob+Shaw%2C+Tyler+Denochick%2C+Derek+Yingling%2C+Coach+Bainey%2C+George+Yingling+Photo+courtesy+of+West+Branch+Warriors+Wrestling.

The Warrior Wrestlers and their coaches. (From left to right) Dave Williamson, Jacob Shaw, Tyler Denochick, Derek Yingling, Coach Bainey, George Yingling Photo courtesy of West Branch Warriors Wrestling.

Elijah Williams, author

Qualifying Warrior Wrestlers took the mats at Altoona High School for the PIAA District VI Class AA Tournament. Out of these matches, 3 of our Warrior Wrestlers advanced to the Regional Tournament being held this Friday and Saturday (February 22-23) at IUP. Jake Shaw placed 3rd at 285 pounds at the district tournament. Tyler Denochick took 4th at 126 and Derek Yingling swept the whole competition taking the title of District VI Class AA Champion at 182 pounds.

I asked Derek how he feels to have made it to Regionals again. He responded, “I’m one step closer to making it to states.” He said that he owes it all to his coaches, family, and teammates. Derek also gave a message to future Warrior Wrestlers that strive to be like him, “Do the extra work even if you don’t want to”. Best of Luck from all of us at Warrior Watch.

Photo courtesy of Tara Yingling
Derek Yingling and his father with Yingling’s winning bracket