The student news of Bethel Park High School.

Hawk Eye
The student news of Bethel Park High School.

Hawk Eye
The student news of Bethel Park High School.

Hawk Eye

BPHS senior wrestler takes third in South West Regional

Ally Wolling, Staff Writer
March 3, 2025
Ethan Higgins, 145-pounder, sets up his shot against a Baldwin wrestler during a home match on Wednesday, Jan. 15. Higgins placed 3rd at the South West Regional tournament on Saturday, March 1. Higgins qualified for the PIAA Championships which begin Thursday, March 6. Photo credit: M&M Photography

On Saturday, March 1, senior Ethan Higgins took third in the South West Regional Wrestling Championships and punched his ticket to the PIAA Championships in Hershey.

Higgins has been wrestling for 13 years and is in the 145 lb weight class, which is one of the hardest weight classes in wrestling. He is also a four-year starter for the Hawks, a team captain and has over 100 (124) individual wins!

“I prepared for this event by keeping my weight in check, making sure I push myself in practice and taking it one match at a time,” said Higgins.

When asked about how it feels to qualify for the state championship, he said: “It feels great qualifying. This is what I’ve worked for my whole life and it was an extremely difficult and challenging road to get here.”

Higgins’ biggest influence during his journey is the coaching staff and his dad.

“They are always supporting me and helping me through tough times,” he said.

When recovering and staying mentally sharp throughout the season, the senior likes to take a day off occasionally and just do nothing.

Over his four years, he has been an Allegheny County tournament runner-up, section champion, a 2x WPIAL placewinner and has over 100 individual wins.

Beginning Thursday, Higgins will compete at the PIAA State Championships in Hershey!

View Story Comments
Print this Story
About the Contributor
Ally Wolling
Ally Wolling, Staff Writer
Click, Click! Don’t miss your shot!  Make way for Allison “Ally” Wolling, a brand-new member of Scholastic Publications! Now a senior, Ally plans to make her mark on the newspaper and the yearbook this year. Ally has had her claim to fame in photography around Bethel Park for over two years. Though she photographs many different activities around school, she has a clear-cut favorite: “I really like shooting football mainly because you can get a lot of cool action pics and I love the atmosphere on Friday Night.” She is a part of the Quill and Scroll International Honors Society, a prestigious organization that recognizes scholastic journalism. That is not all; Ally is a valued member of Blackhawk TVand Homecoming Committee, and she also runs her very own photography account on Instagram (Go follow her at @_awmedia71_)! On top of her activities, she is an esteemed golf and lacrosse player. Most days after school, you can see Ally going to work, sports practice, or finishing up any homework she has left. If Ally wants some tasty food, she will make her way to her favorite restaurant, Plaza Azteca: “I normally get 2 chicken quesadillas or enchiladas with queso.” When she has nothing else pressing on her to do, Ally finds her own ways to chill out: “My favorite way to relax would be watching Soccer Arsenal (Premier League), playing XBOX or sleeping.” “I joined this class because a lot of people over the years have recommended me to take it.” Well, we are glad she did! After high school, Ally wants to keep playing golf and continue her photography journey. This year, Ally is determined to make her senior year fun and exciting. “I want to make memories that will last a lifetime.” Be sure to catch Ally this year and all that she does!   Written by: Tacey Trypus, Staff Writer