Abington Heights Captures District 2 Class 3A Wrestling Title

Comets defeat Pittston Area 44-21 to advance to PIAA Championships

Jan. 31, 2026 at 2:55pm

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The Abington Heights wrestling team captured the District 2 Class 3A duals championship on Saturday, defeating Pittston Area 44-21 at Abington Heights High School. The Comets were led by strong performances from freshmen Lucas Drake and Lucas Kareha, as well as key wins from Chace Berry, Jack Kotchick, and Ayden Kane. Abington Heights will now host the first round of the PIAA Class 3A championships on Tuesday.

Why it matters

This victory marks a significant accomplishment for the Abington Heights wrestling program, as they continue to build on their success and establish themselves as a powerhouse in District 2. The team's ability to overcome challenges and rely on its depth showcases the strength of the program and its commitment to developing young talent.

The details

Abington Heights trailed early 6-0 but rallied to win 9 of the 14 matches, including key victories from freshmen Lucas Drake and Lucas Kareha. Drake's ultimate tiebreaker win at 152 pounds proved to be a pivotal moment, giving the Comets a 27-12 lead they would not relinquish. Other standout performances came from Dakota Sandy (121), Mason Whitney (139), Chace Berry (145), Jack Kotchick (172), and Ayden Kane (189).

  • The District 2 Class 3A duals championship was held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Abington Heights High School.
  • Abington Heights will host the first round of the PIAA Class 3A championships on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 5 p.m. at Scranton High School.

The players

Lucas Drake

A freshman wrestler for Abington Heights who secured a key 3-2 ultimate tiebreaker victory at 152 pounds to help the Comets pull away.

Lucas Kareha

A freshman wrestler for Abington Heights who won a crucial 5-3 decision at 114 pounds to get the Comets on the board early.

Chace Berry

A wrestler for Abington Heights who won a 17-6 major decision at 145 pounds to extend the Comets' lead.

Jack Kotchick

A wrestler for Abington Heights who recorded a 22-6 technical fall at 172 pounds to help seal the victory for the Comets.

Ayden Kane

A wrestler for Abington Heights who secured the fastest pin of the day at 13 seconds in the 189-pound match.

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What they’re saying

“It's awesome. Our hard work has finally paid off. Making it to states has been a goal for us. Every night, we always talk about it.”

— Lucas Drake, Abington Heights Freshman (The Times-Tribune)

“Really what started us off was the match that we didn't actually have us winning, and Lucas Kareha right off the bat wrestled his heart out, wrestled really tough, stayed in good position and pulled out a victory in that first match and that just set the course.”

— Gregory Theony, Abington Heights Head Coach (The Times-Tribune)

“Overall as coaches, I think I speak for everybody on the staff, we're super proud of this team. They've been working hard all year, and I just want them to enjoy this. I know it's not the result we wanted, but I want them to enjoy it because it is a huge accomplishment for them and for the school.”

— Dave Krantz, Pittston Area Head Coach (The Times-Tribune)

What’s next

Abington Heights will host the first round of the PIAA Class 3A championships on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 5 p.m. at Scranton High School.

The takeaway

Abington Heights' victory showcases the strength of their wrestling program and its ability to develop young talent. The Comets' depth and resilience were on full display as they overcame an early deficit to capture the District 2 Class 3A duals title, setting them up for a deep run in the upcoming PIAA Championships.