
TIM WEIGHT/For the Express
Bald Eagle Area senior Caleb Close gets his hand raised following a win by forfeit at 189 during the team’s 57-10 win over Marion Center in the District 6 Class AA Dual quarterfinals on Tuesday. Close was acknowledged for breaking Quentin Wright’s program record for career wins following the match, a record which stood at 154 for almost 17 years.
At Saturday’s Ultimate War tournament, Bald Eagle Area senior Caleb Close picked up a second-period pin over Garnet Valley’s Paxton Hunt in the 189-pound semifinals. Though it was only a small part of his eventual title run, that victory was particularly special, as it granted him the program record for career wins with 155.
The previous record was held by current Tyrone head coach Quentin Wright, who set it back in 2008 when he won his second state championship. As Wright went on to have a similarly storied career at Penn State, winning national titles in 2011 and 2013 before getting into coaching soon after, that record stood for almost 17 years prior to Saturday.
Close’s victory in Tuesday’s District 6 Class AA Dual quarterfinal match against Marion Center, a win by forfeit, marked win No. 158 of his illustrious career with the program. Following his hand raise, the accomplishment was announced to the team’s home crowd, as the Eagles concluded their match with a 57-10 win of their own.
“I’d just like to say congratulations to Caleb Close for being the winningest wrestler in Bald Eagle history,” said Bald Eagle head coach Ron Guenot following the match.
“It’s pretty amazing. A lot of great kids, great people came through this program and for him to win 158 matches and to do what he has done, I mean, what else can we say? Shout out to him.”
The accomplishment came two weeks after he surpassed 150 career wins against Clearfield, an achievement which reminded him of how much he’s experienced throughout his time with the program. Though those milestones don’t represent the ultimate goal, they’ve still been surreal for the Eagle.
“The record is really cool, like the school records, but I’m not too worried about that. I’m just trying to enjoy my last season and trying to do everything right so I can go win a state title,” said Close following the team’s match against Clearfield two weeks ago.
“They always say time flies when you’re having fun and I mean, looking back on 150 wins, it went fast. But I’ve had fun and enjoyed every moment, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”