High school wrestling season is underway. Here’s a look at Centre County’s teams

The 2025-2026 high school wrestling season officially got started in November, and Centre County’s teams hit the mats competitively last week.

Last season, the county saw current Penn State wrestler and former State College athlete Asher Cunningham secure his second PIAA gold medal to lead a contingent of eight wrestlers to stand on the podium in Hershey.

Seven of those eight wrestlers are back this year, and will look to do what Cunningham did for the past two seasons.

Here’s a look at the teams:

BOYS

Bald Eagle Area

Head coach (years coaching overall, at school): Ron Guenot (10th, 20th) Assistant coaches: Kyle Wallace, Eddie Hockenberry, Kyle Fluke, Brady Martin, Angie Grieb, Alex Surovec, Mike Cook, John Dubbs, Hunter Guenot, Troy Guenot, Ronnie Garbinsky. Junior High: Travis Stem, Brandon Maynard, Steve Stem, Brandon Guenot, Ken Shirk, Dave Lomison, Rory McCoy Last season’s record: 10-5 Last season’s accomplishments: Won Towanda Dandy Duals, 3rd at District 6 Tournament, 4th at Southwest Regional, 7th at PIAA Championships Key losses: Caleb Close and Alex Surovec Returning letterwinners: Liam Corey, Sr.; Gage Gardner, Sr.; Caden Judice, Sr.; Nick McCully, Sr.; Liam Purcell, Sr.; Kayson Tice, Sr.; Kyle Watson, Sr.; Mike Wesley, Sr.; Tanner Guenot, Jr.; Chayse Kellander, Jr.; Wyatt Knepp, Jr.; Dawson Lomison, Jr.; Evan Spicer, Jr.; Logan Burns Soph., Ty Corey, Soph.; Brody Gardner, Soph.; Easton Grimes, Soph. Key newcomers: Braylon Kraynak, Soph.; Malakai Palashnyuk, Soph.; Eli Foster, Fr.; Braxton Henninger, Fr.; Mason Quimby, Fr. Coach’s comments: “We are excited to get our 2025-2026 season underway. We will have a busy December participating in three very competitive tournaments: Dandy Duals, King of the Mountain and Trojan Wars, as well as dual meets against Penns Valley, Philipsburg-Osceola and Bloomsburg. State placewinners Judice (4th) and Guenot (8th) and state qualifier Lomison will be looked upon to provide leadership, as well as regional qualifiers Purcell and Gardner.” Schedule: Dec. 9, at Penns Valley; Dec. 13, at Dandy Duals; Dec. 16, vs. Philipsburg-Osceola; Dec. 18, vs. Bloomsburg; Dec. 19 & 20, at King of the Mountain; Dec. 27 & 28, at Trojan Wars; Jan. 2 & 3, at Laurel Highlands Championships; Jan. 6, at Clearfield; Jan. 9 & 10, at Mid-Winter Mayhem; Jan. 13, at Central Mountain; Jan. 15, vs. Huntingdon; Jan. 20, at Bellefonte; Jan. 23 & 24, at Ultimate Warrior; Feb. 13 & 14, at District 6 Championships; Feb. 27 & 28, at PIAA Southwest Regional Championships; March 5-7, at PIAA Championships

Bellefonte

Head coach (years coaching overall, at school): Mike Maney (22nd, 20th) Assistant coaches: Mark Coppolo, Ryan Smith, Jeff Gardner, Noah Weaver Last season’s record: 12-5 Last season’s accomplishments: 4th at Laurel Highlands, 5th at District 6 Tournament Key losses: Noah Weaver & Cameron Garcia Returning letterwinners: Jackson Long, Sr.; Wyatt Long, Sr.; Jack McHail, Sr.; Logan Rarrick, Sr.; Ezra Swisher, Sr.; Luke Hockenberry, Jr.; Jacob Horn, Jr.; Andrew Gall, Soph. Key newcomers: Blake Glace, Soph.; Colin Harter, Fr.; Rylan Lucas, Fr.; Parker Jodon, Fr. Coach’s comments: “Swisher is a returning PIAA placewinner and one of the most successful wrestlers in Bellefonte wrestling history so he is looking to get back on the podium. Wyatt Long, Jackson Long and Gall all were one match away from making the PIAA Tournament, so they have high expectations for themselves this season. Hockenberry has the potential to make some noise this postseason. We have a solid group of underclassmen in Harter, Glace, Lucas and Jodon, who have had successful junior high careers. There is always a learning curve when you move onto the next level, so I am excited to see how they respond and continue to grow during the season. Swisher and Wyatt Long have been team captains the last two seasons, so we will rely on them to keep the standard and the expectations. We have some newcomers, who have been having a good start to practices so far. I’m looking forward to the returners to jump another level and the newcomers to continue to grow throughout the season.” Schedule: Dec. 9, at Philipsburg-Osceola; Dec. 19 & 20, at King of the Mountain; Dec. 29 & 30, at Powerade Tournament; Jan. 2 & 3, at Laurel Highlands Championships; Jan. 6, at Jersey Shore; Jan. 9 & 10, at Southern Tier Memorial Tournament; Jan. 13, vs. Penns Valley; Jan. 15, vs. Clearfield; Jan. 20, vs. Bald Eagle Area; Jan. 24, at Sharon Duals; Feb. 3, vs. Hollidaysburg; Feb. 14, at District 6 Championships; Feb. 27 & 28, at PIAA West Regional Championships; March 5-7, at PIAA Championships

