PIAA boys wrestling season preview 2024-25: Meet the Top 12 grapplers to watch in Butler County
Wrestling is a sport in which a competitor’s work, or lack there of, is put in the spotlight. Unlike many sports, a teammate can’t make up for one’s lack of focus or poor judgment on the mat.
Kase Chopp knows well the ups and downs that can come not only during a high school season, but also during a single bout. Each point scored, each false move and rally is there for everyone to see.
Butler High’s 152-pounder has learned not to rely simply on hope. He’s put the time in, on and off the mat, to make him a confident wrestler who can fall back on his own talent and experience to help him win matches. The senior is planning to have his arm raised quite a bit over the next few months.
“Who has outworked who, that’s what wrestling comes down to,” said Chopp, who is seven wins shy of 100 in his varsity career. “I have put a lot of work in, done everything the right way, and am excited to put my abilities on display.”
Chopp, who has been adept at taking down an opponent from the neutral position, has worked on taking control of a match from the top and bottom.
“As they say, ‘No stone unturned,’” Chopp said. “I’m now a more balanced wrestler. I want to win it all, definitely a WPIAL title and at least top four in the state.”
Chopp is one of a number of Butler County wrestlers who could have a banner season. The following are some of the top wrestlers to watch this season, listed alphabetically.
Compiled a 21-6 record last year, lost in a WPIAL Class 2A pigtail match.
“Angelo has a great natural feel for wrestling,” North coach Darin Lyles said. “He generally knows how to do just about every move out there and can pick up quickly on those he’s not super-familiar with.”
93-31 career record, including 35-9 last year with 24 pins. Won a section title in February and placed fourth at WPIAL Class 3A, went 1-2 at states.
"He's been a very steady contributor for three years. He has high-scoring capabilities and can put someone on their back in a split second, is explosive and exciting to watch," Butler coach Scott Stoner said.
Was 24-5 last year before an injury ended his season.
“He was just three pins shy of breaking the program’s single-season record (of 20) when he suffered a knee injury,” Knoch coach JB Orris said. "He told me at practice the other day, ‘Coach, I gotta get it this year.'"
31-11 last year, won section title, reached second round of WPIALs (3A).
“Liam is great on his feet, and he took down some of the best wrestlers in the state,” Mars coach Ben Rings said. “I think he can end up on the podium in March. That’s a realistic goal if he stays healthy.”
Went 26-11 last year and placed seventh at WPIALs (3A).
"Since last season ended, he's dedicated himself to improving, spending a lot of time in club and at tournaments,“ SV coach Kevin Wildrick said. ”He's focusing on adding variety to his repertoire and is ready to take the next step."
38-30 career record, went 25-14 last year. Was runner-up in section (3A).
"We compete in a 12-team section, so it was a good showing for Leo last year,“ Stoner said. ”As an upperclassman, he creates a lot of energy on the team. He tries to break his opponent mentally."
Went 25-9 last year, placed fourth in section and went 2-2 at WPIALs. Was not pinned as a sophomore.
"Owen is good on his feet, but he also works very hard,“ Orris said. ”That's the difference between him and a lot of the kids he wrestles."
70-45 career record and went 20-15 last year. Three-time WPIAL (3A) qualifier.
"He competed the entire season last year with a torn labrum,“ Stoner said. ”He's back and healthy."
Went 25-16 as a freshman, placed sixth in District 10 (2A).
“I think that improvement-wise, it’s just working on the explosiveness and chaining moves together in a sequence a bit faster,” Slippery Rock coach Denton Zeronas said.
78-6 career record, including 38-3 in 2023-24 with 19 pins. Won gold at WPIALs (3A) and finished sixth at states. Has committed to wrestle at Pitt.
"He does a lot of things that defy conventionality with his offensive and defensive strategies,“ Stoner said. ”They are things I can't coach him to do and it concerns me at times, but it's only burned him once or twice in two years. He has not lost in any regular season tournaments."
Was 30-13 last year, placed fourth in District 10 (2A).
“Zac is comfortable just about anywhere and against anyone,” Zeronas said. “He’s good at reading positions and adjusting his wide-move set to slow down his opponent and work toward where he wants the match pace to go.”
Was 26-12 last year and placed fifth in WPIAL (2A).
“He’s very strong for his size, has great upper-body strength,” Lyles said. “He gets in great cardio work as a member of the cross country team.”
