Brennan Breisinger is one of a kind on the wrestling mat.
As an eighth grader on the Quaker Valley middle school team, Breisinger began the week of Jan. 29 with an unblemished 24-0 record — with 21 pins and three major decisions — and has placed first in the Allegheny County, MAC, Ellwood City and South Side Area tournaments.
QV’s middle school coach, David Werner, offered high praise for the spectacular 190-pound grappler.
“Brendan’s performance this year has been slowed only by injuries, but he finished the regular season undefeated,” Werner said. “That being said, after seeing him wrestle last year I expected nothing less than a great season. He finished second in the junior state tournament (last year), and I am sure he would like another shot at the wrestler who beat him in the finals.
“He easily placed first in the Allegheny County tournament held at Shaler High School. There were over 30 kids in his bracket, many from bigger schools. About 400 total kids participated in the tournament. This was a great accomplishment for Brennan but it was just the beginning. He is now preparing for the Norwin tournament on Feb. 16 and 17.”
As is the case with the majority of top-flight wrestlers, Breisinger’s tenacity and resolve stand above the crowd.
“Brennan’s biggest strength is his determination to improve every day,” Werner said. “He is a humble, quiet kid that lets his performance on the mat speak for him. He is a strong young man with great technique.
“He also helps the other wrestlers in the room improve by sharing his knowledge of different moves. And he is a very good student.”
The 13-year-old Breisinger started wrestling at age 8.
“My youth football coaches, Jeff Neff and Tom Eshenbaugh, thought I could do well after seeing me play football,” Breisinger said. “My dad wrestled in high school and that helped too.
“My goal for the last two years has been to be the first boy state champion in Quaker Valley history. I placed second last year and third before that.”
Breisinger still plays football as well as baseball. He’s played for QV on the gridiron since he was 8 and has been chosen as an all-star. He is a running back and middle linebacker.
His baseball career also is noteworthy. Breisinger plays third base or left field.
“I played for Beaver Valley Red baseball this past summer and we won the Cooperstown national tournament,” he said.
While Breisinger is the only undefeated wrestler at QV, several of his teammates are enjoying good seasons.
“Our middle school team is much improved this year,” Breisinger said. “We have consistently placed in the top 50% of the rankings at the team tournaments. I really like the guys and get to practice with them all the time.
“I also really appreciate the help I get from all my coaches — coach Dave (Werner), coach Chanz (Shearer), coach Donovan (Cutchember), and even our high school coach, Austin Heinl, has helped me on the side. I also would like to thank my mom and dad because they’ve driven me to all my practices and matches for the last six years.”
Other top wrestlers for the Quakers this season include Brendan Fitzgerald, who placed third at the MAC tournament and fourth in Allegheny County, and Tommy Minnock, who finished third at Ellwood City and fourth in the MAC event. Fitzgerald and Minnock began the week with winning records.
Another QV medalist at the MAC tournament was Graham Walker, who placed third in his weight class.
“Our whole team has improved,” Werner said. “Jackson Pacellio and Jack Bednarski are also having winning seasons.”