Penns Valley

Head coach (years coaching overall, at school): Joel Brinker (19th, 19th) Assistant coaches: Baylor Shunk, Wayne Yearick, Colby Stover, Aaron Smith, Colten Shunk, Seth Decker, Preston Rogers, Tom Snyder, Zach Rummel Last season’s record: 14-4 Last season’s accomplishments: 2nd at District 6 Team Duals, 2nd at District 6 Tournament, Max Dinges 3rd at PIAA, Erik Carlile Southwest Regional champion Key losses: Zach Rummel, Landon Hess, Ty Steiger, Riley Winkelblech Returning letterwinners: Joel Conklin, Sr.; Sawyer Fetterolf, Sr.; Seth Fetterolf, Sr.; Brayden Lisowski, Sr.; Robert Martin, Sr.; Conner Myers, Sr.; Caden Simco, Sr.; Shane Rimmey, Sr.; Erik Carlile, Jr.; Tripp Watson, Jr.; Max Dinges, Soph.; Evan Lisowski, Soph. Key newcomers: Gideon Shawver, Sr.; Christian Merrill, Jr.; Blake Brumbaugh, Soph.; Isaac Harpster, Soph.; Cayden Myers, Soph.; Kaleb Nixon, Soph.; Luke Tanis, Soph.; Cael Smith, Fr. Coach’s comments: “We are really looking forward to getting the season started and seeing this year’s team compete. We’re fortunate to have a large number of athletes return from last year and the newcomers are working hard to make their mark.” Schedule: Dec. 9, vs. Bald Eagle Area; Dec. 16, at Huntingdon; Dec. 19 & 20, at Panther Holiday Classic; Dec. 29 & 30, at Powerade Tournament; Jan. 2 & 3, at Laurel Highlands Championships; Jan. 6, vs. Philipsburg-Osceola; Jan. 9 & 10, Southern Tier Memorial Tournament; Jan. 13, at Bellefonte; Jan. 20, vs. Clearfield; Jan. 23 & 24, at Fred Bell Tournament; Feb. 13 & 14, at District 6 Championships; Feb. 27 & 28, at PIAA Southwest Regional Championships; March 5-7, at PIAA Championships

