Conwell-Egan's Robson provides uncommon leadership for wrestling program

Ask Conwell-Egan head wrestling coach Chuckie Connor about senior Charlie Robson and his first reaction is a laugh.

"I don't know who yells more at practice, Charlie or myself," Connor said. "He's the guy that stays on everybody and makes sure they're all working to get better in the wrestling room. I call him my enforcer, and that's a good thing.

"To have a vocal leader like that is just invaluable to a coach. I know we're all going to miss that next season."

Losing a Conwell-Egan wrestling standout

The Eagles, who dominated host La Salle High 37-19 on Tuesday night to win their fourth straight Philadelphia Catholic League title, will also greatly miss what Robson has done in competition.

Try a pair of PIAA Class 2A medals, thanks to a sixth-place Hershey finish as a sophomore and a fourth-place last season; 116 career wins and counting; and a significant part of the four straight PCL crowns.

"I'm so glad that I came to Conwell-Egan," said Robson, a Bensalem resident. "I have grown so much as a person and a wrestler, and the credit has to go to Chuckie.

"He's just an incredible coach and a better person and I've just been very fortunate to be around him."

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Conwell-Egan coach Chuckie Connor a legend

Connor, who is in his eighth season leading the Eagles, is a familiar name in wrestling circles.

A 1996 Pennsbury graduate, he went 84-1 over his last two seasons with his only loss coming in the PIAA Class 3A final as a junior. His senior year, Connor went 44-0 on the way to a PIAA title.

"Chuckie accomplished so much in wrestling and we're all learning from a coach that knows what it takes to succeed," Robson said. "That's why we've been able to win four straight (PCL) titles."

Reaching the top in Hershey

For Robson, who will wrestle at Delaware Valley University, reaching the top step of the podium in Hershey is the ultimate goal.

"Everybody at states is tough, but I'm shooting for the state title," Robson said. "I know what it's like there, and how you have to wrestle your best in every match because if you don't, you'll lose. I'm staying at 133 (pounds) and will give everything I have."

Unlike many wrestlers that cut weight and, at times, starve themselves to be able to compete in a lower weight class, Robson takes a different, and a more healthy approach.

"I wrestle at what I weigh," Robson said. "I don't cut weight and I'm able to eat what I want. I just feel better, and stronger, doing it that way and it has worked for me."

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One last hurrah for Conwell-Egan's Robson

For Connor, losing Robson along with a solid class of seniors won't be easy.

"Our senior class has been so good for us for four years," Connor said. "You can always count on those guys to come through.

"And, for Charlie, he has big goals for the rest of the season, as do a lot of our guys. Charlie already has two state medals and was fourth last year.

"He knows there are no gimmes at states and he's going to do everything he can to get on top of the podium."

Early PCL wrestling title match domination

As for the PCL title win over La Salle, the Eagles started strong and didn't stop.

Conwell-Egan, behind pins from senior Kevin Bagnell (114), sophomore Lukas Grodzki (127) and Robson (who bumped up to 139), won the first nine matches to jump out to an insurmountable 37-0 lead.

"Up and down the lineup, everyone really wrestled well," Connor said. "La Salle is a really strong team, but our guys were able to step up and I'm very happy for all of them."

Andrew Brennan highlighted the night for the Explorers with a pin at 285.

Philadelphia Catholic League Championship

Conwell-Egan 37, La Salle High 19

107 - Thomas Boyce (C-E) maj. dec. Jackson Hersh, 12-0;

114 - Kevin Bagnell (C-E) pinned Dominic Parenti, 1:26;

121 - Jeffrey Spofford (C-E) dec. Samuel Johnson, 6-4;

127 - Lukas Grodzki (C-E) pinned Aidan Buchanan, 5:20;

133 - Colin Walther (C-E) dec. Cole Trzeciak, 4-2;

139 - Charlie Robson (C-E) pinned Phillip Sodano, 1:50;

145 - Steven Harris (C-E) dec. Noah Ruibal, 7-0;

152 - Brian Shimp (C-E) dec. Luke Johnson, 6-2;

160 - Jordan Bentley (C-E) dec. Nick Colucci, 4-2;

172 - Jake Zadroga (L) maj. dec. Jake McGuigan, 10-0;

189 - George Higgins (L) won by forfeit;

215 - Cormac Morrissey (L) dec. Aiden Habas, 8-2;

285 - Andrew Brennan (L) pinned Connor Horger, 1:02.

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Drew Markol: dmarkol@theintell.com; @dmarkol

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Conwell-Egan senior wrestler Robson keeps everyone in line