Join the Journey: Sipes Aims to Make History in Altoona’s Wrestling Scene

Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski
Altoona 145 pounder Gavin Ciampoli faces Williamsport’s Jahki Burget.

By Todd Irwin

sports@altoonamirror.com

This Saturday, Altoona senior Luke Sipes will have the chance to create a lasting legacy at the District 6 Class 3A Tournament in the Altoona Fieldhouse.

Sipes holds the school record with 146 wins and is hoping to become just the fourth Mountain Lion to secure four District 6 Class 3A titles. He would join notable wrestlers Matt Sarbo, Cole Manley, and T.J. Brandt.

Currently ranked as the top seed at 160 pounds, Sipes (33-4) is stepping up a weight class this year. He doesn’t have to face last year’s tough competitor Parker Kearns from Mifflin County, and the second seed will be Bellefonte’s Noah Weaver (27-7).

“This is a great story,” said Altoona coach Joel Gilbert. “Getting four district titles is incredible. Luke is ready to put on a show and make this moment count.”

Sipes has consistently performed at a high level throughout his career, even against strong opponents. Coach Gilbert praised his character both on and off the mat.

This weekend’s schedule has been adjusted due to expected winter weather. The Class 2A and 3A tournaments will kick off a little earlier, with the Class 2A Tournament starting at 10:30 a.m. on Friday.

Wrestling gets underway at 9 a.m. on Saturday for 2A consolations and 3A quarterfinals. The semifinals for both classifications will begin at 10 a.m.

Everyone feels the excitement building. “This is what we prepare for all year,” said Hollidaysburg coach Christian Harr. “The postseason is where it really matters.”

Sipes’ close friend, Braiden Weaver, is also competing and aims to earn his third District 6 title. A potential finals match against Hollidaysburg’s second-seeded Landon Krupka could make for an exciting bout.

“Braiden is following in Sipes’ footsteps and is definitely a contender,” Gilbert noted. “If he focuses, he can perform exceptionally well.”

Altoona’s Gavin Ciampoli (27-9) is a top seed at 139 pounds. He will have to be careful of Mifflin County’s Kamden Everly, a returning runner-up.

“Ciampoli’s bracket might be tougher than others,” Gilbert said. “But he’s a skilled technician who knows how to score quickly.”

The Mountain Lions are also eyeing a team title, something they haven’t claimed since 1981. Gilbert believes his team has a shot if they can secure falls and place higher than their seeds.

The top three wrestlers in each weight class in Class 3A will advance to the new Western Regional competition later this month.

As the wrestlers gear up for the tournament, there’s a collective hope that they can achieve their goals and maybe bring home a team trophy.