Philipsburg-Osceola

Head coach (years coaching overall, at school): Justin Fye (11th, 5th) Assistant coaches: Aaron Levonick, Brandon Anderson, Donny Clark, Tim McCamley, Bub Lumadue, Austin Foster, Parker Moore, and Bryce Bennett Last season’s record: 13-9 Last season’s accomplishments: 2nd at Mountaineer Duals, 6th at District 6 Tournament Key losses: Matt Rowles, Hunter Kephart and Mason Packer Returning letterwinners: Colton Chapman, Sr.; Connor Eichenlaub, Sr.; Evan Eichenlaub, Sr.; Ace Foster, Sr.; Caleb Hummel, Sr.; Averi Gable, Jr.; Connor Guenot, Jr.; Brett Hahn, Jr.; Brody Jasper, Jr.; Memphis Twoey, Jr. Key newcomers: Brady Emigh, Soph.; Ty Folmar, Soph.; Johnny Levonick, Soph.; Scott Nevel, Soph.; Jacob Dugan, Fr.; Hayden Koptchak, Fr.; Devin Long, Fr.; Mason Vaughn, Fr. Coach’s comments: “We are excited about this season. The kids are working hard. We have a lot of senior leaders that are multi-time letterwinners. We will have a balanced lineup with depth this year. Our team goals are to qualify for district duals and advance to the semifinal round, place in the top 10 in all individual tournaments and continue to progress throughout the year in order to wrestle the best in the postseason. Individually, we have Bloomsburg commit Hummel leading the way. He is a three-time PIAA qualifier, who lost in the blood round last year. His goal is to be on the podium this year. Foster, Gable and Guenot were all regional qualifiers last year. They want to make the next step and wrestle in the Giant Center at the end of the year. Seniors Chapman, Connor Eichenlaub and Evan Eichenlaub will anchor the end of the lineup and look to wrestle at regionals and in Hershey. Twoey looks to improve upon a successful sophomore season. We have a solid group of underclassmen this year, who had a lot of success in junior high. We feel that they will contribute this year within our lineup.” Schedule: Dec. 9, vs. Bellefonte; Dec. 11, at Clearfield; Dec. 16, at Bald Eagle Area; Dec. 19 & 20, at Panther Holiday Classic; Dec. 23, at Mount Union; Dec. 27, at Red Devil Duals; Jan. 2 & 3, at Laurel Highlands Championships; Jan. 6, at Penns Valley; Jan. 10, vs. Mountaineer Duals; Jan. 14, at Marion Center; Jan. 20, vs. Huntingdon; Jan. 23 & 24, at Ultimate Warrior; Jan. 29, vs. Richland; Feb. 4, at Tyrone; Feb. 6, vs. West Branch; Feb. 13 & 14, at District 6 Championships; Feb. 27 & 28, at PIAA Southwest Regional Championships; March 5-7, at PIAA Championships

State College

Head coach (years coaching overall, at school): Jason Nickal (30th, 2nd) Assistant coaches: Bud Price, Noah Hermosillo, Pat Davis, Scott Young, Max Miller, Ryan Kanaskie Last season’s record: 5-4 Last season’s accomplishments: Asher Cunningham PIAA champion Key losses: Asher Cunningham, Nick Berrena, Mikey Troupe Returning letterwinners: Alijah Al-Sulaimani, Sr.; Mason Sanderson, Sr.; Izaiah Vazquez, Sr.; Sam Davidson, Jr.; James Whitbred, Jr.; Jon Whitbred, Jr.; Noah Young, Jr.; Izaiah Zeruth, Jr.; Kael Davis, Soph.; Nico Diaz, Soph.; Luke Young, Soph. Key newcomers: Teag Sanderson, Fr.; Noah Williams, Fr. Coach’s comments: “Relatively young team that has a lot of potential. We adjusted this season’s schedule to get our young team a lot more matches throughout the season. We should see good growth and maturity throughout the season.” Schedule: Dec. 11, vs. Cedar Cliff; Dec. 12 & 13, at Penn Manor Holiday Tournament; Dec. 19 & 20, at King of the Mountain; Dec. 29 & 30, at Powerade Tournament; Jan. 10, at Gettysburg Duals; Jan. 13, vs. Williamsport; Jan. 15, at Cumberland Valley; Jan. 17, at Clearfield; Jan. 22, vs. Chambersburg; Jan. 28, at Mifflin County; Feb. 14, at District 6 Championships; Feb. 27 & 28, at PIAA West Regional Championships; March 5-7, at PIAA Championships

GIRLS

Bald Eagle Area

Head coach (years coaching overall, at school): Eddie Hockenberry (21st, 4th) Assistant coaches: Ron Guenot, Kyle Wallace, Kyle Fluke, Angie Grieb Last season’s record: 4-4 Last season’s accomplishments: 2nd at Lady Phoenix Christmas Classic, 2nd at District 5,6,9 Tournament Key losses: Cameron Corl-Alton, Grace Crestani, Eden Eveleth, Rebekah Guenot Returning letterwinners: Lily Spicer, Sr.; Addison Tice, Soph. Key newcomers: Aiyana Henninger, Fr.; Ariana Mayes, Fr.; Cami Walker, Fr. Coach’s comments: “We are excited to get our 2025-2026 season underway. We will have a busy December participating in a couple of very competitive tournaments: Lady Phoenix Christmas Classic, Queen of the Mountain, and a dual against Philipsburg-Osceola. Returning regional qualifiers Tice and Spicer will look to lead the team.” Schedule: Dec. 13, at Lady Phoenix Christmas Classic; Jan. 3, at Curwensville Tournament; Jan. 9 & 10, at Mid-Winter Mayhem; Jan. 13, at Central Mountain; Jan. 24, vs. Bald Eagle Area Tournament; Feb. 21, at District 5-6-9 Championships; Feb. 27 & 28, at PIAA Central Regional; March 5-7, PIAA Championships

