When the District XI AAA wrestling tournament concluded, Matt Bonshak once again earned a spot into the regional round that begins this weekend.

Bonshak finished third at 160, registering falls in each of his three wins to guarantee him a return trip to Liberty's Memorial Gymnasium to defend his title. His defense of his district crown was thwarted by Northampton's Bobby Fehr in the semifinals, losing 5-2 in a tough, defensive battle.

Bonshak defeated Fehr 8-6 in their prior meeting during the season, and he knew their rematch would be another close bout.

The senior found himself trailing 3-1 heading into the final period, but an escape closed the gap to 3-2.

With time winding down, Bonshak had to take some shots, but the savvy Fehr was able to counter with a takedown of his own, cementing the 5-2 win.

While he wasn't able to repeat as district champion, Bonshak felt he wrestled well against Fehr and is looking forward to having another chance to make it into the top spot of the podium.

"I wrestled a good match," said Bonshak who now has a bronze medal to go along with his gold. "He was very defensive the whole match, and being close late, I forced some shots, and he countered."

Bonshak kept his weekend in perspective, making sure he was able to secure a berth into the regional round even if he wasn't going to repeat as the 160 champ.

"Overall, I was pleased with my performance," said Bonshak. "It was hard losing in the semifinals and having to watch the Parade of Champions. I tried to stay positive and wrestle my way back."

Next week offers the senior another chance. Another opportunity. The eventual winner at 160 was Easton's Evan Disora who defeated Fehr 3-1. With that in mind, Bonshak feels the regional title is within his grasp.

"My goal is to still win this tournament," said Bonshak. "I think I have the right mindset to go out and wrestle the best you can, and the results will take care of themselves."

Zephyr head coach Tim Cunningham applauded Bonshak's performance.

"He had a very dominant performance throughout the weekend, pinning all his opponents, other than his very tough close loss in the semi-finals," said Cunningham. "Throughout the weekend Matt represented Whitehall with class, he won and lost with class. After each of his matches, you would never know if he won or loss, because he shows class and integrity at all times."

Cunningham also believes that Bonshak will adapt as he prepares for the next round.

"I am sure he will get right in the wrestling room, study video with the coaching staff and try his best to make minor adjustments in the practice room necessary to improve for next weekends tournament," Cunningham said.

Bonshak was the lone Zephyr to make it to the regional tourney. Cunningham was optimistic heading into the weekend, but the Zephs couldn't push anyone else through despite their strong effort among a talented field of wrestlers in the district.

They finished the tourney with 46.5 points, placing them 16th in the finals of the team standings. Parkland won the team title with 220.5 points.

Cunningham's wrestlers had worked hard in the run-up to the tourney, and leaving Bethlehem with only Bonshak advancing, was a tough pill to swallow.

"I was, as always, hoping for more wrestlers to advance to the regional tournament," said Cunningham. "This being said, it is a very tough road making it out of districts, and looking back at the way the wrestlers performed, some of them overachieved and others probably feel they underachieved.

"We always preach to perform to the best of your ability and never leave anything out on the mat. I think for some of our wrestlers this was a wake up call, and will now not only understand, but also make sure they put in the work required in the off season to stand on the medal stand in districts."

Cunningham said that getting the steps to make it onto the podium begin early.

"Champions in February and March are made in the offseason," said Cunningham. "As a coaching staff we are very proud of our wrestlers, and we feel they represent Whitehall School District in a positive manner on and off the mat. They work hard during the season in the wrestling room and the classroom. We have numerous high honor roll student-athletes and many on the honor roll, which show their dedication to be true student-athletes. They win and lose with class and show true sportsmanship at all times."

Bonshak echoed that sentiment.

"We were an inexperienced team, and from the beginning of the season to now, we've come so far," said Bonshak. "I'm really proud of these guys. It was tough, at the tournament, but we got better as a team and that's all you can ask for."