HERSHEY — Two weeks ago in the District 11 final, Tri-Valley’s Sammy Hepler wrestled a passive, uninspired bout.
He lost 3-2 to Pen Argyl’s Chase Anklam.
Hepler, though, learns quickly from his mistakes. From the first whistle at regionals, Hepler hasn’t stopped attacking.
The sophomore 126-pounder hasn’t lost, either, rolling off five straight wins — including three falls and a major decision.
“Coaches (Ty) Rothermel, Dino (Steve Donofrio) and (Dave) Boltz just said, ‘Have fun.’ That’s what I’ve been doing these last two weeks, and it’s been working,’’ Hepler said.
He must have had a blast in Thursday morning’s session at the PIAA Class AA Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center. Racking up five takedowns for a 13-5 lead, Hepler cradled Warrior Run’s Eric Hunt for the fall in 5:45.
“My coaches told me to move my feet and good things will happen,’’ Hepler said. “That’s what I did and scored a bunch of points there.
“I felt comfortable taking him down on my feet so I wasn’t worried about cutting him (loose).’’
Hepler (38-6) advances to meet Bedford’s Jonathan Gabriel (27-3) in today’s 9 a.m. quarterfinals. The Southwest Regional runner-up edged Hepler 7-5 in the Bedford Tournament earlier this season.
“Now I get that rematch,’’ Hepler said. “Hopefully I can turn things around.’’
Hepler was one of seven area wrestlers who advanced to the quarterfinals. Joining him are Tri-Valley teammate Dan Scheib (220); North Schuylkill’s Alek Hummel (195) and Nate Gadinski (285); Jim Thorpe’s Kevan Gentile (106); Upper Dauphin’s Coy Campbell (113); and Panther Valley’s Rian Shubeck (195).
Tri-Valley’s Caleb Bordner (120), Anthony Snyder (152) and Hunter Harner (160); and Lehighton’s Connor Frey (182) dropped first-round bouts to fall into the second round of consolations.
Williams Valley’s Willy Girard (113), Tamaqua’s Dylan Rynkiewicz (138), Tri-Valley’s Chase Schaeffer (145) and Hamburg’s Ignacion Reynoso (182) won consolation bouts to stay alive in the tournament.
Panther Valley’s Darren Goida (126) and Ali Capobianco (138) and Williams Valley’s Matt Miller (160) lost twice and were eliminated. Goida won a preliminary bout, while the others went 0-2.
Hummel (43-1) and Gadinski (42-4) won at nearly the same time on adjacent mats. Hummel routed Ridgway’s Ryan Geyer 10-0, while Gadinski defeated Mount Pleasant’s Josh Lind 3-0 and Cameron County’s Jack Karsten 4-2.
Shubeck (30-4) advanced by forfeit because Greenville’s Zach Miller failed the pre-weigh-in skin check.
“Good for Rian, but you don’t want to see that with anyone,’’ Panther Valley coach Tim Robb said.
Scheib (33-11) fell behind early against Port Allegany’s Ethan Budd (31-2), but rallied to win 8-5. A takedown near the end of the second period got the momentum going Scheib’s way.
“I got it. First one,’’ Scheib said of his thoughts at the final buzzer. “I was very nervous.”
When did the butterflies go away?
“First whistle,’’ he said with a smile. “Don’t panic. (Confidence) builds as the match goes.’’
Gentile (41-1) looked right at home during his first-round bout, flattening Canton’s Dennis Route for the fall in 3:40. The win was the 99th of his career.
The final scramble went to Gentile, and when he puts opponents on their back, they seldom escape.
“More strength,’’ Gentile said of the difference during that scramble.
“I feel confident, but I was still really nervous,’’ he added. “It feels great. Stay confident and pay attention to one match at a time.’’
Campbell (33-7) controlled his bout on his feet against Lewisburg’s Brian Friery and cruised to an 8-4 decision.
Next up is Jamestown’s Faris Messai (32-1), the Northwest Regional champion. Messai and Campbell met in the second round of consolations last season at states.
Campbell built a 5-0 lead before Messai pulled off a reversal and a stunning fall. Messai went on to place seventh; Campbell went home without a medal.
“I wasn’t as nervous as I was last year,’’ Campbell said. “It’s kind of big when you get down on the bottom (of the arena) and start wrestling. It’s a different environment.’’
And against Massai?
“Just go out there and wrestle him hard, as hard as I can,’’ Campbell said. “Try to get the win.’’