Columbus East High School

The Columbus East wrestling team competed at the IHSWCA State Duals on January 10 at Franklin Community High School, finishing fourth overall in a demanding, state-level field. The Olympians opened the day with a 32–29 quarterfinal victory over New Palestine, surviving several tight bouts and getting key bonus-point wins to advance. Columbus East then fell in the semifinals to Bloomington South, 44–29, before closing the tournament with a 48–26 loss to Lowell in the third-place match. While the team result placed the Olympians just off the podium, the day was uneven overall, with Columbus East struggling for consistency against two of the state’s deeper lineups. Still, several wrestlers delivered solid individual performances. Notable Individual Results Lincoln Cooper (175) turned in the strongest day for the Olympians, going 3–0 with two technical falls and a pin across the three duals. Colin McMahon (190) also finished 3–0, earning a technical fall and two pins while consistently providing bonus points. Caleb Kirkpatrick (150) picked up two wins, including a technical fall in the semifinals. Caleb Cooper earned two victories on the day, both by technical fall. Clayton Miller (215) rebounded from a narrow quarterfinal loss to post two wins in the semifinal and third-place dual. Columbus East’s quarterfinal win over New Palestine was highlighted by bonus-point victories from Cooper, McMahon, Caleb Cooper, and Kirkpatrick, helping the Olympians escape with the narrow team win despite several early losses. What’s Next The Olympians will have a quick opportunity to respond when they host Bloomington South for a home dual in the Orange Pit on Thursday, January 15. Columbus East then turns its attention to the Hoosier Hills Conference Tournament on Saturday, January 17 at Jeffersonville High School, before closing out the regular season with another home dual against Lawrence North High School on Thursday, January 22. The State Duals exposed some areas Columbus East will need to clean up quickly, but the upcoming stretch offers immediate chances to test adjustments and finish the regular season on a steadier note.