Solanco's Spiller advances to PIAA finals

After four years of taking incremental steps toward PIAA gold, Solanco's Bo Spiller is one final step away.

Spiller leapt the final hurdle to reach the gold-medal bout Saturday morning at the Hershey Giant Center, defeating Ryan Monk of Dallas Area by 3-0 decision in the AAA heavyweight semifinals.

Spiller celebrated the victory with a little extra gusto, having finished in fourth place a year ago at 220.

"I usually don't celebrate," Spiller said post-match, stopping to catch his breath more out of elation than tiredness. "I was just so pumped because he's a great kid, a great wrestler. I was just a little excited."

It was the third career meeting between Spiller (40-0) and Monk (37-5), and the result was the same as the previous two.

"He knows my style pretty well and I know his style," Spiller said. "It kind of slowed the match down a little. He's a great wrestler, it was a great match."

After Spiller's second period escape, Monk made the first move in attacking the legs of the Golden Mules senior. But Spiller countered, bringing down Monk instead.

"I felt comfortable going upper body there," Spiller said. "I kind of got the over under, got him off-balance, got a headlock and a takedown, which was the turning point in the match I believe."

The win pits Spiller against Andrew Dunn of Bethlehem Catholic, a 15-5 winner over Tommy Killoran of Boyertown and who, like Spiller, will come into the gold-medal bout undefeated.

The AAA finals are set for Saturday evening at 7:00 p.m.

"I'm going to relax and get my mind focused," Spiller said of the day-long wait for the finals. "It's what every kid dreams of. Everyone wants to be in this spot. I was really hoping to get (Dunn) in the finals, it'll be a great match. I think we'll put a great show on for the fans."