Weightman captures WPIAL gold

By Dan Palm

MVI Sports

Belle Vernon Area sophomore Cole Weightman’s decision to move up in weight prior to the postseason paid off Saturday. 

Weightman, who went from 195 to the 220-pound weight division, won his first WPIAL Class 3A championship in big fashion, as the No. 2 seed defeated top-seeded John Meyers of Greensburg Salem, 10-2, in the 220-pound finals at Canon-McMillan High School. 

Meyers (29-1), a senior, entered the matchup undefeated.

“I think being able to accomplish this as a sophomore is amazing and I feel extremely blessed by everyone who has supported me this year and throughout my wrestling career,” Weightman said. “Moving to 220 was not a big deal for me. I had to talk it over with my coaches and father all season, and we thought the best fit for me would be for 220 because my weight was fluctuating.”

First-year Belle Vernon Area coach Bob Bove reiterated that the decision to bump Weightman up to 220 wasn’t a difficult one to make.

“I’m just happy for Cole. Moving to 220 pounds was something that was on our minds all year, so that really wasn’t that hard of a decision,” said Bove. “Last year, with all of Cole’s injury problems, it was frustrating for everyone. But he is such a coachable kid and listens to us both on and off the mat. He works hard every day and wants to get better, so we knew this was possible.”

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