A visit with WPIAL wrestling champion Kurtis Phipps

Background Info: Kurtis Phipps is a junior at Norwin High School who is one of the top wrestlers in the WPIAL. Phipps won a WPIAL Class 3A title and placed seventh in the PIAA as a 106-pound freshman. He returned at 106 for his sophomore year and won a second WPIAL title and advanced to the PIAA finals before losing to Seneca Valley's Alejandro Herrera-Rondon. Phipps posted a 75-6 record in his first two seasons. He is now competing at 120 pounds and is ranked No. 1 in the WPIAL with a 23-2 record, which gives him a 98-8 career record. Phipps' brother Drew posted a 145-14 record in his four years with the Knights. Drew Phipps was also a two-time WPIAL champ and one-time PIAA runner-up.

Kurtis Phipps' WPIAL experience.
"I used to watch my brother at the WPIAL and PIAA tournaments. It was awesome to watch him win two WPIAL titles. And it hurt when he lost in the state finals. Watching him got me motivated. It showed me what was possible if I worked hard. Winning my WPIAL titles is a highlight of my career. There have been a lot of great wrestlers win WPIAL titles over the years. It's great to join that list. I would also like to be the next four-time WPIAL champ."

Phipps' PIAA experience.
"I got my first taste of the PIAA Tournament as a freshman and placed seventh. Last year, I made it to the finals before losing in the ultimate tiebreaker. It really hurt, especially since it happened to my brother too. It took a while for me to get over it. Then I started training even harder with the goal of winning a state title.

Phipps' thoughts on competition with his brother.
"We are competitive at everything, on and off the mat. I want to beat him in everything. We are tied with two WPIAL titles and we both made it to the state finals. I have a chance to top him in both categories. I also want to break Drew's school record for career wins.