2003 State Champions

The season

Northampton won its sixth PIAA team title in 2003, and four Kids won state championships, the most Northampton has had in one year.

Coach Terry Daubert's team returned ten starters, including 2001 champion Jeff Ecklof, Josh Haines, and Jon Oplinger. The Kids won the Bethlehem Holiday Classic 232–221.5 over Blair Academy, the Cedar Cliff Duals (58–15 over Boyertown in the final), and the Parkland Duals (43–21 over Connellsville after trailing late). On Jan. 25 at Liberty's Memorial Gym, Oplinger's decision sealed a 31–29 win over Easton, Daubert's first over the Rovers as head coach, and the Kids won the new Lehigh Valley Conference at 7–0. Their losses came against Blair Academy (35–24) and Easton in the District Duals final (34–23).

Easton beat the Kids in the District XI Duals final and edged them for the Northeast Regional team title, but at Hershey the Kids turned it around. Joey Ecklof (135), Jeff Ecklof (145), Josh Haines (189), and Jon Oplinger (215) all won titles, and Northampton beat Easton 98–80.5 for the team championship. “Times like this come once in a lifetime,” Daubert said.