Seneca Valley youth wrestlers who qualified for states include, front row from left: Riley Smith, Jackson Habel, Carter Temple, Decklan Murcko and Jimmy Long; back row: Dominic Mignanelli, Grey Rothrock, Branson May, Bryce Bereksazi, Jaxon Stevens and Zac Lockman. Not pictured: Mimi Skowronski and Cooper Beres. Submitted Photo

JACKSON TWP — Seneca Valley varsity wrestling has met with an abundance of success over the years, both individually and as a team.

But the vast majority of the wrestlers who have helped the Raiders become consistent winners began shedding blood, sweat and tears in the sport long before they reached the high school level.

The district’s youth and junior high teams usually turn in very good seasons, but achieved a notable distinction this year.

The programs combined to send 20 wrestlers to a pair of state championship events — the Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling and Keystone tournaments, both held in March. It’s the most grapplers SV has ever qualified in one season.

“It’s great to know what’s coming down the pike,” said SV varsity head coach Kevin Wildrick. “To have that amount of depth, that’s good news for wrestlers who will end up being the core of the varsity team a few years from now.”

A portion of this story is shared with you as a digital media exclusive. To read the full story and support our local, independent newsroom, please subscribe at butlereagle.com.