Category: 2025-2026

On Saturday 2/7, the Cougars travelled deep into Delaware County to compete in their final varsity event of ‘25-‘26. The Interboro Bucs hosted an 8-team invitational down by the Delaware River, and East brought their final 13 wrestlers plus 2 back-ups to bang heads! After a runner-up finish last year, the Cougars bit down hard and claimed 1^stplace with 200 pts, beating hosts Interboro who finished with 183. There was some great action on the day and the team put in a total effort after a tough mid-week loss. Charlie Dunbar (107), Christian Fosmire (114), Declan McDowell (139) and Cade McDowell (160) took championship golds, while Noah Fosmire (121) and Nick Capell (152) settled for silver. Max Zambrano (127), Beau Carlson (133), and Colin Smith (215) landed in 4^thplace spots and Declan Jewell (145), Mike James (121), Mason Sledd (160), and Colin Kimble (189) battled back for 5th. It was East’s third championship finish of the season as they head towards post-season. Next up, the Chester County JV Championships held in our own Boyer Gymnasium on 2/16, and then the District 1 South Tournament at Oxford HS on 2/21. Best of luck to all team members as the season gears up for a furious finish!

In 2026’s edition of “the Battle of the Brandywine,” East had the opportunity to win the Chesmont – National outright with a win over crosstown rivals Downingtown West. Despite winning 7 of 13 bouts, East struggled to find the needed bonus points and West pulled out the slightest victory, 29-28. The Cougars called on many hands at the dual, some who lack overall experience and some who have never seen the big stage. But, the effort was there and they took West to brink despite the odds. Their overall league effort crowns them Chesmont – National co-Champions, a feat not many saw coming! Nick Capell (160) and Cade McDowell (172) earned falls, while Declan McDowell (139) and Christian Fosmire (121) took majors. Declan Jewell (152), Max Zambrano (127), and Caleb Aikens (215) rounded out the scoring with decisions. East’s JV also suffered a narrow loss winning 5 of 11 bouts and falling 22-23. Ryder Mcfalls, Jacob Lucier, Beau Carlson, Mason Sledd, and Caden Loraw all posted wins. East Varsity finishes the dual meet season 11-2 while the JV concludes at 5-1. Next up, the final regular season event for Varsity at Interboro this weekend and the JV county championships on 2/16! GO COUGARS!

This last weekend in January did not change any Cougar grappler mindset! The team kept its foot on the gas and travelled to non-league Wissahickon for another solid victory! At the end of the morning dual, East won 60-12 against the Trojans and stayed sharp as the final week of the regular season lies in front of them. Mike James (127), Declan McDowell (139), Declan Jewell (152), Cade McDowell (172), and Joe Duque (189) secured falls for the team. Nick Capell (160) picked up a tech and Beau Carlson (133) earned a major. Colin Smith (215) battled to a strong decision to wrap up the scoring. East definitely kept the momentum in their favor! There’s no time for rest as the Cougars host crosstown rivals Downingtown West next Wednesday for “The Battle of the Brandywine!” Best of luck Cougars!!

On Wednesday 1/28, D-East hosted their last home dual of the year against the Devils of Avon Grove. It was also a celebration of East’s seniors and their parents for their years of dedication. If there ever was a night for fireworks, this was it! Outmatched on paper, East beat the Devils 32-31 in an absolute barn-burner! Charlie Dunbar (107) and Karsten Hodge (285) picked up bookend falls to seal the deal! Max Zambrano (127) and Declan Jewell (145) hauled in techs while Christian Fosmire (114), Declan McDowell (139), and Cade McDowell (172) secured two decisions and a major to finalize the score. Hats off to Noah Fosmire (121) and Colin Smith (215) who were able to stave off attacks and keep the team score in check. Also, the Cougar JV once again secured victory and now stands at 4-0 in the league! Congrats to both squads! Lastly, best of luck to all of our seniors recognized at senior night: Dec, Cade, Joseph, Michael, Nick R., Noah, Christian, Nick C., and Caleb. We are tremendously proud of you all! Next up, a non-league showdown against Wissahickon. Good luck Cougars!

