Intense, driven, and goal-oriented would all accurately describe the State College Area High School wrestling team that finished in second place in the PIAA State Wrestling Championships in Hershey.

Ron Pifer, in his first year as head coach of the Little Lions, guided the team to an 18-1 regular season record and the PIAA District 6 title. The wrestlers moved on to compete against the best teams in the state, and finished as the second best wrestling squad in all of Pennyslvania.

"These kids had a mission to be number one in the state, and I coached to that mentality," Pifer said.

The team also had five wrestlers compete in individual state competitions. Seniors Matt Storniolo and Nathan Galloway both captured individual state championships in the 145 pound and 152 pound weight classes, respectively. Both will be attending Penn State next year.

For Galloway, it was his third consecutive state championship, and he spoke about his most difficult match, one that went to double overtime in the quarterfinals of the tournament.

"I've never felt so much pressure, but my coaches told me that I could beat anybody," said Galloway.

Both wrestlers expressed extreme gratitude to their fellow teammates and coaches for their support.

"You don't get anywhere without the people around you," said Galloway.

Pifer credited much of the team's success to three of its senior leaders, Galloway, Storniolo, and senior Jeremy Hart. Hart made it to the semifinals, and finished third in the 160 pound weight class of the individual state competition.

"They were interested in accomplishing one thing, winning states," Pifer said.

Pifer said that each of the three leaders brought something different to the team, describing Storniolo as personable, Galloway as goal-oriented, and Hart as intense.

"I tried leading by example. I think we all had a good relationship with each other and with the coaching staff," said Storniolo.

Galloway and Storniolo will stay in the area next year, but Hart will be attending Cornell University. The wrestlers said they will miss their teammates and wrestling for State College Area High School, but are extremely excited to take the next step in their wrestling careers.

"I'm excited to come to Penn State next year and wrestle at the next level," said Galloway.