COLLEGE: PLENTY OF LOCALS IN ACTION ON THE MAT THIS PAST WEEKEND (January 31, 2026)

BY BRYAN SEYMOUR
Northern Tier Sports Report
Heading west takes college wrestling to the Edinboro Open today where Towanda graduate Mason Higley was in action.
     
Wrestling at 197 pounds and starting in the round of 16 versus Caleb Close of American (unattached). After a scoreless first period Higley went to the top position. Higley gave up the 1-point escape and then late in the second gave up a 3-point takedown to fall behind 4-0 going into the third period. Higley decides to go down to start the third. Giving up 4 near-fall points before earning a 1-point escape. In the end of the period and adding the 1 point for riding time the final score was a major decision loss for Higley 9-1. 
    
In the consolation round 8 #1, Higley took to the mat against Anthony Bradley of Maryland (unattached). Higley waste no time getting to his offense and securing the first takedown for a 3-point lead. Late in the first period Higley earns 4 near-fall points to take a 7-0 into the second period. Higley’s choice and he chose the neutral position. Putting on a takedown clinic in the second by securing 4 takedowns and giving up 3 escape to win by technical fall 19-3 in 4:24.
    
In the consolation round 8 #2, Higley was up against Nick Lodato of Edinboro. In the first period Higley was up 1-0 by way of a penalty point. In the second, Higley on top and turns Lodato for the fall in 3:29. In the consolation round of 4, Higley versus Aiden Ysaguirre of Arizona State. After the first period Higley was behind 3-1. To start the second Higley was in the down position where he was turned to his back for a 2 count to fall behind 5-1 before earning a 1-point escape to end the second period 5-2.  In the third period, Higley chose the bottom position where he would earn a 1-point escape to make the score 5-3. After two stall calls against Ysaguirre the final score would be a 5-4 decision loss for Higley to end his day 2-2. 

Heading west takes college wrestling to the dual with Penn College and York. Wyalusing’s Nick Woodruff in action for Penn College. 
    
In a tight team dual, and coming down to the last few weights. We find Nick Woodruff coming at 197 to take on Josh Stahl. Woodruff would not have enough answers to everything Stahl threw his way. At the conclusion of the match, it was a 15-2 major decision loss for Woodruff. Penn College would lose the dual 24-21. Penn College is back in action Saturday, January 31, when the host Keystone College. 
    
Also in action was Sullivan County’s Nate Higley and Bellarmine as they took on Davidson. Wrestling at 149 pounds, Higley faced Anderson Heap. It would not be the day for Higley as he dropped a 701 decision. Bellarmine defeated Davidson 38-3. Earlier this week, it was Nate Higley taking on Patrick Jordon of VMI. In the end, it would be Jordon by a major decision, 15-4 over Higley. Bellarmine wins the dual 35-10. Bellarmine will be back in action Sunday as they travel to Appalachian State.

Heading west takes college wrestling to Lock Haven University, with Williamson’s Kade Sottolano and Lock Haven hosting Northern Illinois in a conference matchup.
    
Sottolano took to the mat against Devon Dawson with Lock Haven leading. Sottolano took the 4-2 decision loss to end the dual. In the end, it was Lock Haven coming out on top with a 28-8 dual meet victory. Lock Haven will be back in action Sunday as it hosts George Mason for another MAC conference dual meet on Alumni Day and Crismon Out. Take a drive to Lock Haven and watch Sottolano and other District IV wrestlers in action. 

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