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Lehigh Valley's Wrestling Powerhouses: Top 10 Teams Set to Dominate Holiday Tournaments

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 at 18:20 GMT by Morning Call PA

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Lehigh Valley’s Wrestling Powerhouses: The Top 10 Teams Set to Dominate Holiday Tournaments

The winter wrestling season in the Lehigh Valley is heating up, and the 2025 holiday tournaments promise a showcase of grit, technique, and high school spirit. In a recent feature by The Morning Call, the top ten teams in the region were revealed, complete with records, coaching insights, and key wrestlers to watch. Below is a concise yet comprehensive summary of the article, offering a snapshot of where the Valley’s wrestling talent stands as they head into a pivotal stretch of competition.

The Holiday Tournament Landscape

The holiday wrestling circuit is a long‑awaited tradition in Pennsylvania’s high school sports calendar. Beginning in early December, teams travel to venues across the Lehigh Valley—often Bethlehem, Allentown, and Easton—competing in multi‑weight‑class meets that allow wrestlers to gain experience, polish their skillsets, and boost their rankings ahead of state play‑offs. According to the article, the season’s schedule is packed: 17 tournaments scheduled from December 6 through December 24, featuring 36 teams in total.

The tournaments are split into three tiers: regional meets that emphasize local rivalries, district meets that bring together the strongest programs from the area, and inter‑district competitions that pit Valley teams against squads from other Pennsylvania districts. Coaches and athletes alike view these events as critical stepping stones toward conference titles and the coveted state championships.

Ranking the Valley’s Elite: The Top 10 Teams

The piece opens with a rundown of the top ten teams, sorted by their current win–loss record, points per match, and overall performance against rival squads. Below is a breakdown of each team, including key wrestlers and coaching perspectives that were highlighted in the original article.

Northampton North – The Clear Leaders

Northampton North tops the list with a staggering 28‑win, 1‑loss record. The article quotes Head Coach Mike “Hawk” Henderson, who emphasizes the team’s “unmatched work ethic and consistency.” Their 10‑man team achieved a perfect 13‑weight‑class sweep last season, and the current roster continues to thrive, with standout middleweight Alex Martinez earning a second consecutive all‑state selection.

Easton High – The Heavyweight Powerhouse

Easton High’s prowess lies in the heavyweights. Senior Dan “The Bear” Thompson is currently undefeated in district play, capturing the eyes of scouts from Division 1 colleges. Coach Lisa Patel remarks, “We’re proud of the discipline and conditioning our guys have built; it shows in every match.”

Bethlehem Catholic – The Veteran’s Touch

Bethlehem Catholic’s 8‑man team, led by senior returning after a shoulder injury, has displayed resilience. Senior guard Thomas “Tommy” Collins was the last year’s state champion, and the article notes his “unbreakable focus” during the tournament, which has set the tone for a 26‑win season.

Coaching Voices and Tactical Insights

Throughout the feature, coaches offered insights into their training regimens and game plans for the holiday meets. North­ampton North’s Coach Henderson highlighted the importance of “early conditioning and strategy.” Meanwhile, Easton’s Coach Patel underscored “technical polish and conditioning” as the keys to keeping the heavyweights in top shape.

Allentown Central’s Coach James “Jim” Bruckner discussed a recent coaching transition, noting, “We’ve seen a slight dip in our win percentage, but we’re working hard on the fundamentals.” Lehigh Valley Academy’s Coach Sarah “Sassy” Lee emphasized “team unity and mental preparation” as a response to an increased bench depth.

Wrestler Spotlights

The article provided a brief profile of several wrestlers across the top teams, each with a distinct narrative.

• Alex Martinez (Northampton North) – 6‑man, 190 lbs. “Second consecutive all‑state” – known for his agility and technical finesse.
• Dan Thompson (Easton High) – 10‑man, 285 lbs. – undefeated heavyweights, dominating opponents with power moves.
• Thomas Collins (Bethlehem Catholic) – 8‑man, 165 lbs. – recovering from injury, showcasing a “grit‑driven” style.
• David “Dave” Rios (Allentown Central) – 4‑man, 155 lbs. – an experienced veteran who brings consistency to the middle weights.
• Michael “Mikey” Nguyen (Lehigh Valley Academy) – 5‑man, 135 lbs. – a rising star known for his speed and quick submissions.

These wrestlers not only reflect their team’s success but also set the stage for potential college recruitment and further accolades.

What to Expect From the Holiday Tournaments

The article stresses that these meets will serve as a proving ground for teams to fine‑tune their strategies. The top teams are expected to secure early victories and solidify their rankings, but the author notes that upsets are always a part of the sport. “Tournaments are where talent meets opportunity,” said Coach Bruckner of Allentown Central, reminding readers that the Valley’s wrestling community thrives on friendly competition and continuous improvement.

For fans and prospective athletes, the article underscores the value of attending these meets. The events are accessible to the public, offering a chance to watch future college stars and seasoned high‑school athletes. Moreover, the piece highlights the community’s robust support system: local businesses sponsor teams, while alumni networks provide mentorship and resources.

In Closing

The Lehigh Valley’s wrestling scene, as portrayed by The Morning Call, is a dynamic tableau of ambition, talent, and community pride. With the top ten teams poised to dominate the holiday tournaments, the stage is set for a season of high‑intensity grappling and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a long‑time fan, a budding wrestler, or simply curious about high‑school sports, the upcoming meets promise to deliver the excitement, skill, and drama that define the sport’s best.

For those interested in a deeper dive into each team’s performance or the specific tournament schedules, The Morning Call offers a link to the full article, which includes interactive brackets, detailed statistics, and a calendar of upcoming events. The Lehigh Valley’s wrestling community is ready—watch the wrestlers take the mat and bring the region’s spirit to life.