On Saturday 1/24, the Cougar grapplers journeyed up to Bucks County to compete at CB West’s third annual “Battle Of The Buck!” It was East’s third trip to the event, and after placing second last season, sights were set a little higher. But, the challenges mounted and the Cougars battled hard to finish 4th. They amassed 156 points with 13 point-carrying wrestlers entered and 4 back-ups on their coattails. With 5 place-winners, the team performed reasonably in the 16-team tournament. Charlie Dunbar (107), Declan McDowell (139), Cade McDowell (160) claimed gold medals, while Chris Fosmire (114) secured a silver. Nick Capell (152) dug deep and found his way to a 3rd place finish. Ultimately, it was a great day of wrestling for East, and the stage is set for the final third of the season. Up next, more league action with an old Southern Chester County foe. See you then!!

On Wednesday 1/21, Downingtown East wrestling continued Chesmont National competition and travelled to West Chester East for another league showdown. Both teams were on a bit of a roll, so tension was high. Downingtown put forth a shaky effort but got it done winning 8 of 13 bouts and besting the Vikings 34-28. Charlie Dunbar (107), Mike James (114), and Chris Fosmire (121) secured falls while Cade McDowell (172) added a major decision. Caleb Aikens (189), Colin Smith (215), Declan McDowell (145), and Nick Capell (160) earned hard-fought decisions to finish the evening. The JV Cougars earned another league victory winning 6 of 12 bouts and a 33-28 barn-burner scoreline! Victories went to Corbin Cywinski, Colin Kimble, Mason Tauss, Cayden Loraw, and Jonah Myers with the double! Next up is the grinding CB West tournament known as “The Battle of The Buck.” Best of luck Cougars!

After a strong dual meet win on Wednesday, the Cougar grapplers continued their focus and once again competed at Octorara’s annual “George Heebner Invitational.” This Friday night tournament is a blender with 3 lightning rounds and plenty of fast-paced action. East won the event last season for the second time, but as the event continues to evolve, nothing can be taken lightly. After the dust settled, and all of the 1^st place hammers had been distributed, the Cougars took the team title with 4 individual champions and 191.5 points, beating 2^ndplace Cheltenham by a stretch. Charlie Dunbar (107), Chris Fosmire (114), Declan McDowell (139), and Cade McDowell (172) all took top spot on the podium! Colin Smith (215) and Karsten Hodge (285) lost hard-fought finals to take second. Congrats also go out to Nick Capell (160) and Declan Jewell (145) who both battled back to claim 3^rd, and Rylan Piff (121), Joe Duque (189), and Beau Carlson (139) for securing 5^th place finishes. Now, the Cougars must set sights on the league again with a mid-week clash against WCE over on Ellis Lane. Stay WARM and stay SHARP!!!

In this third week of January, the Chesmont National reconvened and league duals took the spotlight across the county. Downingtown East opened up their home gym and took on the Warriors from Henderson, who they fell to last season with a lackluster performance. This year, the Cougars erupted and dominated Hendy for a 54-12 victory. East jumped all over the warriors and won 10 of 13 bouts. Mike James (114), Chris Fosmire (121), Beau Carlson (139), Declan Jewell (145), Declan McDowell (152), and Cade McDowell (172) picked up falls for East, while Nick Capell (160) grabbed a tech and Caleb Aikens (189) received a forfeit. Noah Fosmire (127) and Colin Smith (215) battled to small point losses and showed their grit! Max Zambrano (133) added a smooth major decision for the home team. The JV Cougars beat the Warriors 38-15, once again putting on an excellent performance! Now, East travels to Octorara/District III on Friday night for their annual George Heebner Classic. Best of luck to the Cougars! Keep the wheels rollin’!