Nine Local Wrestlers Secure North Sectional Gold Medals, Advance to District 4 Championships
ATHENS – Nine wrestlers from local high schools claimed gold medals at the North Sectional tournament on Saturday, February 14, 2026, earning their spots in the District 4 championships at Williamsport. The tournament showcased impressive performances from athletes across multiple schools, highlighting the strength of wrestling in the Northern Tier region.
North Penn-Liberty Dominates with Two Champions
North Penn-Liberty led the charge with two individual champions. Sophomore Bodhi Nickerson secured his first Sectional title at 107 pounds, defeating Levi Vermilya of Canton with a major decision of 15-6.1 Junior Bryce Pequignot continued his winning streak, capturing his third consecutive Sectional title at 121 pounds with a dominant 17-2 tech fall victory over Towanda’s Braydon Fessenden.2 Pequignot achieved this win with a series of decisive victories, including a 16-1 win in 46 seconds in the opening round and an 18-2 win over Williamson’s Walker Hyde in the semifinals.2
Williamson and Canton Similarly Claim Gold
Williamson also had a strong showing, with Zander Wilson winning at 114 pounds with a 10-5 decision over Wyalusing’s Isaiah Harvey.1 Wilson secured his place in the district tournament after pinning Sullivan County’s Luca Zelewicz in just 42 seconds in the semifinals.1 Hunter Simonds of Williamson quickly secured gold at 127 pounds, pinning Keagan Kerr of Troy in a swift 36 seconds.1
Canton’s Carson Rockwell won a closely contested match at 160 pounds, defeating Towanda’s Reese Sluyter 2-0. A crucial reversal in the second period gave Rockwell the lead, which he defended throughout the final three minutes.1
Additional Gold Medalists
Wellsboro’s Hayden Stevens took the title at 215 pounds with a 7-0 decision against Wyalusing’s Daniel Fox.1 Williamson’s Luke Sottolano dominated the 285-pound category, winning both his bouts by pin, including a pin against Towanda’s Dom Miller in 48 seconds in the semifinals and a pin against Sullivan County’s Carter Reis with just five seconds remaining in the first period.1
District 4 Championships Await
With their victories, these nine wrestlers, along with six runners-up, will advance to the District 4 championships at Williamsport, continuing their pursuit of wrestling excellence.1