Grove City Wrestler Wins PIAA Championship

Chase Karenbauer ends District 10's five-year boys' title drought

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Grove City sophomore Chase Karenbauer defeated Bishop McDevitt junior Braiden Lotier by a 9-7 decision in the Class 2A 114-pound final at the PIAA state wrestling championships in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Karenbauer's victory marked the first time a District 10 athlete has won a boys' wrestling title since 2021, ending a five-year drought for the region.

Why it matters

Karenbauer's championship win is a significant achievement for the Grove City wrestling program and the broader District 10 region, which had not produced a boys' state titlist in half a decade. The victory highlights the talent and hard work of young wrestlers in the area and could inspire more participation and interest in the sport.

The details

Karenbauer, a sophomore, reached the finals with a technical fall win, a quarterfinal pin, and an 8-2 decision over Halifax's Izaya Schickley in the semifinals. That set up a rematch with Lotier, a 2025 PIAA champion whom Karenbauer had defeated by a 1-0 decision in December.

  • The PIAA state wrestling championships took place on March 7, 2026 in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
  • Karenbauer's last matchup with Lotier was in December 2025.

The players

Chase Karenbauer

A sophomore wrestler from Grove City High School who won the PIAA Class 2A 114-pound championship.

Braiden Lotier

A junior wrestler from Bishop McDevitt High School who was the runner-up in the PIAA Class 2A 114-pound final.

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What’s next

Karenbauer will look to defend his PIAA title next year as a junior, while Lotier will aim to avenge his loss and capture the championship in his final high school season.

The takeaway

Karenbauer's victory ends a five-year drought for District 10 in boys' wrestling, showcasing the talent and potential of young athletes in the region. This championship win could inspire more participation and interest in the sport, helping to grow the wrestling community in Grove City and surrounding areas.