Autumn Waite led the team with a runner-up finish in the 10-and-under 78-pound girls division. After receiving a bye in the round of 32 as a result of her fourth Area 8 Championship, she began her tournament strong, winning in the round of 16 with a takedown and fall in just 27 seconds against Jordyn Greathouse of Titusville. In the quarterfinals, Waite faced Ella Ages of Wissahickon. With a quick takedown, she employed a tenacious top ride, earning two sets of four-point near-fall points. The second period started in a neutral position, where Waite secured another takedown and near-fall points achieved a technical fall at the 1:27 mark

In the semifinals, Waite met Piper Lexie of Ringgold. After a takedown midway through the first period, she locked in a half-nelson, obtaining the fall with just three seconds left in the period, advancing her to the finals. This set up a rematch against Lucy Shumaker of Methacton, the same opponent she faced in the Keystone State Championship finals. The two athletes battled fiercely in the first period, where Shumaker scored a takedown, leading 3-0 into the second period. Shumaker widened her lead to 5-0 with a reversal in the second period. The third period ended scoreless, with Shumaker successfully blocking all of Waite’s scoring attempts, resulting in a 5-0 victory.

“I’m incredibly proud of her. Last year she finished sixth at this tournament and was unsatisfied. She used that as motivation and put the work in to achieve her goals.” Eisenhower’s Coach Paul Waite remarked about the performance.

Owen Ash made his second consecutive trip to the state tournament, competing in the 12-and-under 105-pound division. He opened with a match against Patrick Chrobak of Waynesburg Central, where he dominated the first period, leading 11-0 before securing a fall at 2:02. In his next match, he would face Kellen Weaver of Reynolds who the week previously claimed the Keystone State Championship. Weaver proved to be too much in route to a technical fall at 2:49. Ash would rebound in the consolation bracket, picking up a fall in 1:38 over Reece Rodgers of Sharpsville. Ash’s season would ultimately come to an end in a heartbreaking 2-1 decision to Edward McKendree of Ferndale.

Submitted Photo Flanked by coaches Kyle Woodburn, left, and Paul Waite is Autumn Waite, who was runner-up in the 10-and-under 78-pound division at the 62nd annual Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling State Championship in Harrisburg.

Making their first trip to the PJW State Tournament for the Knights included Evan Huck (12-and-under 125 pounds), Hunter Vanderhoof (12-and-under 85 pounds), and Zain Woodburn (10-and-under 90 pounds). Huck and Vanderhoof were able to pick up valuable mat time, but were unable to secure a win at the tournament, completing their seasons. While Woodburn would drop his first match, he was able to bounce back by securing a first-period fall in the consolation round. Woodburn’s third bout of the day would have him matched up with Gage Gaster of Laurel Highlands. Gaster would use a flurry of offense to pick up the win over Woodburn 12-3, concluding Woodburn’s season.

“It’s thrilling to be a part of the journey with these kids. Witnessing the growth in all of them over the years has been incredible. Their success is no accident; each of them is dedicated to improving in the offseason,” Paul said. “One of the program’s legendary coaches, Joe Letko, often said, ‘The man on top of the mountain didn’t fall there,’ a sentiment that continues to inspire the program.”