Chambersburg's Drew Peck makes his college decision - again
The area's most sought-after wrestling free agent is officially off the market - again.
Chambersburg's Drew Peck has committed to continue his wrestling career at the University of Virginia, a Division I program that competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Peck, the two-time P.O. Wrestler of the Year at 182 pounds, announced last September that he would attend Brown University and compete on the wrestling team, but was informed in January that his admissions offer had been rescinded due to several school suspensions from previous years.
So Peck was back on the hunt for another top-tier wrestling program to call home.
"This time around it was a really hard decision," said Peck, who entertained offers from UVA, Arizona State University and American University. "When I chose Brown it was an easy decision, it seemed like the best school. This time all three schools were awesome, I loved everything about them. It just came down to the academics at Virginia."
After his offer to Brown was rescinded, Bears coach Todd Beckerman helped Peck in the recruiting process to ensure he got another offer from a top school, but since the announcement came in the middle of his senior season, official visits were put on hold until after the PIAA tournament.
"(Beckerman) was really upset about the whole thing too. He wanted the best for me, and he was very helpful," Peck said. "(The recruiting process) took a lot longer than I wanted but it all worked out. I was one of the only people in my grade who didn't know where I was going, so it was pretty stressful."
Peck said he has a few options open to him at UVA, which is stacked with "hammers" in the 125-157 weight classes.
"Originally I was going to redshirt and get up to 197, but their starter at 174 has a back problem, and they just parted ways with their backup, so they don't have anyone at 174 right now," Peck said. "So the coaches said there's potential for me to walk in and start there next year."
Peck finished his career at Chambersburg with a 137-34 record, and holds the school record with 61 pins - 19 in his senior season alone.
In 2016-17 Peck won the Section III title, earned a District 3 championship and placed fourth at the PIAA tournament for the second straight year.
"The fact that we have such a tough schedule and go to so many tough places I get the best competition out there," Peck said. "I've already seen some national caliber guys, so it's very helpful to have Chambersburg help me like that."