Bears' Servian anxious for rematch

by Mike Kuhns

Posted on February 1, 2008

Chris Servian is staying put.

After weeks of contemplating a drop to 145 pounds, the Pleasant Valley senior wrestler has decided to remain at 152 for the upcoming postseason.

Servian's coach, Mark Getz, said one of his best wrestlers also has a new attitude following one of the toughest days of his senior year. Servian lost twice on Saturday, falling to Robbie Robinson of Pittston Area 6-3 and to Northampton's Jimmy Sheptock 6-2.

Tonight, Servian may get a rematch against Sheptock as No. 8 PV takes on the top-seeded Kids at 6 p.m. in the opening round of the District 11 Class AAA Duals at Freedom.

"We're going to definitely go for that matchup," said Getz, who will return to the bench tonight after serving a brief suspension.

Getz nor Pleasant Valley athletic director Jake Percey would comment on why the coach was suspended or for how long he was suspended. Percey did confirm that the coach would return to the team tonight.

Getz said Servian was a bit angry over the pair of losses last weekend and has come back with a new-found confidence. Servian has abandoned his attempt to make 145 for districts, and has decided to battle Sheptock and Easton's Colin Dailey, both expected to be top contenders, at 152 in the district tournament.

"He feels he's the man to beat there," Getz said of Servian, who will bid for his first state berth later this month. "He said, 'I'm going to beat both those kids.'"Š"Š"

Sheptock, Dailey (Servian has two close wins against him) and Servian are all very close in talent. Sheptock was seventh in the state at 140 last year, while Dailey finished eighth at 145.

Sheptock defeated Dailey 2-1 in overtime during their dual meet last week.

"They're all within one or two points of each other," Getz said. "Chris has confidence that he can beat Sheptock or Dailey."

It should be a great showdown and tonight's battle — if it happens between Servian and Sheptock — should have some implications on upcoming seedings for the district tournament.

"I think all three think they can win (the district title) and they should," Getz said.


Key notes for tonight
Northampton already owns a 57-15 win over the Bears, that coming on Saturday. The Kids are a heavy favorite again tonight and should not be tested against PV.

Getz said up to five starters may sit tonight, most notably sophomore Jordan Toledo. Toledo, who has yet to wrestle a bout at 103, is still expected to drop down a class soon. He won't wrestle there tonight because of a sore hamstring.

"He's been doing it pretty easily," Getz said of Toledo's drop to what will be 105. "He's eating right and doing all the right things."

Toledo's big test at 103 will be Nazareth freshman Zach Horan. The two have never wrestled.

"I think Jordan will be a big 103-pounder," Getz said. "He said his goal is to lose only five more bouts the rest of his career. That's a pretty big statement."

Getz also confirmed that the team has battled ringworm lately, forcing four starters to the bench tonight. Getz said the Bears will not wrestle starters at 103, 112, 189, 215 and 285 tonight.

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