Here's the unabridged version -- with more questions and answers -- of the interview with Bermudian Springs' Rickey Schmelyun that appears in Friday's York Daily Record. He's our YAIAA Division II Wrestler of the Year.
By TOM HUNT
Daily Record/Sunday News
Bermudian Springs senior Rickey Schmelyun went into his senior season as a legitimate threat to walk away with a PIAA wrestling championship.
He ended the season with a gold medal around his neck, surrounded by other Class AA state champions posing for a team photo.
Schmelyun was on a mission from the start. The 140-pounder claimed titles at all four tournaments his Eagle team participated in during his 28-0 regular season. He led a young Bermudian squad to the YAIAA Division II crown and a spot in the District 3 Class AA Team Tournament semifinals, losing to eventual champion Boiling Springs.
In the postseason, Schmelyun, 92-12 for his career, was even better. He recorded three first-period falls to earn a sectional title. At districts, he dominated a semifinal matchup of unbeaten wrestlers, winning an 8-3 decision over Schuylkill Valley’s Dan Moist, before registering a 1:15 pin of Palmyra’s Ben Miller in the finals.
It was his second consecutive district crown. Another decision over Moist gave the lanky senior a second straight regional crown.
At the PIAA Championships, he was expected to be the main challenger to three-time champion Garrett Scott, a Penn State recruit looking for title No. 4. But the Juniata Valley senior was suspended from his school and withdrew from the state tournament. Schmelyun didn’t let talk of Scott get in the way of his quest. Two major decisions and a decision gave him a finals berth against Aaron Nestor of Reynolds.
In the championship match, Schmelyun built a 10-0 lead before Nestor, a former finalist, nearly pinned him. A bloody nose kept the Raider junior from completing the comeback. The 42-0 Schmelyun held on for a 10-8 victory and gave the Eagles their second PIAA champion.
The Daily Record/Sunday News Division II wrestler of the year recently grappled with these questions:
What was the score of the first organized match you remember, and how old were you?
I was 6. I’m pretty sure I got pinned. It was with the Hanover YMCA program.
When was the last time you were pinned, and what were the circumstances?
It was at states by (Wyalusing’s) Matt Fisk (sophomore year). He wanted the match to be over, and so it was.
What’s your favorite takedown move?
A straight double leg. It’s not real fancy; it’s the easiest way to take a guy down.
What would be your professional wrestling name?
Slick Rick. (I’d be a bad guy because) I wasn’t the crowd favorite all year, so I figure I’ll keep it that way.
What is the most weight you’ve lost in the shortest amount of time?
I might get in trouble for this one. Last offseason, two days before the Disney Duals (in Florida), I was 15 pounds over. I only had to make (weight) once.
What did you do between the semifinal round (Friday evening) and championship round (Saturday afternoon) of the PIAA championships?
We bought a movie on pay-per-view, "King Kong," Friday night. In the morning, I just got myself mentally ready because I knew that would be a big part of it.
What was your first meal as a state champion?
Chicken tenders and French fries at the Giant Center. Later, a steak at Applebee’s.
What’s your favorite sports movie and why?
"The Longest Yard" with Adam Sandler. I think that movie’s hilarious. I always liked the comedies.
Who was your high school role model in the sport?
Gary Mayfield (former Hanover state champion). He was always a good friend. I knew him since I first started wrestling.
What would you rather watch and why: an episode of Lost, an episode of American Idol or a wrestling instructional video?
Definitely not a wrestling instructional video. My dad used to sit me down to watch wrestling videos. I hated it. I remember sitting in the living room. He’d call me in, and I knew what it was. So I guess American Idol. House is probably the best show.
What are your future plans or goals for wrestling?
Bloomsburg University to wrestle in college, likely at 157 pounds. (He already coaches the younger kids in the Outlaws Wrestling Club, which is run out of his house.)
Spladle or cradle?
Spladle. I can’t cradle to save my life. I don’t know if I want to be in either one of them.
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