A new season is on the horizon, and the Downingtown East Cougars are ready to get back on the mat!
With the 2026–2027 wrestling season approaching, excitement is building as the Cougars prepare for another year of competition, hard work, and Cougar pride.
Leading the Cougars this season are three team captains representing three different graduating classes:
- Karsten Hodge — Senior
- Colin Smith — Junior
- Charlie Dunbar — Sophomore
Together, they will help set the tone for a season built on toughness, discipline, teamwork, and determination.
A Season of Challenges and Opportunities
The Cougars have a busy schedule ahead, featuring Ches-Mont League competition, challenging dual meets, and several tournaments that will test the team throughout the winter.
The season gets underway on Saturday, November 28, with a scrimmage at Souderton High School. December brings several tournament opportunities, including the Ches-Mont League Tournament, Franny Lutz Holiday Duals, and the Marple Newtown Holiday Wrestling Tournament on Wednesday, December 30.
League competition heats up in January as East prepares for another competitive stretch of dual meets.
Defend Our Mat: Home Match Highlights
There’s nothing quite like wrestling in front of a home crowd, and the Cougars will have several opportunities to do just that.
Mark your calendars for these home events:
- Wednesday, January 6: Downingtown West — 6:30 PM
- Wednesday, January 13: Coatesville — 6:30 PM
- Wednesday, January 27: West Chester East — Senior Night — 6:30 PM
- Saturday, January 30: Wissahickon — 8:30 AM
- Monday, February 15: Chester County JV Championships — 9:00 AM
The home matchup against Downingtown West is always one to circle on the calendar, while Senior Night against West Chester East will provide an opportunity to recognize the dedication and contributions of our graduating wrestlers.
Three Captains. One Team. One Goal.
Leadership will be an important part of the Cougars’ success this season.
Senior Karsten Hodge, junior Colin Smith, and sophomore Charlie Dunbar will share the responsibility of helping guide the team through the challenges of a demanding wrestling season.
With captains representing three different grade levels, the Cougars have leadership that spans the program’s present and future.
But leadership in wrestling goes beyond wins and losses. It’s about showing up every day, putting in the work, holding teammates accountable, and setting the example both on and off the mat.
These three captains will look to help establish that standard throughout the season.
Cougar Nation, We Need You!
A strong wrestling program is built not only by its athletes and coaches, but also by the families, alumni, classmates, sponsors, and community members who stand behind them.
Whether you’re cheering from the bleachers at Downingtown East or traveling to support the team on the road, your support makes a difference.
We encourage everyone to follow the team throughout the season, attend matches, and help create a great atmosphere for our wrestlers.
View the complete 2026–2027 wrestling schedule:
Schedules are subject to change, so check the website regularly for updates.
New season. New challenges. Same Cougar pride.
THE HUNT BEGINS. LET’S GO EAST!
