Westmoreland County has an incredibly rich wrestling heritage, frequently producing elite grapplers who go on to achieve success at the highest levels of college competition. Very few wrestlers from the area boast the resume of Dayton Pitzer, however. Pitzer was nearly perfect during his career at Mount Pleasant Area, winning both WPIAL and PIAA titles in each of the three seasons he competed. Now in his third year with the University of Pittsburgh, he’s been instrumental to the Panthers’ success. Pitzer is in focus for this installment of the Westmoreland Alum Q&A.

Pitzer wasted little time in establishing himself as an elite wrestler at Mount Pleasant Area, as he went 43-1 as a freshman in the 2018-19 campaign. Competing at 182 pounds, Pitzer claimed the sectional crown. In the WPIAL Class AA Tournament, he scored an 8-4 decision against Ellwood City’s Austin Walley to win gold. Similarly, he advanced through the state bracket, defeating Freedom Area’s Bryson Miller via a 3-1 decision to capture first place. Despite Pitzer’s individual success, the Vikings went 4-6 overall, including 2-3 in Class AA Section 3B, missing the postseason.

The next year, Pitzer missed the season due to injury. In his absence, the Vikings went 6-7 overall, including 3-2 in Class AA Section 3B, making the team postseason. However, Mount Pleasant Area was ousted by Burgettstown in the first round.

Back on the mat in 2020-21, Pitzer moved up to 215 pounds and went 42-2 overall. He captured another section title, and followed up with WPIAL Class AA gold, as he bested Eli Reese of Knoch via fall in the first period. In the state bracket, Pitzer once again reigned supreme, as he ousted Montoursville’s Dylan Bennett by a 6-1 decision. The Vikings returned to the team playoffs, but lost to Quaker Valley in the quarterfinals.

As a senior in 2021-22, Pitzer had a historic season, going 45-0. Once more, he claimed the section title, and then repeated as WPIAL Class AA champion at 215, pinning Bentworth’s Vitali Daniels in the first round. In the PIAA tournament, Pitzer capped off his season with a first-period fall against West Perry’s Brad Morrison. Collectively, the Vikings returned to the WPIAL Class AA team playoffs, and defeated Jefferson-Morgan and Beth-Center. However, the Vikes fell to Burrell in the semifinals, and then lost to Burgettstown in the third-place match.

Pitzer concluded his prep career with a mark of 130-3, including 100 pins.

He elected to continue his career on the mat at the University of Pittsburgh, joining the Panthers for the 2022-23 season. He competed at 285 pounds, but preserved his redshirt. In limited action, he compiled a mark of 7-3. His efforts helped the Panthers achieve a record of 10-4 overall, including 4-1 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). In the conference tournament, the Panthers finished third, while they placed 22nd in the NCAA Wrestling Championships.

Last season, Pitzer earned a starting role, but battled injuries through the campaign. As a result, he went 12-7, placing third in the ACC Tournament. Consequently, he qualified for the NCAA Championships, where he won a match. Collectively, Pitt went 10-8 overall, and 2-3 in the ACC. In the conference tournament, the Panthers placed fourth, and finished 26th in the NCAA Wrestling Championships.

Now a redshirt sophomore, Pitzer has achieved a record of 9-2 in 2024-25. The Panthers have posted a mark of 9-3 overall, including 2-1 in ACC action.

Dayton dedicated time to answer questions about the pros and cons of wrestling at 285 pounds, the challenges of overcoming his injuries, and which legendary Westmoreland County wrestler he would’ve loved to have faced in his prime.

Q: How have you evaluated your performance this season?

A: I have been having a pretty good season so far; I am just trying to get better every day.

Q: What are your greatest attributes as a wrestler?

A: I would say my greatest attribute as a wrestler is having a leverage advantage.

Q: What are the pros and cons of wrestling at 285?

A: A pro of wrestling 285 is that I am able to eat as much as I want. A con of wrestling 285 is that most of the guys who I wrestle are bigger than me.

Q: How did you handle and overcome injuries last season?

A: I have great coaches and a training staff to help me through highs and lows. Injuries can be tough, but I just try to keep a positive mindset through it.

Q: What individual and team goals did you establish for this campaign?

A: My goals are to keep improving every day, push myself outside my comfort zone, and to compete freely.

Q: What led to your decision to attend Pitt?

A: My decision to attend Pitt was very easy - the great coaches, teammates, and strong academics; also, being close to home to spend time with my family.

Q: The Panthers have several WPIAL wrestlers on the roster. Which of your teammates did you know prior to college?

A: I knew many of my current teammates from wrestling tournaments when we were younger: Jared Kelsar, Mac Stout, and Jack Pletcher

Q: What is your major, and ideal future profession?

A: I am a communications major, with a minor in law and criminal justice. I would like to get into medical sales and own rental properties.

Q: What has been your favorite aspect of college outside of wrestling?

A: My favorite aspect of college is always being with my teammates.

Q: What was your fondest high school memory at Mount Pleasant Area?

A: Working out with Coach Snyder and Coach Mikeska.

Q: Your younger brother, Dylan, is a standout wrestler too. How have you impacted his career?

A: I just try to be there for him in any way he needs, and go to his football games and wrestling matches to cheer him on.

Q: Do you have any superstitions or rituals before, during, or after a match?

A: Before matches, I just try to relax and stay focused.

Q: If you could wrestle anyone, past or present, who would you choose? What would be the outcome?

A: If I could wrestle anyone, I would choose Rob Waller. I would say I would get the win in overtime by hitting a swift stutter double.

Q: If you could only eat one meal the rest of your life, what would it be?

A: Steak

Q: What is a little-known fact about you or a hidden talent you possess?

A: A fact about me is I love to hunt and fish when I am not wrestling.