Obviously, making a state final is an incredible feat, one only 78 of the thousands of wrestlers in the state of Pennsylvania get to experience. But the difference between winning and losing it is monumental, one area Class AAA finalist had the displeasure of experiencing on Saturday night.

Central Mountain’s Aiden Kunes put together an exceptional run and valiant effort in his final at 145 pounds, staying within striking distance until the closing whistle. But ultimately, that bout came and went without a gold medal.

Tough conclusion would be an understatement for the Wildcat. But fortunately, it isn’t his last chance to man the top of the podium at the Giant Center.

Kunes will have one more crack at a championship, andhaving experienced that heartache, he’s eager to see it through come next season.

Aiden Kunes of Central Mountain runs off the arena floor as he smiles and pumps his fist after defeating Myles Grossman of Gettysburg in their semi-final match during the PIAA State Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center in Hershey. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“I’m glad I proved to a lot of people that I belong,” said Kunes on his run. “There’s always room for improvement. So, I’m going to use this as motivation to keep getting better.”

Between his previous bouts against Kai Vielma and the run back in Saturday’s 145-pound AAA final, much remained the same. Despite working tirelessly on a game plan and putting in the time in the mat room to ensure a different result, Vielma’s defense – which surrendered one point through his entire run – just proved too difficult to overcome.

Following two periods where neither gained a point, Vielma scored a quick escape that forced Kunes to attack. The Connellsville junior was then able to get behind the Wildcat before tripping him up to his feet and getting him down to the mat.

Kunes pushed to avoid the takedown but it was in vain, as Vielma got him on his stomach before riding out the remaining time for the 4-0 decision.

“Just got to fix the little things,” said Kunes on the match. “More fakes, more level changes so I can get to my shots better and set them up. If I fix those little things, I win that match.”

Aiden Kunes of Central Mountain takes down Myles Grossman of Gettysburg in their semi-final match during the PIAA State Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center in Hershey. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

There were still positives to take away from the experience, outside of the obvious climb to be in that position.

In his first final in front of the Giant Center crowd, the experience of the moments, from walking out while being broadcasted on the jumbotron to the consistent roars of the fans, was certainly an exhilarating one. Kunes will look to get a chance to experience that again, this time on the winning end.

“The experience was nice, just would’ve been a lot better with gold,” said Kunes.

“Going from being a state qualifier a year ago to wrestling in the state finals, that’s a big jump,” said Central Mountain head coach Biff Walizer on Kunes. “It’s a testament to all the hard work that he’s put in, his dedication. Another year to go, so anxious to see where he can get himself for next year.”