Clay Gable entered the Class AAA 171-pound weight class of the PIAA Wrestling Championships as a medal contender and left it with the ultimate medal -- gold.
The Dallastown senior won the state championship with a dominating 16-1, 5:18 technical fall over Cedar Cliff junior Clint Morrison, his fourth consecutive dominating performance in Hershey's Giant Center over the three-day event. Gable gave up just four points, one reversal and two escapes, in earning the crown and complete his 39-4 dream season.
Gable, who only had one loss to a Pennsylvania wrestler this season, was named the Daily Record/Sunday News Div. I wrestler of the year for his efforts. He finished second in the District 3 championships after pinning his way to a sectional title. Gable also won tournament championships at the Nazareth and Dallastown Invitationals while making the finals of the Battle at the Beach (Del.). This completes his career with a 122-41 mark.
Spladle or cradle?
Spladle. It looks cooler.
Best practice partner?
Zach Oberlander, freshman year. We always had fun.
Warmup music?
Yes, but I take it off a little bit before (I wrestle). I don't want to get too excited. I listen to random stuff.
Favorite school subject?
Anatomy.
What do you think of your Bio II teacher?
He's alright. He knows what he's talking about sometimes.
Into any of those kind of social networking things like Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook. I get on it when I get home (from school) but I don't sit on it all night.
Favorite thing to do with Chilly (best friend and Wildcat wrestler Jon Childress)?
You never know what we'll get into. We'll just be sitting around, and one thing leads to another.
Worse practice ever?
When you're hurt, you normally get on exercise bike. You have to pedal as fast as it would go. Those were the worst. I couldn't walk after that.
Remember anything from your first official wrestling match in elementary school?
Going out not really knowing what was going on. I didn't even know I lost.
What was your first big meal after winning state championship?
Nothing. I've been on a diet after states to get some abs going for the summer.
Toughest YAIAA opponent in your four years?
Brian Polashuk from Spring Grove my freshman year, the year he won states. That was interesting. I was pretty much a tackling dummy for him for six minutes. Somehow I managed not to get tech falled. It was a miracle.
TV show(s) you hate to miss?
The Office, Desperate Housewives, Lost, and Prison Break.
Favorite type of music and favorite band?
I like all kinds of music -- country, Backstreet Boys, rap. I enjoy it all.
Least favorite type of music?
Heavy metal.
If you weren't a wrestler, what sport would you have focused on?
Football. I was a decent football player in ninth grade. I always think about not (playing in high school).
Who you have March Madness?
What's that? ... (explanation) ... I did a bracket in gym class I think.
First-period technical fall or 10-second pin?
Ten second pin. I like pinning people. It gets you off the mat faster.
Best wrestling memory behind winning a state crown?
Winning (the state championship) is not, in fact, my best wrestling memory. It's my freshman year when my team went to states. I'd rather go to states with a team. It was cool to bond as a team.
Where's your medal right now?
Hanging from a trophy in my room. It sat on my mouse cage until recently.
What's your mouse's name?
Simba.
Last book you read for pleasure? For school?
The last Harry Potter two summers ago. 'Grendel' by John Gardner in my British Literature class.
Best and worst thing about being a coach's son?
It makes me a better wrestler I suppose. ... The worst thing is he's on my case all the time.
Favorite ice cream and sundae topping?
Sprinkles on chocolate chip.
Handel's ice cream or Rita's ice?
Handel's. My friend Micah Bortner works there, and I like to support him.
Thing you wish you had a butler to do for you?
My homework. Everything to do with school.
Immediate future plans?"
Air Force Academy.
Any hidden talent?"
I don't have too many talents.
Do you have a nickname?
I like to call myself Claywulf. Some people call me that but it's not catching on as well as I had liked.
Any guilty-pleasure movie?
I don't mind chick flicks. I watch kids movies. I just watched 'Happy Never After' with my brother Brooks (age 6) and liked it.
Mountains or beach?
Mountains. I get sick of just sitting in the sand.




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