Griffin Gonzalez is steadily and methodically piecing together quite a scholastic wrestling career. His roots are an important foundation, a jumping off point to his potential.

 But make no mistake about the fact that Gonzalez has bigger fish to fry.

 On Saturday at Manheim Township High School, the Lebanon High standout captured his third Lancaster-Lebanon League individual wrestling championship. In the final bout in the 152-pound weight class, Gonzalez nudged Michael Trainor of Octorara, 8-5.

 Gonzalez entered the final period against Trainor trailing 4-3, before outscoring him 5-1. Gonzalez had reached the championship bout at 152 courtesy of a 4-2 decision over Austin Brass of Ephrata in the semifinals.

 For the event, Gonzalez compiled a 4-0 mark to push his overall record for the season to 31-1.

 Gonzalez’s Lancaster-Lebanon League outing will prepare him well for the bigger postseason tournaments on the horizon, like the District Three Class AAA championships and quite possibly the PIAA Championships.

 – Jeff Falk