Honesdale Wrestling Standout Martin Avenges Stunning Loss

Duke Martin defeats Jayden Imler, who had pinned him at last year's tournament, to advance at PIAA State Wrestling Championships.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Honesdale junior Duke Martin defeated Jayden Imler of Chestnut Hill 7-3 in their 189-pound match at the PIAA State Wrestling Championships. This avenged a loss to Imler that had ended Martin's season last year. Martin, who now has 118 wins in just three years of varsity action, advanced to the quarterfinals and will face defending state champion Adam Waters of Faith Christian Academy next.

Why it matters

Martin's victory over Imler, who had previously pinned him, demonstrates his growth and determination to avenge last year's disappointing end to his season. The win also keeps Martin on track for a potential state title, which would be a major accomplishment for the Honesdale wrestling program.

The details

In their 189-pound match, Martin and Imler battled through three grueling periods, with Martin emerging victorious by a 7-3 decision. This reversed the outcome from last year's tournament, where Imler had pinned Martin to end his season. Martin, a junior, now boasts an impressive 118 wins in just three years of varsity wrestling.

  • The match took place on March 5, 2026 at the PIAA State Wrestling Championships in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
  • Last year, Imler had pinned Martin at the same tournament, ending Martin's season.

The players

Duke Martin

A junior 189-pound wrestler for Honesdale High School who has 118 wins in just three years of varsity action.

Jayden Imler

A junior wrestler from Chestnut Hill High School who had previously pinned Martin at last year's PIAA State Wrestling Championships.

Adam Waters

A senior wrestler from Faith Christian Academy who is the defending state champion in the 189-pound weight class.

Ryan Chulada

The head wrestling coach for Honesdale High School.

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What they’re saying

“It was awesome to see Duke avenge a loss that ended his tournament and season last year.”

— Ryan Chulada, Honesdale Wrestling Coach (Yahoo Sports)

“I'm very happy with the outcome of my first match. I stuck to the game plan and executed everything very well. In my next match, I need to scramble — wrestle well in all positions.”

— Duke Martin (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

Martin (47-6) will face defending state champion Adam Waters of Faith Christian Academy in the 189-pound quarterfinals on Friday morning at 8 a.m. with a berth in the semifinals on the line.

The takeaway

Duke Martin's hard-fought victory over Jayden Imler, who had previously defeated him, demonstrates his growth as a wrestler and his determination to avenge last year's disappointing end to his season. This win keeps Martin on track for a potential state title, which would be a major accomplishment for the Honesdale wrestling program.