The first week of March is an exciting time for sports fans, especially wrestling fans, and the success that comes with it. For the State High boys wrestling team, this was no exception. At the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, sophomore Kael Davis, junior James Whitbred, and freshmen Teag Sanderson Noah Williams took the stage at the PIAA Individual State Championships.
The showing was impressive for everyone, with Whitbred claiming fifth at PIAA states at 152 pounds. Whitbred put together an impressive junior season, earning Mid-Penn Commonwealth First Team honors, along with a 48-7 record, including 11 pins, 19 technical falls and six major decisions.
Sanderson fought his way to third at PIAA states at 172 pounds. Sanderson had a strong finish to the season with a 42-10 record, including four pins, 19 technical falls and seven major decisions.
“My record at the beginning of the season was not as good as it should have been because I was worried about losing. So next time, I’m just gonna focus on just going out to compete and win,” Sanderson said.
All together, the year for the Little Lions was a success as they finished 17-6 in the regular season, with strong performances across the roster. Williams joined Whitbred and Sanderson on the Commonwealth First Team with a 38-13 record, including 17 pins, seven technical falls and two major decisions.
Junior Noah Young and sophomores Luke Young and Davis were named Mid-Penn Commonwealth Second Team members. Noah Young finished 35-13 with 23 pins, one technical fall and five major decisions. Luke Young finished 36-8 with 13 pins, 14 technical falls and three major decisions, while Davis posted a 27-12 record with eight pins, seven technical falls and two major decisions.
“The entire season went very well, and we finished with a positive record…we made it to team states this year, and it’s been a long time since that happened, and the wrestling team just seems like it will continue to go up and up,” senior wrestler Izaiah Vasquez said.
As the State High boys wrestling team looks back on its unforgettable season, the message is clear: this year was only the beginning. From freshmen like Sanderson and Williams stepping confidently into the spotlight to upperclassmen such as Whitbred, Young, and Vasquez leading by example, every wrestler played a role in pushing the program forward and pushing each other through the process.
“A bunch of the hardest matches I faced all year were in the practice room against everyone else all season, which led to a strong season,” Sanderson said.
The trip to the team states, the individual medals and the long list of pins and technical falls all point to a team that gave its all in every competition. With many key contributors returning next season, expectations are higher than ever, and the Little Lions are ready to prove that this year’s success is the new standard. Whether on the mat in Hershey or at home in the State High North Gym, one thing is certain: the boys wrestling team has firmly established itself as a force across Pennsylvania—and they’re not done yet.
