Tyrone wrestler Hunter Walk became the first Tyrone wrestler to make the podium at the PIAA state wrestling championships in almost a decade.  Walk placed sixth. The last Tyrone wrestler to do so was Dylan Weston in 2012, who also placed sixth.

“The experience overall was awesome, I went last year but I’d have to say this year was even better,” said Walk.

Walk’s state tournament did not start well for him as he lost his first bout 9-4 to freshman Scott Johnson of Muncy (41-2) and was put into the consolation bracket. That send Walk into the consolation bracket.

In his next bout he beat Zeke Dubler of Glendale 7-2.

Next was a 10-2 win over Easton Toth of Forest Hills.  It was Walk and Toth’s third bout of the post season.  Toth had defeated Walk at districts, and Walk returned the favor to Toth at Regionals.

Walk then defeated Connor Brown of Littlestown 1-0 rto make it to the medal rounds.

Walk then lost to Brett Ungar from Notre Dame GP, which set him up for a match for 5th place with Kai Burkett of Chestnut Ridge, which Walk lost 5-1.’

In total Walk wrestled around forty-eight matches this year. Seven of those matches he wrestled at states. On Friday he wrestled four matches in one day. Walk wrestled last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday while most people watched online.

Throughout the school, teachers turned on their smart boards and the students watched Hunter wrestle.

Walk said that he was very pleased with his performance this year and hopes next year he can come back with a gold medal and wants to get his one hundredth career win.

“Knowing that will really give me momentum for next year and help me strive to win states,” said Walk.

Two coaches were with Hunter through states the whole time. Head Coach Terry Tate accompanied Hunter through his matches and was very pleased with this performances.

“He’s a great kid and is always finding ways to improve himself and he’s always working hard. He’s a student of the game,” said Tate.

Wrestling season is now over for Walk but he is still remaining in shape and proud of his performance.

The only thing Walk said he missed was being able to eat anything he wants.