Hornet Grapplers Edge NEB For 1st NTL Win

By: Ed Weaver  /  February 6, 2025  /  Photo: Matt Stevens

The Wellsboro Varsity Wrestling team earned their first NTL win of the season as they edged Northeast Bradford, 25-24, on Wednesday, February 5.

Trailing 18-0 after the first three matches sophomore Wyatt Kilburn won by forfeit at 152 to cut the lead down to 18-6. A win at 160 for NEB pushed the lead back up 18 points, 24-6, however the Hornets took the next four matches to eek out the win.

At 172 senior Evan Ingerick scored a 15-7 major decision over Connor Eastabrook to cut the lead to 24-10. A forfeit win by senior Ryder Bowen at 189 further cut the lead down to 24-16 before junior  Jayden Dumm's forfeit win at 215 brought the score to 24-22 heading into the final bout.

Junior Hayden Stevens pushed Wellsboro past the visiting Panthers as he earned three team points, picking up a 7-2 decision over Ben Ellis, securing the come-from-behind win for the Hornets.

In the Junior High match, NEB defeated Wellsboro 42-9. Mason Greene and Logan Stevens were both victorious on the night for Wellsboro. Greene won a 7-0 decision at 101 over Cory Mahoney while Stevens pinned Gerald Eastman at 250.

In the girls match NEB edged out the Lady Hornets, 25-24 on Criteria J, the greater number of takedowns. Freshman Isla Twoey started things off for the Hornets with a forfeit win at 100, followed by back-to-back wins by juniors Jordan Rumsey and Kodi Passmore. Rumsey pinned Dariela Reyes Ramirez at 112 and Passmore picked up a forfeit at 118. The Lady Panthers then rattled off wins in four of the ensuing five matches.

Freshman Katie Whitney picked up the Lady Hornets' final bout victory in the match as she pinned Riley Lamson at 136.

"I thought the did some nice things all around and gutted out some good wins," head coach Bryce Bitner said. "We're seeing improvement from our girls and boys, which is what we want as we head into sectionals and districts."