Altoona High wrestler wins first state title in 52 years

Junior Gavin Ciampoli claims gold in 160 lbs. division, joining elite list of Mountain Lion state champions

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Altoona Area High School celebrated its newest PIAA state wrestling champion as junior Gavin Ciampoli won the 160 lbs. division at the state tournament in Hershey. Ciampoli's victory marks the first time an Altoona wrestler has won a state title in 52 years, joining an elite list of just two previous Mountain Lion state champions from the 1970s.

Why it matters

Altoona High's wrestling program has long been a source of pride for the community, but the school had not produced a state champion since the 1970s. Ciampoli's victory is seen as a major milestone that could inspire the next generation of Altoona wrestlers to reach new heights.

The details

Ciampoli, a junior, entered the state tournament with the top spot on the podium in his sights. He defeated West Scranton's Tommy Schecterly in the 160 lbs. final to claim the gold medal. Ciampoli celebrated the win with his head coach Joel Gilbert and his father Mike Ciampoli, who have both played a key role in his development.

  • Ciampoli won the state title on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
  • The last time an Altoona wrestler won a state championship was in 1974.

The players

Gavin Ciampoli

A junior at Altoona Area High School who won the PIAA state wrestling championship in the 160 lbs. division, the first Altoona wrestler to win a state title in 52 years.

Joel Gilbert

The head wrestling coach at Altoona Area High School, who has been coaching the Mountain Lions for nearly 30 years and has now guided the program's first state champion since the 1970s.

Mike Ciampoli

The father of state champion Gavin Ciampoli, who celebrated the victory in the corner with his son and head coach.

Brad Benson

An Altoona High School wrestler who won the state heavyweight championship in 1973, one of only two previous state champions from the school.

Steve Maurey

An Altoona High School wrestler who won the state championship at 112 lbs. in 1974, the other previous state champion from the school.

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What they’re saying

“I put in a lot of work to get here, but I don't stop. I keep wrestling throughout the year, so it's on to the next thing and back to work.”

— Gavin Ciampoli (WTAJ)

“You could just see both of the smiles and the excitement written all over their faces. I know Michael and Gavin put a lot of time in this sport, and they do a lot of traveling together. There's a lot of money involved in just doing the things you need to do to get to that point and to get to that pinnacle. I think the excitement was written all over their faces.”

— Joel Gilbert, Head Coach (WTAJ)

“We've had some great wrestlers in Altoona wrestling history. There's the names of the state champions on the wall, and I remember the last time I walked out of the room before states, my goal was to put my name up there. It's pretty cool to get it done.”

— Gavin Ciampoli (WTAJ)

“Each time it's, you know, it's kind of a downer. It kind of brings a calming effect to at least me, that's for sure. Because I think you get the old monkey off your back.”

— Joel Gilbert, Head Coach (WTAJ)

“It's awesome to see all the support from all my friends, teachers and classmates.”

— Gavin Ciampoli (WTAJ)

What’s next

Ciampoli will look to defend his state title and potentially become the first Altoona wrestler to win multiple state championships when he returns for his senior season.

The takeaway

Gavin Ciampoli's historic state championship victory has reignited pride in Altoona High's wrestling program, which had not produced a state champion in over 50 years. His success could inspire the next generation of Mountain Lion wrestlers to reach new heights and cement Altoona's status as a wrestling powerhouse.