Columbus North Wrestlers Bring Home State Medals

The Columbus North wrestling program capped off a strong season with two athletes earning medals at the IHSAA Wrestling State Finals.

Senior Justice Thornton, ranked No. 6 at 138 pounds, showcased his dominance with an 18-2 technical fall victory in the first round before running into the top-ranked competitor in the quarterfinals. After suffering a narrow 5-4 loss in the consolation bracket, Thornton rebounded in the seventh-place match, securing a 7-0 shutout over Warren Central’s Terry Easley.

Thornton, a three-time state qualifier, finishes his stellar high school career with back-to-back seventh-place finishes.

Sophomore Cohen Long, competing at 144 pounds, made an impressive state debut. Long pulled off a 4-2 upset win in the first round before falling in the quarterfinals and then battling through tough competition in the consolation rounds. He ultimately finished in eighth place, a strong showing that sets the stage for a promising junior season.

Columbus North’s Asher Ratliff and Columbus East’s Colin McMahon also represented their schools at the state finals but were eliminated in the opening round.

With Thornton leaving as a senior leader, Long will be expected to help carry the torch for the Bull Dogs next season.