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Gomer Caps Inaugural Wrestling Season With Appearance At NJCAA Championships

Pennsylvania Highlands freshman Zach Gomer concluded the program’s inaugural season on the mat by picking up a victory at the NJCAA Wrestling Championships this past weekend at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

After becoming Penn Highlands’ first-ever national qualifier with a fourth-place finish at the Mid-Atlantic District Tournament Feb. 14, Gomer recorded the program’s first victory on the national stage by pinning Dagen Lamano of Snow College (Utah).

Gomer (North Charleston, SC) faced three NJCAA Division I opponents in the 133-pound bracket prior to being eliminated in one of the final matches of the tournament’s opening session.

“We are extremely proud of Zach and his journey to nationals,” stated Penn Highlands Head Wrestling Coach Willie Harris. “He came here very intentional about the goals he set for himself this season, one of which was to see Penn Highlands represented at the national tournament, and he did just that. Zach’s work ethic, discipline, and commitment are exactly what we want his program to be built on.”

Following a bye in the first round, Gomer fell to Clackamas Community College’s Kelby Bernard via an 18-8 major decision.

Gomer rebounded with the pin of Lamano in his first consolation match. He then dropped an 8-2 decision to Joseph Salazar of Trinidad State College (Colorado) in the Consolation Round of 16 to end his tournament run.

Alex Crist (New Paris, PA) also qualified for the NJCAA Championships but was forced to withdraw due to injury. Crist, who went undefeated during the regular season, earned the fifth and final spot at districts in the 197-pound bracket.

In total, the Black Bears had three wrestlers advance to the postseason, with Omar Parker (Duquesne, PA) also competing at districts, finishing seventh at 174 pounds.

Harris is looking forward to another strong season in 2026-27 as the program moves into year two.

“Our first season has been an incredible experience and a strong foundation for what we believe this program can become,” Harris stated. “It takes a special group of young men to help build a program from the very beginning. Our staff is excited and motivated for the next group of student-athletes who will join us and continue pushing this program to new levels.”

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