Columbus East Sends All 11 Wrestlers to Semi-State

Local wrestling programs shine at the IHSAA Regional tournament

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Columbus East wrestling team delivered a dominant performance at the IHSAA Regional tournament, qualifying all 11 of its wrestlers for the semi-state round. The Olympians crowned five individual regional champions and had three more wrestlers reach the finals, showcasing the depth and balance of the program. Other local teams like Columbus North and Jennings County also had strong showings, with all 19 area wrestlers advancing to the next round.

Why it matters

This regional tournament performance highlights the strength and depth of wrestling programs in the local area. Columbus East's ability to qualify its entire lineup for semi-state is an impressive feat, demonstrating the team's discipline, preparation, and ability to rise to the occasion in the postseason. The success of other area teams like Columbus North and Jennings County also speaks to the overall quality of wrestling in the region.

The details

Columbus East delivered a dominant showing at the regional tournament, finishing second in the team standings with 190.5 points, trailing only Franklin Community (218.5). The Olympians crowned five individual regional champions: Ethan Poling (132 pounds), Caleb Cooper (157), Lincoln Cooper (175), Colin McMahon (190), and Hank Redman (285). Three more East wrestlers reached the finals as regional runners-up: Ty Brueche (126), Caleb Kirkpatrick (150), and Clayton Miller (215). Even beyond the finalists, the Olympians showed their depth, with all 11 wrestlers advancing to the semi-state round.

  • The IHSAA Wrestling Regional tournament took place on Saturday, February 9, 2026.
  • The IHSAA Wrestling Semi-State is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana.

The players

Columbus East

A high school wrestling program that delivered a dominant performance at the IHSAA Regional tournament, qualifying all 11 of its wrestlers for the semi-state round.

Franklin Community

The team that finished first in the IHSAA Regional tournament with 218.5 points, ahead of Columbus East's 190.5 points.

Cohen Long

A wrestler from Columbus North who won the regional championship at 150 pounds, avenging a previous sectional loss.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The IHSAA Wrestling Semi-State is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana. Only the top four finishers in each weight class will move on to the state finals, so the stakes are high as the wrestlers look to survive and advance.

The takeaway

The success of the Columbus East wrestling team, as well as other local programs like Columbus North and Jennings County, demonstrates the overall strength and depth of wrestling in the region. These teams have built strong cultures and disciplined programs that are primed for postseason success, showcasing the talent and dedication of the area's wrestlers.