After enduring a heartbreaking loss in last year’s state final, Montoursville senior Gage Wentzel secured his run back and delivered. At the Giant Center on Saturday, he defeated No. 4 Mason Horwat (Derry) by 11-2 major decision to close his storied high school career out on the highest note possible.

Upon giving up an escape early in the second, Wentzel was able to respond, securing a takedown and going into the third up 3-2. There, was able to get Horwat in a bad position before reeling him back in bounds for another takedown, going on to add bonus to the victory with four near-fall points.

He had already clinched his fourth state medal heading into the match, but the title ensured he built on each, starting at fifth as a freshman and working his way down to gold.

“Everything happens for a reason,” said Wentzel when reflecting on the title. “Throughout this whole entire tournament, throughout this whole entire year, I was reminded of the times I lost, and I’m so thankful for the times I lost. It’s not by luck. It’s not my accident. It’s truly all God.”

The win marked the 188th of his career, as Wentzel closed out his career at No. 4 in the list of District 4 career-win leaders. Through his four seasons, the Warrior finished with a career record of 188-32, good for a win rate of just over 85 percent.

It’s a win that propels the West Virginia commit into his college career on the highest note possible, setting the tone for what should be another storied chapter for the Warrior.