1st Summit Arena to host PIAA team wrestling and competitive spirit events the next 3 years

“Johnstown has been on the national radar for wrestling the last few years with Jax (Forrest), Bo (Bassett), Melvin (Miller) and the crew doing amazing things and keep raising the bar. FloWrestling’s Who’s No. 1 was here last year and now team states. All the wrestlers and parents were messaging me. They are really excited. These wrestlers dream really big. Who knows? Maybe we will see the NCAA here in Johnstown in 2029.”

Altoona Fieldhouse hosted the 2025 PIAA team wrestling championships with Bishop McCort Catholic finishing in second place at the Class 2A level. Since 2003 and before 2025, the event was held inside Giant Center in Hershey, site of the state individual tournament. Nearly 900 wrestlers from across the state took part in the event this year in both 2A and 3A.

The city arena has hosted Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling youth tournaments in the recent past.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to showcase the city of Johnstown and all it offers,” said War Memorial Authority Bid Committee Chair Bill Marshall. “This is the first phase of making Johnstown and the War Memorial a destination for PIAA sports, student athletes and their families, along with the tremendous fans in our local area.”

The competitive spirit championships were held in Reading and Hershey during recent years. Richland won the 2025 PIAA Class 2A small varsity competition in Reading Jan. 31.

Local teams have won the same division recently. The 2024 Greater Johnstown and 2023 Bishop McCort Catholic teams each claimed gold.

“Visit Johnstown is proud to collaborate with 1st Summit Arena @ Cambria County War Memorial to bring the PIAA team wrestling championships and the competitive cheerleading championships to our community,” said Nicole Waligora of Visit Johnstown in a release issued Thursday.

“These events could be hosted anywhere in Pennsylvania, and the fact that the PIAA chose our community is an absolute honor.

“This is truly a testament to great collaboration and teamwork.”

It is anticipated that each event will draw thousands of visitors to Johnstown.

“These events will serve as great opportunities for our local business community. I know that our town will welcome the athletes, coaches, families and PIAA officials with open arms,” Waligora said.

Arena General Manager Jean Desrochers said the 3,960-seat venue is eager to begin the new relationship with the PIAA after successfully hosting similar wrestling and cheerleading competitions in recent years.

“We are thrilled by the PIAA’s decision to choose our arena and our city as the new home for these events,” Desrochers said.

“We look forward to showcasing why we are the perfect choice for these events.”