It's a staggering streak.
Burrell's wrestling team has advanced to the WPIAL Class AA team championship match in each of the last six seasons, and a seventh trip appears within reach for the top-seeded Bucs.
Only one team in WPIAL history has competed in seven finals in a row. That was Class AAA powerhouse McGuffey (1993-99).
McGuffey could be getting some company this year.
The streak is a point of pride for Burrell wrestling.
"It's a strong statement about the standard of commitment and dedication of the kids we've had," said Burrell coach Chris Como.
"And it's great to be recognized among the great programs, like McGuffey and Jefferson Morgan back in the late 1980s and early '90s. To have our program held in the same esteem means a lot."
On Wednesday, Burrell will host quarterfinal matches at 6 p.m. and a semifinal match at 7:30 p.m. The final is scheduled for Saturday.
Burrell won its sixth section title in a row last week by defeating Shady Side Academy, 42-30. Shady Side, which has been dealing with a number of injuries, earned the No. 2 seed.
Last season, Burrell beat Shady Side, 36-26, in the WPIAL final. That was the Bucs' fourth WPIAL title (1997, 2004, '07, '08). Como's squad ended up capturing its first state championship the following week.
"Shady Side is a strong team," Como said. "It could be another rematch on Saturday."
Also in Class AA, local teams Valley and Kittanning will open playoff action in the first round at 7 tonight.
Valley will visit Mt. Pleasant, while Kittanning will take on Fort Cherry at Jefferson-Morgan High School.
Valley and Kittanning finished third and fourth, respectively, in Section 3-AA.
In the Class AAA playoffs, the local qualifiers, Kiski Area and Fox Chapel, will meet in the first round at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at Canon-McMillan High School. The winner will advance to the quarterfinals, which be at 7:30 that same night.
Kiski Area finished third in Section 1-AAA and claimed the No. 7 seed. Fox Chapel took second in Section 3-AAA and was given the No. 10 seed.
"We've gotten better as the season has gone along," Kiski Area coach Chuck Tursky said. "We have a real young team. Even when we went against (No. 5) Derry, we only lost to them by nine points. We got some respect."
Kiski Area has only two seniors in its starting lineup, but it has a strong group of juniors and sophomores.
Fox Chapel has enjoyed one of its best seasons in recent history and is looking to get past the first round. The Foxes have been stopped in the first round the past two seasons.
"We anticipate a very tough match," said Fox Chapel coach Ron Frank, who earned his 300th coaching win this past Friday. "Kiski is always well prepared. They have good, tough wrestlers and excellent coaches. I'm sure they will be ready. Fox Chapel has a very talented team. We are working hard to be ready."
The Streak
Burrell's wrestling team is seeking its seventh consecutive trip to the WPIAL Class AA championship match. Here is a look at the previous year's WPIAL final results:
Year: Opponent — Result
2003: Mt. Pleasant — L, 32-31
2004: South Side Beaver — W, 35-22
2005: Mt. Pleasant — L, 33-25
2006: Mt. Pleasant — L, 32-27
2007: Derry — W, 40-18
2008: Shady Side Academy — W, 36-26
