On Saturday Feb. 15 ,the Waynesburg Yellow Jackets wrestling team hosted the Presidents’ Athletic Conference wrestling championship. There was a total of five teams there including Hiram, Saint Vincent, Thiel, Washington and Jefferson, and Waynesburg. 

It was a long time for the wrestlers as wrestling started at 11 a.m and went till 5 p.m. Waynesburg had two wrestlers make it to the championship and one in the third-place bout. 

Sophomore Jessie Orbin had himself a day after having three matches to secure the PAC title. Orbin’s won his first match by major decision of a score of 12-1 over Charlie Mesich from Saint Vincent.  

“It feels awesome. For once I’m the bigger kid in the weight class. It is less of a physical match going down a weight class so now I can work on my technique.” Orbin said. 

Orbin won and became a PAC champion at the weight class of 174 pounds.  

“It feels amazing. I failed last year to become a champ. It’s something I have wanted since I lost it. It feels good to keep the momentum rolling.” Orbin said.  

Orbin is heading into the regional tournament with a strong mindset. 

“This week I am going to manage my weight and keep it light. Next week I plan on hitting it hard and keep the ball rolling down hill to become a national qualifier and get that all-American status,” Orbin said.  

Senior Seth Evans also wrestled in the championship round but came up short as he lost by fall in the second period. Senior Ayden Bishoff placed third in the tournament after being out for most of the season. 

Waynesburg coach Aaron McKinny was very pleased and proud of all his wrestlers this past weekend. 

“Being able to work with Jessie Orbin for the last couple of years and see him achieve one of his goals and becoming a PAC champion is definitely on the list of as a special moment for me.” McKinny said.  

Ayden Bishoff is another wrestler McKinney is extremely proud of.  

“Ayden put together a very strong performance this weekend coming back from injury. I think that speaks volumes about him and his willingness to by in and put the necessary work and his ability to continue to battle,” McKinny said.  

McKinny was awarded the PAC Coach of the Year award this past Saturday as well. 

“It was a great honor to be awarded the PAC Coach of the Year award. I do not feel I was the one that necessarily deserved taking the award home this past weekend but having the respect for my fellow coaches, colleagues and friend that had the voting power is something that means a great deal to me,” McKinny said.  

Waynesburg will head to Danville, VA on Feb, 28, through March 1, for the NCAA Region four Championship.