Moments after losing his semifinal bout at the PIAA Class AAA wrestling championships Saturday in Hershey, Dustin Steffenino started up the Giant Center stands towards a cadre of well-wishers.

                The Upper Perkiomen senior appeared headed towards a conversation with his father, according to his coach Sam Walters.

                But before Steffenino could reach his destination, the coach steered them to a more remote location.  Walters didn't want the 113-pounder to receive consolation from friends and family. The coach said he didn't want Steffenino to lose his edge.  "Dustin was obviously upset," the coach said. "I didn't want him to be bombarded with, 'It will be alright.' It's not something a wrestler wants to hear at that moment."

                Sitting alone and watching the other matches, Walters gently reminded Steffenino not to give up. Few words were exchanged, according to the coach.  "I told Dustin to suck it up," Walters said. "At that point I figured he wasn't going to sulk, and that he wouldn't let some (inferior opponent) knock him off. He is a mentally tough kid with the will to win."

                Though a 5-3 loss to North Hills junior Gage Curry ended his bid for a state title, Steffenino responded with consecutive victories to finish third.  "I'm a little disappointed," he said. "I really wanted the gold, but I am happy with the way things turned out."

                Eric Miller, Upper Perkiomen's other state qualifier, lost his only two bouts at 138 pounds.  "Eric wrestled very well," Walters said. "He really can't complain. Both of his matches were winnable."

                Steffenino opened the tournament with a 3:45 pin of Hunter Zondory, of Jersey Shore, and a 7-0 decision over Warwick junior Devin Schnupp to reach the semifinals.

                With a berth in the gold medal bout at stake, Steffenino allowed a crucial takedown with five seconds left first period against Curry. 

                "A few simple mistakes cost me," Steffenino said. "I relaxed for just a second, and (Curry) took advantage."

                With approximately 90 minutes until his consolation semifinal, Steffenino said he tried not to dwell on the fact that his dream of winning a state title had ended.  "I was a little upset," he said. "But I knew I had to win the next match. So I wanted to build back up, dig deep and finish strong."

                After scoring a 40-second pin against Exeter sophomore Austin DeSanto, Steffenino outlasted Northamption sophomore Dan Moran 6-5 to clinch the bronze medal.  "I have no regrets about the season," said Steffenino, who won 25 consecutive matches and finished 39-2. "For the most part, I'm happy with the way my season ended. I wrestled my hardest in every match. I am bummed that my high school career is over."

                Miller lost both his matches Thursday. Initially, he dropped a 5-0 decision to Nazareth sophomore Travis Stefanik in the preliminary round. An 8-4 loss to Kyle Mallon, a senior from Father Judge, ended his season.  "I was hoping to win at least one match," Miller said. "But I am still happy that I got to go win still happy that got to go out there and enjoy the experience.

                "Qualifying for states is a great accomplishment. I enjoyed seeing my name on the Giant Center scoreboard. And it was good seeing Dustin finish third."