Over the summer, Nick Petolicchio ran into a former wrestling coach at the grocery store who inquired about his future plans. "What are you doing with your

Nate Reinharg controls Sean Williams during Upper Perk's  64-6 win over Upper Merion.  Geinharg scored a second-per- iod fall at 132 pounds.

life?" the youth coach asked Petolicchio.

            The man asked if Petolicchio, who is home schooled, would consider filling the heavyweight class on Upper Perkiomen's wrestling team. The student didn't need much convincing to accept the offer.

            "I had gotten pretty bored with what I was doing," Petolicchio said. "And I really wanted to compete again."

            Petolicchio, who hasn't wrestled since sixth grade, has become a consistent scorer for the Indians. Last week, he registered his fourth pin of the season in a 64-6 victory over Upper Merion. The junior needed just 47 seconds to defeat Treymayne Brown. According to Petolicchio, Brown charged at him and attempted to execute a throw.

            "He didn't get it in right," Petolicchio said. "So I caught him in a bear hug and took him down."

            The Indians won every bout in the Pioneer Athletic Conference match except for a forfeit at 195 pounds and a double forfeit at 220 pounds.

            Matt Martin (113) Nate Reinhart (132) Gavin Marks (138), Soren Svanson (170) and Austin DiDomenico (182) each won by fall. 

            Keaton Durning registered a 10-0 major decision over Johnathan Baez at 145. Mike Milkowich posted a 9-4 victory over Ayden Cheng at 126. Daniel Hawkins hung on for a 4-3 win over Eduardo Lozada at 160.

            Despite not wrestling since 6th grade, Petolicchio (7-10) is rounding into form, according to head coach Steve Adam. He said the Green Lane resident, who skipped eighth grade, is slowly adapting to competing in the heaviest weight class.

            When he last wrestled for the Upper Perk Braves, Petolicchio competed at 150 pounds. At his current weight of 250, he often faces opponents 30 pounds heavier. According to Adam, he is learning to abide by the three back rules of heavyweights: maintain a slow tempo, don't take any risky chances early in the match and when you're taken down to just fall to your stomach.

"Heavyweights have a totally different style than every other weight," he said. "They are like dancing bears. Nick is getting better at that style."

            Petolicchio, 16, who has played the tuba and the trumpet in Upper Perkiomen's marching band, started practice eager to succeed, according to the coach. He said the wrestler also displayed athletic attributes and the necessary fundamentals.

            "In the practice room, Nick does all the calisthenics," Adam said. "He doesn't want me to give him any exemptions."

            Two victories at the District One Class 3A North Tournament would be a significant accomplishment, according to the coach. Adam said he would "love to see" the wrestler on the medal stand.

            "A district championship would be nice," Petolicchio said. But whatever happens, happens. That's how I live my life."