Bellefonte, State College Boys Shine with 6 District Champs as 6 County Girls Advance

Centre County wrestlers set to compete at regionals after strong district performances

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Bellefonte and State College boys wrestling teams combined to produce six District 6 Class 3A champions, while four Centre County schools advanced six girls wrestlers to regionals. The Red Raiders finished third in the team standings, with State College fourth. In the District 5-6-9 girls tournament, every Centre County school with a girls program qualified at least one wrestler for regionals.

Why it matters

The strong showings by the Centre County wrestlers highlight the continued growth and competitiveness of high school wrestling programs in the region. Advancing wrestlers to the regional tournaments puts them one step closer to qualifying for the state championships in Hershey.

The details

Bellefonte had three individual champions - Wyatt Long (139 pounds), Jackson Long (189 pounds), and Luke Hockenberry (215 pounds) - and five additional regional qualifiers. State College also had three champions - Luke Young (121 pounds), James Whitbred (152 pounds), and Teag Sanderson (172 pounds) - and four more regional qualifiers. In the girls tournament, Bald Eagle Area, Bellefonte, Philipsburg-Osceola, and State College all had at least one wrestler advance to the Central Regional at Milton High School.

  • The top three from each boys team will advance to the Western Regional at Cannon-McMillan High School next weekend.
  • The top five girls from each team will head to the Central Regional at Milton High School next weekend.

The players

Wyatt Long

Bellefonte wrestler who won the 139-pound District 6 Class 3A championship.

Jackson Long

Bellefonte wrestler who won the 189-pound District 6 Class 3A championship.

Luke Hockenberry

Bellefonte wrestler who won the 215-pound District 6 Class 3A championship.

Luke Young

State College wrestler who won the 121-pound District 6 Class 3A championship.

James Whitbred

State College wrestler who won the 152-pound District 6 Class 3A championship.

Teag Sanderson

State College wrestler and son of Penn State wrestling coach Cael Sanderson, who won the 172-pound District 6 Class 3A championship.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't even qualify for regionals last year. (It took) a lot of wrestling outside of my school room, individual tournaments. I want to win (at regionals), and upset some people.”

— Luke Hockenberry (centredaily.com)

“I just tried to keep working on stuff that I've been working on in the room. Shots that get me to the leg that can get me a takedown. I'm pretty happy now; it's nice.”

— James Whitbred (centredaily.com)

“I've been training with some high-level guys.”

— Teag Sanderson (centredaily.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.