When you put on the Central Dauphin singlet, you are expected to win matches and do it in a big way.
Rams senior Austin Rose lived up to that billing during the opening round of the PIAA Wrestling Championships at Hershey's Giant Center.
Rose was dominant in the 152-pound bout. No, make that lights out in a 15-0 tech fall over Pocono Mountain East's Raymond Nicosia, a sixth-place finisher a year ago at 145. The match was stopped at 3:46.
"When I get the first takedown, I think I'm in pretty good shape no matter who I wrestle," Rose said.
"This builds a lot of confidence. Last year, I came in thinking I should be in the semifinals and lost in the first round."
Rose left nothing to chance.
Nicosia got in on an early single-leg shot, but Rose got a wide base and slipped a Jonesy along the edge for a five-point move.
That was all Rose needed. He took a 5-0 lead to the second period and turned it into a tech fall with a takedown and eight more near-fall points to close the match out.
"I think I was the underdog," Rose said. "He took sixth in his bracket last year, but I don't think about that stuff. I just do what I do and took advantage of what he gave me."
So did the rest of the Rams
Tyson Dippery earned his 181st win to tie Marshall Peppelman for most wins in Central Dauphin history. Garrett and Colton Peppelman also took care of their opponents in first round matches.
Garrett Peppelman took an early lead on General McLane's Ossie Bowers in his 160-pound bout and turned it into a 15-5 major decision.
"I started out well but made a mental mistake and gave up a dumb reversal," the defending 152-pound state champion said.
"My mindset changed. I went from going after him and scoring points to holding him off and getting the win."
Continued Peppelman, "You can't do that. I don't think my lungs were tired, I just wrestled tired. I think it's just nerves getting that first match in Giant Center. It was important to win and move on."
Colton Peppelman looked right at home in his surroundings during a 9-3 decision over Nazareth's Nicolino Sevi at 170.
The Rams senior will square off against undefeated Central Bucks South senior Dominic Rigous in the quarters.
"It's a nice experience being here," Peppelman said. "I think I'm more confident than some of the other guys because of being here for team states.
"It's allows me to wrestle and not worry about nerves. You just can't make a mistake or take anyone lightly. You have to take it slow and make sure you don't mess up."
Zach Elvin dropped a tough 5-3 first round decision to Avon Grove's Edgar Garcia. He bounced back in consolations and beat McDowell's Charlie Lenox by fall in overtime.
Austin Camacci came down with a virus and couldn't compete in the 113-pound bracket.
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