Joey Ecklof

The story

Joey Ecklof is one of Northampton's three-time State Champions, winning PIAA Class AAA titles at 135 (2003), 145 (2004), and 152 (2005).

His first came as a sophomore on the same night as his brother Jeff's second. He placed 3rd at districts, won the Northeast Regional title, and at Hershey beat Archie McConnell of Solanco 10–5, Chad George of Erie McDowell 11–6, and Joe Ortiz of Reading 11–3 before a 5–3 overtime win over Tom Picarsic of Penn-Trafford in the final. As a junior he went 39–2, won his 100th match at districts, majored Liberty's Dan Horwath 19–7 for the district title, pinned his first three opponents at states, and beat Andrew Sherry of Pittsburgh Central Catholic 7–3 in the final as the Kids won another team title.

As a senior he went 31–3. He won the District XI final 2–1 in overtime over Pleasant Valley's Bryan Farley and the regional final 12–3 over Nazareth's Thad Frick. At Hershey he beat Bill Trimble of Pennsbury 10–6, Travis Uncapher of Greensburg Central Catholic 2–1 in overtime, and Brent Fiorito of Upper Perkiomen 5–2. The final matched two two-time State Champions, and Ecklof took control early with a takedown and tilt to beat Donnie Jones of Greensburg Salem 10–3. He finished with 140 career wins.