Seventh grader Lance N. traveled to Wilkes-Barre, Pa. March 26-27 to compete in the Pennsylvania Junior Wrestler State Championships and returned with a silver medal, second-place finish.

He earned this opportunity by winning first place at the Area VI Championships held in Meadville on March 20. At states, Lance competed in the 115 pound weight divison for 11-12-year-old boys. He took part in four matches, the fourth being the finals.

After wrestling and defeating his first three opponents, Lance faced Robert Kalin from Pine-Richland in the finals. The final score was Lance 1 and  Kalin 6. “I didn’t expect to get as far as I did, but I was still a little disappointed when I lost to Kalin,” Lance said. He added that he was thankful for how his friends and family supported him all the way.

Lance’s mother Liz said, “He did a great job, and we’re all very proud of him! It’s been great seeing him get this far, and I know he’ll progress even further in time.” The event took place at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre, and over 1,500 wrestlers competed in the two-day tournment. For more information about Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling and to see the complete results, visit www.pajw.org.