Tamaqua’s Garth Lakitsky won the open division at the Mid-Atlantic Wrestling Association (MAWA) tournament in Salisbury, Maryland on May 5.

Lakitsky, a 2011 graduate of Tamaqua High School and a two-time Times News Wrestler of the Year, captured the championship in the 220-pound weight class.

Lakitsky earned his spot in the Mid-Atlantic tournament by winning both District and Regional competitions at Kings College in Wilkes-Barre.

In the tournament in Salisbury, Lakitsky had three matches. He won his first match with a :55 pin, he followed that with an 8-2 decision in the semifinals before capturing the championship with a 9-1 finals victory.

Lakitsky, who is employed by St. Luke’s Medical Center, enjoyed a stellar scholastic career at Tamaqua. He was a three-time state qualifier and a two-time state medalist, capping his career with a state gold medal as a senior.