Armstrong County Represented in Youth Wrestling Championships

by Jonathan Weaver

A group of future Armstrong River Hawks wrestlers will represent central Armstrong County in a state wrestling championship this weekend in Erie.

Starting Friday, eight-year-old Kaleb Kinzey, of Ford City, eight-year-old Samuel Jacobs and his 10-year-old brother Connor, near Worthington, and 12-year-old Josh Cicero, of Kittanning, will wrestle in the Pennsylvania Junior Olympic Wrestling championships at Erie Insurance Arena.

Holly Jacobs’ sons – who attend West Hills schools - have been wrestling since kindergarten, under the coaching of their father, Jason.

Jason also wrestled for Central Cambria High in the early 1990’s while Holly – a Shaler graduate – was a wrestling manager and traveled with her school’s team.

Their personal experiences help Samuel (in the 65-pound class) and Connor (in the 85-pound class) after a tough match.

“Sometimes when they lose they get frustrated, but I always teach my boys that you learn more from your losses than you do from your wins,” Holly said. “You’re a better person when you lose because you learn what not to do the next time and how to be better.”

Connor competed at the State tournament in Hershey two years ago and Samuel in Erie last year.

“We’re hoping to come back with some medals this year. The top eight get a medal, but I think the top 22 from the state make (championships),” Holly said.

Britney Kinzey’s son, Kaleb, also became interested from his father’s influence.

Father, Mike, also wrestled at Burrell in the late-`90’s and is a coach for the team now.

Kaleb also has another brother who wrestles - Michael - and two who might begin wrestling as soon as next year – Trace and Liam.

All four boys won the Area 3 Championship in Mount Pleasant March 18-19. Area 3 includes school districts such as Franklin Regional, Kiski, Burrell, Greensburg Salem, Marion Center and Norwin.