Waynesburg Central grad Headlee competes in NCAA championships
PITTSBURGH — Things didn’t go according to plan for AC Headlee in his second appearance in the national tournament, but the Waynesburg Central graduate enjoyed the chance to compete in front of his family, friends and hometown fans on March 21 at the PPG Paints Arena.
Headlee (20-12) had his season come to a close in a 10-4 setback to South Fayette graduate and Illinois redshirt sophomore Mike Carr (14-7) in the second round of consolations at 141 pounds during last Friday morning’s third session. Headlee finished his redshirt junior campaign for the University of North Carolina at 20-12.
“I’m still kind of analyzing everything,” Headlee said. “Obviously, right now I am kind of feeling a little pissed off and embarrassed, but I am just trying to keep my head up. It was a really cool experience to wrestle so close to my hometown. I just saw my parents about 30 minutes ago. As a Pennsylvania native, it is really cool to see the biggest tournament in the world in our home state and city. If I had a say, I would have NCAAs here every year.
“I am a couple of years older than Mike (Carr), but we trained at the same club together at Qwest in Canonsburg and know each other. Right now, I am done wrestling in this tournament, so all I am focused on is to be a good teammate and supporting my teammates. I will be getting back at it pretty soon to prepare for next season.”
Headlee came out aggressive in the first period against Carr and was in on a single-leg attempt in the opening minute, but Carr was able to hold on for a stalemate. Carr attempted a single leg of his own that Headlee fought off before Carr took a 2-0 lead with 1:24 left when he finished a double leg. Headlee escaped but Carr finished off a single leg with a trip for a 4-1 advantage heading into the second.
“He (Headlee) finishes that shot early and it may be a whole different match but you never know,” UNC coach Coleman Scott said. “You have to take advantage of every opportunity you get. It was a big opportunity and we will learn from it. It’s all we can do.
“When you end the year with what you don’t want it’s definitely hard, but it doesn’t define who you are and who you are going to be. Having this hurt and turmoil is going to make you a better man at the end of the day, and it is going to take you a lot further in life than you can even imagine.”
Carr chose bottom to start the second, escaped and added a third takedown for a 7-1 lead. Headlee escaped to cut the deficit to five entering the third. Headlee added another escape in the third but Carr earned his fourth takedown with 1:09 remaining for a 9-3 advantage. Headlee scored another escape and Carr accumulated another point for riding time.
Scott was a national champion in 2008 at 133 and a four-time All-American at Oklahoma State under legendary coach John Smith. The former Cowboy also relishes the opportunity to catch up with his collegiate mentor.
“Coach Smith and I have caught up a lot,” Scott said. “He is one of the best coaches in the world and a big reason why I chose to attend Oklahoma State. To be able to learn from him as an athlete and as a coach is invaluable, and I am still learning from him. I was very fortunate to be in that situation and have that opportunity.”