Columbus East High School

As the calendar inches closer to Thanksgiving, the sounds of wrestling shoes squeaking and whistles echoing through the Orange Pit can only mean one thing — Columbus East wrestling is back. Under the direction of Head Coach Chris Cooper, the Olympians are preparing to launch the 2025–26 season with their home opener against Whiteland on Tuesday, November 26th — a brand-new dual on the schedule and a showcase night for both the high school and youth programs. __ Program Standards For Cooper, success isn’t defined by wins and losses. It’s defined by habits, culture, and accountability. “Success by our standards has never changed,” Cooper said. “We expect our kids to develop into hard workers who take wrestling, the weight room, classroom, family, and friendships seriously. We have three guiding objectives we strive for at all times — be accountable, help and hold teammates accountable, and earn your 1% in every aspect of what we do.” __ Leadership & Experience Returning senior leaders Talon Jessup and Caleb Cooper were both selected through a rigorous process last season — complete with applications, interviews, and peer recommendations — and their leadership continues to shape the tone of the program. “They are both vocal and lead by example,” Cooper said. “We’ve also had seniors Aiden Miller and Caleb Kirkpatrick, along with juniors Colin McMahon, Ethan Poling, and Hank Redman step up and share that leadership burden, which has been tremendous.” __ New Faces, New Energy The Olympians’ room is loaded with talent, from experienced seniors to a promising group of newcomers. “We have an excellent freshman class with solid wrestling experience led by Joel Smith, Cameron Cooper, Gage Pacek, and Grant Kirkpatrick,” Cooper said. “Juniors Brian Findley, Lincoln Cooper, and Clayton Miller have made big jumps, and as a team, we wrestled 1,362 matches last season. The growth from that experience — plus a strong offseason — has been incredible.” __ Training & Mindset East has taken another major step forward in its preparation. “The addition of a wrestling weights class this year has been amazing,” Cooper said. “Being together in the weight room as a team is going to pay massive dividends. We’re focused on excelling in our top game, pushing the pace, and scoring points. We also brought back Olympian alums Nick South and Jake Schoenegge to help in the room, which has been huge.” __ Schedule & Competition The Whiteland dual — set for the night before Thanksgiving — will kick off the season in style. “We’re excited to open at home and move the first dual up a week,” Cooper said. “We’re hoping for a packed house and a rowdy student section. We’re bringing back wrestler fatheads, foam takedown hands, fog machine intros, and spotlights. It’s also Youth Night, where we’ll promote our young wrestlers in the community. I promise we’ll put on a show.” __ Season Goals & Motivation This season, the focus isn’t on chasing trophies — it’s on trusting the process. “In years past, we’ve set goals like winning team state, sectionals, or regionals,” Cooper said. “Those are still things we’d love to achieve, but they won’t be our focus. This season, we’re emphasizing team-first culture, earning that 1% every day, and trusting our wrestling routine. If we stay true to that, the results will speak for themselves.” The 2025–26 Columbus East Olympians open their season November 26th at home against Whiteland in the Orange Pit. Expect intensity, energy, and a team that’s built to grind for greatness — one percent at a time. Thanks Coach Cooper and good luck to the Olympians this season. Go O's!!