The 2026 OHSAA State Wrestling Tournament 2026 brought Ohio’s best wrestlers together for three days of competition from March 13–15 at the Jerome Schottenstein Center, on the campus of Ohio State University in Columbus. The annual tournament is the main event of the high school wrestling season, with Varsity wrestlers who battled through sectional and district tournaments to earn a spot on the state stage.

Among the programs competing in Division I was Elder High School, whose Elder Panthers continued their over forty-year tradition of sending a wrestler to the state tournament.

Panthers Reach the State Stage

Elder entered the postseason with momentum, winning their sectional tournament and advancing a large group of wrestlers to districts. The Panthers pushed twelve wrestlers through the sectional tournament, with several earning individual sectional titles.

After the district tournament, five Panthers earned the opportunity to compete at the state tournament in Columbus, joining the top wrestlers from across Ohio’s largest division.

Pre-Tournament, the four wrestlers plus the alternate (Jason Forte), said they all trusted in their ability to do the best possible. Nerves were high, but they all had a goal in mind.  The four wrestlers were Colin Broxterman, Kameron Bedel, Sebastian Hignite, and Caleb Curry.

Competing against the state’s best

The state tournament is widely considered one of the most challenging high school wrestling events in the country. More than 1,300 matches take place over three days, with wrestlers competing in a double-elimination bracket that requires two wins to place on the podium.

For the Panthers, stepping onto the mats at the Schottenstein Center represented are top wrestlers’ goals and showing the months of preparation. Wrestling in front of thousands of fans, the Elder athletes battled some of the best competitors in Ohio.

A program built on hard work

Elder’s appearance at the state tournament shows the continued strength of the program. The Panthers have long been known in southwest Ohio for their toughness and ability to develop wrestlers who can compete deep into the postseason.

Throughout the 2025–26 season, the team demonstrated consistency, sending numerous wrestlers through the sectional and district rounds, while also representing the school proudly at the state tournament.

Post tournament, two out of the four wrestlers (Caleb Curry and Colin Broxterman) placed at this tournament. Caleb Curry placed fourth and Colin placed seventh. This is a very hard task especially since it is the entire state of Ohio. With being said, they both displayed a mix of emotions, but ultimately showing the incredible athletes they are.

Hopefully, more goals are met for the next group of wrestlers, and we continue the legacy of Elder Wrestling.