Columbus East High School

The Columbus East Olympian wrestling team turned in a powerful performance Saturday at the IHSAA Regional hosted by Jeffersonville High School, advancing all 11 wrestlers to next weekend’s IHSAA Semi-State in Evansville while finishing second overall in team points. East racked up 190.5 team points to claim runner-up honors behind champion Franklin Community (218.5). The Olympians’ balanced lineup produced five individual regional champions, three runner-up finishes, and three additional semi-state qualifiers — a complete team effort that showcased both depth and high-end talent. Team Standings (Top 6) Franklin Community – 218.5 Columbus East – 190.5 Switzerland County – 80 Madison Consolidated – 62.5 Indian Creek – 61 Columbus North – 57 Individual Champions Lead the Way Columbus East crowned five regional champions: Ethan Poling (132) dominated his bracket with two first-period pins before earning a major decision (10-1) in the finals. Caleb Cooper (157) delivered a gritty performance, including two technical falls and a hard-fought 1-0 decision in the championship match. Caleb's championship match was a revenge match from an earlier season loss to the same opponent. Lincoln Cooper (175) continued his outstanding season with a pin, technical fall, and a first-period fall in the finals. Colin McMahon (190) powered through the bracket with two pins and capped his day with an exciting 8-1 sudden victory win in the championship. Hank Redman (285) rolled to the title with a technical fall, a pin in the semifinals, and a 4-0 decision in the championship bout. Runner-Up Finishers Three Olympians reached the championship match and secured second-place finishes: Ty Brueche (126) advanced with two pins before falling in the finals. Caleb Kirkpatrick (150) pinned his quarterfinal opponent and won a tough semifinal decision to reach the title match. Clayton Miller (215) battled through a strong bracket before a narrow 4-2 decision in the finals. Additional Semi-State Qualifiers All remaining East wrestlers earned top-four finishes to punch their ticket to Evansville: Joel Smith (106) rebounded from a semifinal loss to win a tight 3-1 decision in the third-place match. Cameron Cooper (144) claimed third place with a dominant technical fall victory. Aiden Miller (165) finished fourth after a pin in the quarterfinals and strong competition throughout the bracket. Looking Ahead With all 11 wrestlers advancing and five regional champions leading the way, the Olympians head to the IHSAA Semi-State in Evansville, IN at the Ford Center riding serious momentum. East showed the ability to score bonus points, win tight matches, and control key moments throughout the day — exactly the kind of performances needed as the postseason field narrows and the stakes rise next weekend. IHSAA Semi-State is February 14th in Evansville, IN at the Ford Center. Wrestling begins at 9 a.m. CENTRAL TIME. The top four place winners in each weight class advance to the state finals. Tickets:https://public.eventlink.com/tickets?t=171913&p=262205