A decade ago, Franklin Regional produced one of the most legendary wrestling teams in recent WPIAL memory. While this year’s version of the Panthers may not have a future Spencer Lee on the roster, Franklin Regional etched its place in wrestling history this winter by capturing the WPIAL Class 3A crown, the first team title in 10 years.

The Panthers enjoyed a strong showing during the regular season, claiming the Section 9 crown with a mark of 4-0. As a result, FR earned the No .2 seed and a pair of home matches in the postseason, defeating Moon Area 54-11 and North Allegheny 37-23. In the semifinals, the Panthers narrowly edged Thomas Jefferson 37-36, punching their ticket to the championship matchup.

With gold on the line, the Panthers upset top-seeded Connellsville Area 32-25 on Feb. 1 at Peters Township High School. Against the Falcons, the Panthers received falls by John Montgomery (189 pounds) and Max Firestine (145), major decisions by Mike Ruane (127) and Ethan Cartwright (172), and decisions courtesy of Beau Fennick (107), Titus Colangelo (114), Chase Smith (133), and Henry Patts (215).

As a result, the Panthers qualified for the PIAA Class 3A tournament. Franklin Regional opened the state playoffs with a 38-13 home victory against Norwin. In the quarterfinals, however, the Panthers fell to Nazareth, 32-29. In the consolation bracket, Franklin Regional overwhelmed Central Mountain 39-11, but lost 28-22 in a rematch against Connellsville Area to finish with a record of 19-2.

In addition to winning their third WPIAL team title in program history, the Panthers also captured the prestigious Westmoreland County Coaches Association (WCCA) team crown, compiling 247.5 points, ahead of runner-up Kiski Area, which totaled 210.5 points.

Because of their historic season, Franklin Regional wrestling is recognized as Shining Stars which earns the program a $500 donation courtesy of Smail Kia in Greensburg and the Westmoreland Sports Network.

ABOUT SHINING STARS: Shining Stars is a program formed by Westmoreland Sports Network and Smail Kia in Greensburg to recognize and support Westmoreland County student-athletes whose academics, community and athletic excellence shines the brightest. Two teams will be chosen as Shining Stars each season throughout the year with both receiving funding to assist their booster groups. The program has now donated over $12,000 to local teams.