Wrestling: Cenci Lands in Consolation Round

OXFORD-Phoenixville senior Ken Cenci’s journey to the squared ring of the Giant Center in Hershey at next week’s PIAA state tournament took an unexpected detour on Friday night.

Cenci, who entered the evening with a 35-3 record, never got on track as he battled hometown favorite Shawn Stewart of Kennett High School, and he could not overcome a second period reversal in a 4-0 loss in the first round of competition.

The consolation round of the PIAA class AAA Southeastern Regional Tournament, which started Saturday monrning at Oxford Area High School, will be Cenci’s new home for Saturday at least, as he will have to work his way through to a fourth place or better finish to qualify for the big dance next in Hershey as the top four places claim a state berth.

The trip to the medal round will begin as he faces off with West Chester Henderson senior Mark Muscari (33-8) who punched his ticket to the loser’s bracket by dropping his preliminary match to Quinton Bryant from Harry S. Truman. 

In reality, Cenci must win two matches on Saturday to advance to the states and can finish third overall in the Regional by winning three consecutive bouts.

Watch Phoenixville Patch for updates on Cenci's performance.