Bellefonte

Head coach (years coaching overall, at school): Mike Maney (22nd, 20th) and Evan Benner (1st, 1st) Assistant coaches: Mark Coppolo, Ryan Smith, Jeff Gardner, Noah Weaver Last season’s record: N/A Last season’s accomplishments: N/A Key losses: N/A Returning letterwinners: Victoria Schellenberg, Sr.; Carly Bair, Soph.; Ella Johnsonbaugh, Soph.; Bailee Scott, Soph. Key newcomers: N/A Coach’s comments: “They all got to experience dual meets, tournaments and the postseason for the first time. They all gained a lot of valuable experience as last year was all brand new to them. Johnsonbaugh and Scott qualified for regionals to become the first Bellefonte wrestlers to accomplish this feat. Schellenberg and Bair won matches at districts. All girls are working hard and looking to qualify for the PIAA Championships, which would be another historic feat for the Bellefonte program in just its second year.” Schedule: Dec. 9, at Philipsburg-Osceola; Feb. 21, at District 5/6/9 Championships; Feb. 27 & 28, at PIAA Central Regional; March 5-7, at PIAA Championships

Philipsburg-Osceola

Head coach (years coaching overall, at school): Bub Lumadue (4th, 1st) Assistant coaches: Donny Clark, Dave Hunt, Josh Glessner Last season’s record: 3-7 Last season’s accomplishments: Charli Hunt 7th at PIAA Championships, 3 regional qualifiers: Veda Kephart, Kendyl Meersand and Hunt Key losses: None Returning letterwinners: Bella Hunt, Sr.; Daisy Glessner, Sr.; Charli Hunt, Jr.; Veda Kephart, Jr.; Kendyl Meersand, Soph.; Cayce Davidson, Soph. Key newcomers: Rilie Bush, Fr. Coach’s comments: “I’m excited to see what these girls are going to accomplish this season. The talent in this room is unreal. The work they’ve been putting in shows just how hungry they are. I’ve watched many of them grow since the very beginning of our girls program, and I know the big goals they’re chasing. Some of those goals didn’t get met last year, but they’re attacking those same goals again with even more fire and focus. These kids are incredible — fearless, determined and ready to lay it all on the line every time they step on the mat. We’ve got a tough schedule ahead, but I have zero doubt they’re built for it. It’s going to be one heck of a year.” Schedule: Dec. 9, vs. Bellefonte; Dec. 11, at Clearfield; Dec. 16, at Bald Eagle Area; Dec. 20, at Panther Holiday Classic; Jan. 3, at Curwensville Tournament; Jan. 17, vs. Lady Mountie Invitational; Jan. 20, vs. Huntingdon; Jan. 24, at Bald Eagle Area Tournament; Jan. 31, at ELCO Duals; Feb. 6, vs. Northern Bedford; Feb. 21, at District 5/6/9 Championships; Feb. 27 & 28, at PIAA Central Regional; March 5-7, at PIAA Championships

State College

Head coach (years coaching overall, at school): Cory Roupers (4th, 1st) Assistant coaches: Josh Gunter Last season’s record: N/A Last season’s accomplishment: N/A Key losses: Anna Lackey Returning letterwinners: Isabelle Dubler, Jr.; Sophia Fomichev, Jr.; Starlynn Emel-Rash, Jr.; Kaitlyn McShea, Soph. Key newcomers: Cora High, Fr.; Aella Mally Fr.; Annie Vaira, Fr. Coach’s comments: “We are a growing program that is looking to compete in matches. We are focusing on the fundamentals and conditioning to help us win matches! We have a couple returning letterwinners injured for the season, but they are still with the program helping the younger wrestlers. We do not have any seniors, so our goal each year is to continue to get more wrestlers out and building with the girls we have returning!” Schedule: Dec. 21, at Queen of the Mountain; Jan. 3, at Curwensville Tournament; Jan. 17, at Lady Mountie Invitational; Feb. 21, at District 5/6/9 Championships; Feb. 27 & 28, at PIAA Central Regional; March 5-7, at PIAA Championships

Nate Cobler

Centre Daily Times

814-231-4609

Nate Cobler is a part-time reporter covering all things wrestling, either Penn State or Centre County’s high schools, for the Centre Daily Times. He’ll also cover other sports too. When he isn’t writing about sports, he is working for a local mortgage broker, Providence Mortgage Group.