East Wrestlers Shine at State Tournament

Columbus East puts five on the podium with two third-place finishes

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Columbus East wrestling team had an impressive showing at the Boys Wrestling State Finals, with five wrestlers earning medals and two finishing in third place. Lincoln Cooper (175) and Colin McMahon (190) both took third, while Clayton Miller (215), Colin Kirkpatrick (150), and Hank Redman (285) also placed.

Why it matters

This strong performance by the Columbus East wrestling team showcases the program's depth and the hard work the athletes have put in all season. Placing five wrestlers on the podium at the state tournament is a remarkable achievement and highlights the talent and dedication of the Olympians.

The details

Lincoln Cooper (175) and Colin McMahon (190) both finished third in their respective weight classes after strong tournament runs. Cooper knocked off Penn's Vinny Freeman 6-0 in the quarterfinals before falling in the semifinals, then bouncing back with a 6-2 ultimate tiebreaker win in the third-place match. McMahon also reached the semifinals before losing to the eventual champion, but he responded with an 11-8 sudden victory win in the third-place bout. Clayton Miller (215), Colin Kirkpatrick (150), and Hank Redman (285) also earned medals, with Miller taking fifth, Kirkpatrick finishing seventh, and Redman placing eighth.

  • The Boys Wrestling State Finals took place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 1-2, 2026.

The players

Lincoln Cooper

A 175-pound wrestler for Columbus East who finished third at the state tournament with a 41-3 record on the season.

Colin McMahon

A 190-pound wrestler for Columbus East who also finished third at the state tournament, ending his season with a 39-6 record.

Clayton Miller

A 215-pound wrestler for Columbus East who placed fifth at the state tournament, finishing the year with a 37-6 record.

Colin Kirkpatrick

A 150-pound wrestler for Columbus East who took seventh place at the state tournament, wrapping up the season at 38-8.

Hank Redman

A 285-pound heavyweight wrestler for Columbus East who placed eighth at the state tournament, ending the year with a 36-9 record.

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What they’re saying

“When the lights got bright and the brackets got tight, East walked away with two third-place finishes and five total medalists, turning a long winter of early mornings and mat burns into hardware.”

— Jeremy Giggy, Author (1010wcsi.com)

The takeaway

The Columbus East wrestling team's impressive performance at the state tournament, with five wrestlers earning medals and two finishing in third place, is a testament to the program's depth, the athletes' hard work, and the dedication of the coaching staff. This strong showing will undoubtedly inspire the team and the community, setting the stage for continued success in the years to come.