Wrestling Notebook: Schilling keeps Smith from captuing fourth WPIAL title

SMITH STUNNED: Greensburg Salem's Billy Smith's hopes of becoming the ninth four-time WPIAL/Southwest Regional wrestling champion were dashed by Shaler's D.J. Schilling in the Class AAA semifinals yesterday at Chartiers Valley.

Schilling defeated Smith by overtime rideout. The score was tied, 1-1, after regulation and an overtime period. Smith was unable to escape Schilling's grasp in the 30-second period and suffered his first loss of the season.

Smith, a three-time PIAA place-winner, did qualify for his fourth trip to Hershey by defeating North Allegheny's Jason Bader, 3-1, and Canon-McMillan's R.J. Quaresima, 3-2. He placed third. "I'm a little disappointed not winning the title," said Smith, who hampered by a sore left ankle. "The ankle hurt more than I let on. My goal was to qualify for the PIAA tournament. I achieved my goal, but I didn't wrestle well."

Smith's main goal is to win his first PIAA title, which he can do starting on Thursday.

WALLER HONORED: Mt. Pleasant Coach Rob Waller was named Class AAA Coach of the Year. He was honored before the Southwest Regional finals. Waller is also one of five people that will be inducted into the Southwestern Pennsylvania Wrestling Hall of Fame at the Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic March 14.

Others being inducted are the Marshall brothers - Floyd and Robert, Pitt coach Rande Stottlemyer and Stan Dziedzic. The Marshall brothers graduated from Burgettstown High School and Dziedczic won three College Division NCAA titles (1970-72).

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