Gallery • 15 Photos

Terry McCaulley

Kyle Scott

In his third trip to the PIAA State AA Wrestling Championships in three years of high school wrestling, Tyrone junior Kyle Scott had his best finish yet, earning a fourth-place medal in one of the tournament’s toughest brackets.

As a freshman in 2023, Scott qualified with a third place in districts and second in regionals, but did not place in the state tournament. In his sophomore season, Scott took second in District 6, then fifth in the regional tournament, and found the podium in Hershey, securing 8th.

This year, Scott took second in the district and regional rounds, securing the third seed for the state tournament in 2025.

Scott opened the 2025 PIAA state tournament with an electric 19-3 tech fall over Emery Johnson of Reynolds High School.

The win moved Scott to the quarterfinals to face Tyler Ulrich of Warrior Run High School.

Scott wrestled hard, earning a major decision 10-2 victory.

Scott then found himself in unfamiliar territory in the state semifinals, facing Adam Waters of Faith Christian Academy. Waters is ranked third nationally at his weight class.

Scott wrestled tough, but Waters was too skilled, defeating Scott for his first loss of the tournament and sending him to the consolation rounds.

“It was fun. I was scrapping. He’s the best in the country,” said Scott when talking to the Altoona Mirror.

Scott then faced off against Easton Belifore in his first consolation match.

The winner of the match would go on to wrestle for third place.

Scott wrestled aggressively, defeating Belifore in a 12-0 major victory, sending Scott to the third place bout.

Scott was excited for his chance at a third-place state medal; however, Aiden Bliss of Port Allegany pulled off the upset, sending Scott to the fourth-place podium.

Scott and Bliss were tied 5-5 when Bliss caught Scott on his back, and it was over from there. The bout ended in an 11-5 minor decision loss for Scott.

“He got caught in the last second,” Tyrone coach Quentin Wright said. “Sometimes one little mistake can change the whole match. He had a great tournament. I’m really proud of the way he wrestled.”

With that loss, Scott took home his best finish in the state tournament, finishing in 4th place. However, Scott was disappointed that he didn’t win his last bout.

“In my heart, I don’t think I’m fourth. I think I’m third,” Scott said, “but it was just the wrong place at the wrong time. It was a good tournament. I had a lot of fun. I love wrestling, so I can’t complain.” Scott said.

Fortunately for Scott, who is just a junior, he will have one more chance next year to climb the podium at one of the toughest tournaments in the country.