Local Sports

Walley Places Third At Powerade Tournament

Ellwood City senior Austin Walley placed third at 195 pounds at the annual Powerade Wrestling Tournament at Canon McMillan High School. Walley used victories in his first three matches to advance to the semifinals on Saturday, only to suffer his only loss early by way of a major decision to Nicholas Feldman of Malvern Prep. Feldmen was later defeated by Luke Stout (Mt. Lebanon) in a 3-2 decision in the 195-pound championship. Walley secured his third-place finish with a 10-5 win over Brayden Roscosky of Kiski Area in the consolation match. The stacked 54-team tournament featured seven returning Powerade champions,…


Ellwood Wrestling Victorious; Walley Collects 100th Career Win

The Ellwood City Wolverine wrestling team improved to 2-0 in the Section and 2-0 Overall on Thursday with a 48-15 victory over the Beaver Bobcats. Austin Walley, a Bucknell University commit, recorded the 100th win of his career with a 22-second fall.  Also winning for Ellwood were Ben Gallenz, Matt King, Damon Bumgadner, Michael Swesey, Antonio Perez, Billy D’Zio, and Rodney Grymes. Full results: 106: Ben Gallenz (ECH) over (BAH) (For.) 113: Double Forfeit 120: John Hall (BAH) over (ECH) (For.) 126: Double Forfeit 132: Matt King (ECH) over (BAH) (For.) 138: Damon Bumgardner (ECH) over (BAH) (For.) 145: Alec…


EC Boys Basketball Defeat Lions, Fall to Vikings; Riverside Falls at Buzzer

The Ellwood City boys basketball team split two games this week, while Riverside boys team fell on a last second shot to Neshannock. For the Wolverines, coming off its upset road victory over Aliquippa last Friday, two home games netted a victory over New Brighton on Tuesday and a home defeat to Hopewell on Wednesday.  A high powered scoring attack netted the victory on Tuesday that stretched the Wolverine win streak to three games. On Tuesday, sophomores Steve Antuono and Alexander Roth combined to score 40 of the team’s 50 points in Ellwood City’s 50-40 victory over New Brighton. The…


Wolverines Stun Aliquippa On Road, Win 51-50

In what comes as a surprise to many, but also may be a sign of things to come, the young Wolverines boys basketball team stunned and upset Aliquippa Friday night, winning 51-50 on the road. Sophomore Alexander Roth led all scorers, finishing with four 3-pointers and 22 points, to lead the Wolverines in their come from behind victory. Ellwood City, who trailed 26-22 at halftime, outscored Aliquippa 18-11 in the final frame and cemented the one point victory with clutch free throw shooting late. Roth scored 10 points in the pivotal fourth quarter. Junior Ryan Gibbons collected all four of…


PART 2: High School Basketball Athlete Q&A; Boys Basketball

When the temperature drops and the roads become white with snow, school athletics turn to the great indoors to continue their competitive play. Within the two schools that reside in our small town, one of the most prominent indoor sports is boys and girls basketball. To give our winter warrior athletes their time to shine, EllwoodCity.org has decided to sit down and provide a Q&A with selected basketball student/athletes from each school district. We conclude our two-part series recognizing the boy’s basketball teams and their respective student/athletes. To view part one of our series, CLICK HERE. ELLWOOD CITY WOLVERINE BOYS…


PART 1: High School Basketball Athlete Q&A; Girls Basketball

When the temperature drops and the roads become white with snow, school athletics turn to the great indoors to continue their competitive play. Within the two schools that reside in our small town, one of the most prominent indoor sports is boys and girls basketball. To give our winter warrior athletes their time to shine, EllwoodCity.org has decided to sit down and provide a Q&A with selected school district’s basketball student/athletes. We begin our two-part series recognizing the girls basketball teams, while part-two will feature the male athletes. ELLWOOD CITY LADY WOLVERINES Maria Ioanilli: Player Name: Maria Ioanilli, Forward Grade:…


Rozanski to Stay as Head Coach of Wolverine Softball

Gary Rozanski Jr. will remain the head coach of the girls varsity softball team at Lincoln High School. During the November 14th Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors meeting, a group of parents—many of whose children are involved in a youth program not affiliated with the district and have not been coached by Rozanski—demanded consideration of a new varsity softball coach. It was announced at the December 5 directors meeting that Rozanski will stay on as coach. Board President, Jennifer Tomon made the announcement. “We don’t discuss personnel,” she said, after visitor Bill Garroway questioned the board’s decision,…


Wrestlers Bring Home Four Medals In Weekend Tournament

The Ellwood City Wolverines wrestling team traveled to Hermitage on December 6 and 7 to compete in the 12th Annual Hickory Invitational Tournament which featured 24 teams competing. The team brought home four medals from the event: Ben Gallenz (Riverside High School competing on the Ellwood team through a co-operative agreement), 5th place, 106 pounds; Ryan Nazari, 8th place, 138 pounds; Austin Walley, first place, 195 pounds; and Rodney Grymes, 7th place, 220 pounds. Walley pinned Aidan Gardner (Redbank Valley) at 1:55 of the 195-pound final.  Walley as also named to the All-Academic Team Sponsored by Hermitage Education Association. Pictured…


PREVIEW: Tip-Off Tournaments Start Seasons For Local Basketball Teams

For the four area high school basketball teams tipping off their respective seasons this weekend, there will be a variety of ‘vibes’ for each team, nonetheless all looking to make their own improvements and reach the playoffs in the 2019-20 high school basketball season. Out of the local bunch, the Ellwood City girls basketball team (13-10) is coming off its best season in 15 years. The Wolverines reached the WPIAL playoffs for the first time in four seasons and return five of their top seven players, including junior forward Maria Ioanilli. “We’re coming off our most wins in over 15…


LHS Graduate Botti Named PAC Rookie of the Week

GREENVILLE, Pa. – Westminster College freshman defensive back Luca Botti (Ellwood City, PA / Ellwood City) was named the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) Rookie of the Week. The 6′ 2″ 170-pound redshirt freshman had a team-high seven tackles (7 solo) and a pair of pass breakups for Westminster in its 28-25 win over Geneva Saturday. (Read Full Game Recap) Botti has 16 tackles in six regular season game appearances this year. The Titans will travel to SUNY Morrisville in Morrisville, New York on Saturday, November 23 to compete in the Clayton Chapman Bowl. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. Westminster…