With each excruciating loss at the Giant Center, Wentzel learned another lesson that would draw him closer. More pieces came together each season, as his losses grew later and later. He reached the fifth-place bout as a freshman, the third-place bout as a sophomore and the final as a junior.

And in his final run at states, no further losses would come.

Saturday’s 172-pound Class AA final saw the senior get over that coveted hump that’s been haunting him for years. Behind a controlled effort and a dominant third period, Wentzel earned his first career state title, defeating Derry’s Mason Horwat by 11-2 major decision to finish on top.

Upon securing the title, the Montoursville senior hugged head coach Matt Yonkin, practice partner Hayden Harvey and teammate Branden Eisenhour before pointing his finger up to God as he exited the view of the stands. It was a surreal, emotional moment for the senior, a four-year journey finally complete.

Gage Wentzel of Montoursville celebrates his win over Mason Horwat of Derry area in the 172 pound championship match during the PIAA State Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center in Hershey. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“Everything happens for a reason,” said Wentzel when reflecting on the journey following Saturday’s 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.”

“Couldn’t be prouder of him, happier for him,” said Yonkin on Wentzel. “His faith is strong; his courage is strong. He battled, wrestled free and as you can tell, he enjoyed every minute of it. We all did.”

In a state-championship matchup, every point can be the decider, and an escape point can also force a hurried response. But when Wentzel went down 1-0 early in the second period, his faith kept him grounded, as he patiently worked to create an opportunity.

Upon evading a shot from Horwat, Wentzel seamlessly got a good hold of his left leg, bringing it towards him to put Horwat on the mat before driving him into it for the lead-taking takedown. It was a slim lead at that point, but it was a lead he’d never relinquish.

“I’ve been in deeper waters than that before,” said Wentzel, referring to his ultimate tiebreaker in championship semis on Friday.

Gage Wentzel of Montoursville tries to escape the grasp of Mason Horwat of Derry area in the 172 pound championship match during the PIAA State Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center in Hershey. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“It’s not by accident. I’ve been put in these situations to be able to overcome those things, to have faith with the Lord. I can do all things through Christ, and that’s what I kept telling myself.”

The match remained tense through the next minute of action. Wentzel’s lead hung between one or two points past the midway point of the third, always one takedown away from going down late with little time to respond.

The Montoursville senior knew another takedown was key to preventing any late-match drama, maintaining an offensive approach. And upon getting an angle on Horwat from behind and landing a double-legged shot, he got the match sealer, dragging Horwat back in bounds before driving him into the mat for the takedown.

“I’m either going to have to stay in the middle and hand fight, have to worry about him getting to my leg and keeping my defense or I’m going to stay offensive and get another one,” Wentzel told himself through that span. “I was circling more, using heavy collar ties and telling myself I’ve been here before. I know I can do it, and I got it.”

Alongside his faith, Wentzel also gave credit to those that have supported him along the way.

Gage Wentzel of Montoursville walks off the mat after defeating Mason Horwat of Derry area in the 172 pound championship match during the PIAA State Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center in Hershey. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“Love my family, love my teammates, love my friends and just know that we did it,” said Wentzel.

“It’s not just me. It’s every single one of these guys, and I’ll never take full ownership of a state title because there’s so many people that have played a role in my life for this moment.”

With the win, the Montoursville wins leader capped his storied career on the highest note possible.

On top of his title, he finished as a four-time state medalist, a three-time sectional champ, a two-time District 4 champ and one-time Northeast Regional champ, ultimately ending up with more wins than in other Warrior with 188. Coming off the high note, the West Virginia commit will enjoy the moment before turning his sights towards the next step.

“Just be present,” said Wentzel on his mindset heading into his college career. “I have no idea what will come for me, but I guarantee you it’s going to be great.”

Brandt Harer of Montgomery tries to escape as he’s pinned by Bo Bassett of Bishop McCort in the 145 pound championship match during the PIAA State Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center in Hershey. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Apart from Wentzel, Montgomery senior Brandt Harer also competed in a final on Saturday, a greatly anticipated one that featured two two-time state champions and nationally ranked wrestlers.

Though Harer was able to survive a jam in the first period, working his way out of giving up near-fall points against a wave of pressure from Bassett, the Bishop McCort phenom got the better of him on Saturday, pinning the prolific Red Raider just before the midway point of the second period.

It was an excruciating loss given the heightened attention and obvious stakes of becoming a three-time state champion, but Harer can rest assured knowing he’s one of the most decorated wrestlers in District 4 history. The PA wins leader will now turn his sights toward his next step at Rutgers, finishing as a four-time PIAA finalist with a career record of 214-3.

Brandt Harer of Montgomery walks out before his match against Bo Bassett of Bishop McCort in the 145 pound championship match during the PIAA State Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center in Hershey. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Brandt Harer of Montgomery is taken to his back by Bo Bassett of Bishop McCort in the 145 pound championship match during the PIAA State Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center in Hershey. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

The Giant Center is lit with red and blue lights during the National Anthem before the start of the championship matchs during the PIAA State Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center in Hershey. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Gage Wentzel of Montoursville walks out as he’s announced before his match with Mason Horwat of Derry area in the 172 pound championship match during the PIAA State Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center in Hershey. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette