It was a sight that the Bald Eagle faithful had seen endless times before but for Close, it was particularly special. With the win, the storied senior breached another momentous milestone, securing his 150th win in front of his home crowd on Senior Night.

“It’s pretty awesome,” said Close on the accomplishment. “They always say time flies when you’re having fun and I mean, looking back on 150 wins, it went fast. But I’ve had a lot of fun and enjoyed every moment, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Close has achieved a lot throughout his time as an Eagle.

Postseason wise, he entered his senior campaign a three-time state qualifier and medalist, most recently earning a career-best PIAA bronze in 2024. And he’s a two-time defending district and regional champion, standing as the unargued best at his weight in both District 6 and the Southwest region.

TIM WEIGHT/For The Express Bald Eagle Area’s Caden Judice wrestles during a dual earlier this season.

Overall, Close has improved his win total, win percentage and number of falls by the season, with over half (76) of his career wins coming by pin and his career win percentage sitting just a few wins away from breaching .900. And through the regular season, he’s won titles at the biggest tournaments in the state, including two at both Mid-Winter Mayhem and Trojan Wars.

Still, there’s unfinished business ahead.

Since setting his PIAA benchmark at eighth as a freshman, that coveted, legacy-defining state title has alluded him, with the Eagle falling one takedown short of a shot at a goal in last season’s championship semifinals. Though Tuesday’s accolade was surreal, the focus has been clear since March.

“The record is really cool, like the school records, but I’m not too worried about that,” said Close. “I’m just trying to enjoy my last season and trying to do everything right so I can go win a state title.”

When asked what his biggest focuses were heading into the next two months in terms of improvements, he highlighted his conditioning and mental strength as points of emphasis moving forward.

TIM WEIGHT/For The Express Bald Eagle Area’s Caden Judice wrestles during a dual earlier this season.

“I don’t want to get tired at all in my matches,” said Close. “Just staying mentally strong and enjoying them. Being happy and enjoying every moment of the journey.”

MORE TO CELEBRATE

While Tuesday’s match didn’t end the way Bald Eagle wanted it to, with the Eagles falling to No. 6 Clearfield 45-24, the night itself was still particularly special. Not only did the team’s seniors – Close, Hunter Davis, Austin Stine and Alex Surovec – get honored prior to their last home match of the season, but another core member of the Eagles was also accredited for reaching a marquee career milestone.

At King of the Mountain in December, Caden Judice officially surpassed 100 wins as a junior, doing so with an 11-0 major decision over Bethel Park’s Seth Miller. In the team’s first home match since then, he was recognized for the accomplishment.

“It’s a great accomplishment,” expressed Judice. “I’m really proud of it and it’s super exciting.”

TIM WEIGHT/For The Express Bald Eagle Area’s Caleb Close competes during a dual earlier this year.

Judice has had an incredible high school career so far, earning a state title as a freshman in Louisiana before joining Bald Eagle Area as a sophomore and carrying that success over to the nation’s hotbed for wrestling.

He’s since accumulated 70 additional wins and finished his first postseason with the team as a district champion and state medalist. And against the Bison on Tuesday, he notched win No. 117 with a strong, major decision win over No. 17 Cash Diehl after moving up a weight.

Judice’s mindset regarding his recently surpassed milestone is similar to Close’s, with bigger goals and journeys toward said goals still lying ahead.

“I’m focused on biggest goals,” Judice continued. “I have a lot of big goals, like getting onto the podium in Hershey, that’s the main goal. And just being proud of what I’ve done so far, getting better every day and getting ready for the postseason. I’m super excited and ready for that.”

His PIAA benchmark was set at seventh as a sophomore. Now, the goal is simple.

“The higher, the better,” said Judice on his goal placement. “I’m just going to go out there every match and score points, do my thing. Wherever I end up is where I end up.”

The night served as a reminder for how much talent lies within Bald Eagle Area’s roster, a testament to its top wrestlers and their respective skills. And for head coach Ron Guenot, it reminded him how hard he’s seen those guys work through the years.

“Those guys work hard, and they deserve it,” said Guenot. “We’ve put a lot of time into Caleb and Caden, and all those wins are a result of how hard they work.”

Each is working tirelessly to improve every day. And with just under two months left in the season and Judice having an additional year to develop, there’s still plenty of time for the pair to continue racking up accolades.