SECTION 4 WRESTLING: RECORD-SETTING DAY FOR EDISON WITH 2ND AND THIRD STATE QUALIFIERS IN PROGRAM HISTORY, 21 YEARS AFTER THE FIRST (7 PHOTOS) (February 14, 2026)

By Brian Fees
Southern Tier Sports Report
BINGHAMTON — For the first time in school history the Edison wrestling team has a pair of wrestlers headed to the state championships.

Greg Golden won the 175 pound title at the Seciton IV Championships, while Mason Vanderhoff was runner-up at 110. 

Golden won 6-3 over Jaxon Backus of Walton-Delaware Academy in the final. Golden had a 15-0 technical fall win and a pin in 1:14 to get to the title match. 

Vanderhoff was pinned in 3:03 by Tioga’s defending state champion Declan McKee in the final. 

Mark Bailey (2005) is the only other state qualifier in school history. He took third at D2 states that year.

“Also, don’t want to get too lost in the fold for us, Jace Schiller taking fifth today after fighing through numerous injuries the last half of the season,” Edison coach Kevin Weber said.. “And also, Aiden Quackenbush and Rocco Franchi representing  us well.”

Schiller was fifth at 165. 

Having two state qualifiers is special.

“Incredibly proud and excited for our two state qualifiers, Mason and Greg,” Weber said.  “With Mason looking for a return after competing in the D1 states last season, and Greg feeling as though he missed out on the opportunity to qualify last season, the goal since November for both of them was to be competing on the last weekend of February.  Credit to them, as well as our coaching staff and the rest of our athletes.  For a team with low numbers such as ours, it can be difficult to keep the intensity and motivation high within the practice room throughout a long season, but we knew we had the right group that could create something special out of this year.  They showed up every day ready to work, pushed each other to keep growing, and accomplished our best season as a program in many years.”

Golden winning was special.

“Greg dominated his way to the finals, looking strong in all three positions,” Weber said. “ His winning performance in the finals was a highlight of his growth mentally as a wrestler.  He didn't allow himself to get frustrated through adversity, avoided negative positions, and took advantage of his scoring opportunities.”

Mason making states for the second straight year, after making it for Horseheads a year ago, is special.

“Mason had a great day, showing patience when needed but always looking to attack and score points,” Weber said. “(Tioga’s Declan) Mckee looked every bit of a defending state champion in the finals tonight, but that's the bar Mason sets and expects for himself and I think that drive and belief will shine through for him in what we hope will be a successful tournament in Albany.

They are excited to be a part of representing both Edison and Section IV wrestling in a few weeks, but their goal ultimately now shifts to reaching and climbing that next podium that lies ahead.”
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PHOTOS BY TIM BIRNEY AND TIM TAYLOR

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