Published: March 29, 2008 11:49 pm      

Familiar name fronts All-Star banquet

SOMERSET — The Somerset County All-Star Wrestling Banquet is beginning to resemble the movie “Groundhog Day.”

The same scenario plays out over and over again: North Star is crowned the team champion and someone with the last name of Lascari walks off with the Outstanding Wrestler award.

It happened again Friday, as Joe Lascari joined brothers Sal, Chris and Tony as county’s top award winner and the Cougars again dominated the day. In addition to capturing the team championship for a sixth consecutive year, North Star’s Richard Baker and Aaron Delano shared the award for most falls with 16 apiece.

Joe Lascari finished fifth at 119 pounds in the PIAA Class AA tournament, guaranteeing him the award – which goes to the highest placing wrestler in Somerset County.

“It’s nice getting this and doing better than all the other wrestlers in the county,” he said, “but I’m more concerned about doing better at states and just going for first.”

Lascari, who went 37-9, is just a sophomore, meaning the family could end up with a few more Outstanding Wrestler awards.

“I think our family, we have had a lot of respect from wrestling fans,” he said. “We represent Somerset County well and do well for the whole county and make our team proud. Hopefully I can get this award next year and the next year to make it three.”

North Star went 15-10 overall but swept its Somerset County rivals. Coach Pat Berzonski could not attend the banquet, but assistant coach Lou Lepley said he thinks he knows Berzonksi’s thoughts on the season.

“I’m sure he was pleased in a lot of areas but disappointed in other areas. We thought going into the season we’d have a strong team that could compete for the District 5 team championship and possibly make another trip to Hershey (for the team duals),” Lepley said. “They battled all year and won the WestPAC title and, of course, the Somerset (championship). I’m sure he’s proud in that sense, but a little disappointed in the overall scheme of things.”

Joining Lascari on the all-star squad were North Star teammates John Mort, Logan Fleegle, Sam Zimmerman, Aaron Delano and Richard Baker.

Somerset had Vince Corden, Luke Lohr, Jimmy Pugh and Kyle Pucci on the team.

Tyler Baker, Tyler Crites and Phillip Shawley represented Berlin Brothersvalley while Shade had Brandon Mihelcic and Cody McDonald.

B.J. Heinrich was Conemaugh Township’s lone all-star while Kyle Dunmeyer represented Meyersdale.