Jefferson Wrestler Matt Webster Ends High School Career with State Podium Finish

The senior overcame past mistakes to place third at the Ohio High School Athletic Association State Wrestling Tournament.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:49pm

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After struggling with critical mistakes in his first three years of high school wrestling, Jefferson's Matt Webster put it all together in his senior season, going 46-9 and finishing third in the Division II 215-pound weight class at the recent Ohio High School Athletic Association State Wrestling Tournament. Webster's only loss at the state tournament came against a three-time state champion, and he capped off his high school career by defeating an opponent who had beaten him three times previously.

Why it matters

Webster's third-place finish at the state tournament was the highest for a Jefferson wrestler since 2006, and his 138 career wins tied him for the third-most in school history. His perseverance and improvement over his high school career serve as an inspiring story for student-athletes looking to overcome past struggles and reach new heights.

The details

In his first three years of high school, Webster struggled with making critical mistakes at pivotal moments, including pinning himself a few times. However, he set out to prove himself in his senior season, going 46-9 and finishing third in the Division II 215-pound weight class at the Ohio High School Athletic Association State Wrestling Tournament. Webster's only loss at the state tournament came against Bishop Watterson's Michael Boyle, a three-time state champion and future Ohio State Buckeye. In his final match, Webster defeated Madison's Chase White, who had beaten him three times previously, to cap off his high school career.

  • In the 2025-26 season, Webster went 46-9 and finished third in the Division II 215-pound weight class at the Ohio High School Athletic Association State Wrestling Tournament.
  • Earlier in the season, Webster placed fourth at the Ashton Hynd Battle by the Lake Tournament at Madison and third at the Painesville Riverside Rumble while wrestling at 285 pounds.
  • Back at 215 pounds, Webster took third at the Top Gun Tournament in Alliance, second in the Chagrin Valley Conference Tournament, and first at the Ashtabula County Tournament.

The players

Matt Webster

A senior wrestler at Jefferson High School who overcame past struggles to finish third in the Division II 215-pound weight class at the Ohio High School Athletic Association State Wrestling Tournament in his final season.

Michael Boyle

A three-time state champion wrestler from Bishop Watterson High School who defeated Webster in the semifinals of the state tournament.

Chase White

A wrestler from Madison High School who had beaten Webster three times previously, but was defeated by Webster in the senior's final high school match.

Cody Lewis

The head wrestling coach at Jefferson High School, who has coached Webster since he first started wrestling in fifth grade.

Jacob Lewis

A fellow senior wrestler at Jefferson High School who is tied with Webster for the third-most career wins in school history.

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What they’re saying

“I had to show everyone I deserved that title. I think I did that at state by placing third. At the beginning of the year, I set a goal to place at state. I accomplished that and more with the support of my family and coaches.”

— Matt Webster, Jefferson High School Wrestler

“He may have been the strongest junior high kid I've seen in my life. But he made mistakes, It's funny. We'd make fun of it, we'd have a 'don't pin yourself rule,' just based off from Matt, because he did that a few times over the years. But he put it all together in the end, and that's what was most rewarding.”

— Cody Lewis, Jefferson High School Wrestling Coach

“I couldn't lose to him again. I came out there and wrestled more aggressively. I think I did foresee this in my future because when I'm wrestling my best, any match is a winnable match.”

— Matt Webster, Jefferson High School Wrestler

What’s next

Webster is considering going to college to continue his wrestling career, but has not yet made a decision on where he will attend.

The takeaway

Webster's perseverance and improvement over his high school wrestling career serve as an inspiring story for student-athletes looking to overcome past struggles and reach new heights. His third-place finish at the state tournament was the highest for a Jefferson wrestler in 20 years, cementing his legacy as one of the school's all-time great wrestlers.