Council Rock's Rappo off to good start on mat

Council Rock South's Matt Rappo is hoping to become the latest member of the family to win a PIAA State Class AAA wrestling title. He's off to a good start.

Rappo pinned Dan Neff of Solanco in 1 minute, 31 seconds at 125 pounds to win his first bout at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pa., yesterday.

Rappo's brother Rick won a title at 103 pounds in 2004, brother Mike won titles in 2005 (119 pounds) and 2006 (130 pounds), and Mark took a title last year at 103 pounds.

Also winning was Mike Mathis of Central Bucks South (103); Dan Dortone of Springfield (Delaware County); Bubba McGinley of Central Bucks West and Jeremy Minich of Boyertown (112); Matt Malfaro of Boyertown and Zac Haynes of Council Rock North (119); Alex Pellicciotti of Boyertown, Matt Martoccio of Council Rock South and Mason Popham of Unionville (130); and Kyle Bove of Unionville (135).

Also: Colin McConnell of Pennridge (145); Jim Vollrath of Council Rock South and Nick Fuschino of Owen J. Roberts (152); Ed Shupe of Council Rock South and Devon Passman at Central Bucks East (160); Hunter Smith of West Chester Henderson (171); Andre Petroski of Springfield (Delaware County) and Jamie Callender of Council Rock North (189); Carl Buccholz of Great Valley and Scott Syrek of Owen J. Roberts (215); and David Osei of Abington, Jaredd Bennett of Upper Perkiomen and Alex Myers of Hatboro-Horsham (285).

In Class AA, Josh Smith of Octorara beat Ryan Burnheimer of Westmont Hilltop, 13-0, at 171 pounds.