Jul 2, 2024 2 min read

Bentworth’s Chris Vargo didn’t accomplish his ultimate goal of winning a state championship, but the senior, who attended Charleroi and wrestled for the Bearcats as part of a co-op, won his fourth regional title and third WPIAL gold medal.

Vargo was 41-3 in his final high school season and finished with a career record of 133-12, which included a 13-7 victory over nationally ranked Jax Forrest of Bishop McCort in the PIAA Southwest Regional finals at 127 pounds.

Forrest got the better of Vargo in the state finals the next week.

Vargo represented Team Pennsylvania in the 50th Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic against JJ McComas of Stillwater, Okla.

McComas edged Vargo 2-1 in double overtime at 127 to help lead the United States All-Stars to a 27-12 victory over Team Pennsylvania.

Vargo and McComas wrestled a scoreless first period before McComas scored an escape in the second. Vargo escaped in the third to send the match into sudden victory.

Following a scoreless minute in sudden victory, Vargo took bottom in the first 30-second rideout. McComas didn’t allow an escape or reversal but was given a stalling warning.

McComas escaped with roughly 10 seconds remaining in his portion of the rideout. Vargo pursued McComas and attempted a last-second attempt for the match-winning takedown but McComas held on.

Vargo was the first wrestler from Bentworth or Charleroi to wrestle in the main event at the Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic. His brother, Jonathan, competed for the WPIAL All-Stars at the Classic in 2019.

The win over Forrest was definitely the signature victory of Vargo’s career, but he had a strong showing in a 5-4 victory over Canon-McMillan’s Andrew Binni in the finals of the Tri-CADA tournament to avenge a loss to Binni the year before. Binni went on to place fourth in Class 3A at 127.

Vargo will continue his wrestling and academic careers at Edinboro.

HONOREES

Bodie Morgan, senior, Trinity

Mason Kernan, senior, Bethel Park

Andrew Binni, senior, Canon-McMillan

Jake Conroy, junior, Ringgold

Gaven Suica, senior, Burgettstown

Jorden Williams, senior, Chartiers-Houston

Bradeon Welsh, junior, Fort Cherry

Nicholas McGarrity, freshman, Peters Township

Joey Baronick, senior, Burgettstown

Vitali Daniels, senior, Burgettstown

Ky Szewczyk, senior, Waynesburg

Geno Calgaro, senior, Canon-McMillan