Northwestern wrestlers Luke Fugazzotto and Nolan Koehler qualified for states with top-five finishes at last weekend’s PIAA Class 2A Southeast Regional Championships.

Fugazzotto qualified for states for the third time in his career after reaching the final Saturday, where he dropped a 12-0 major decision to Faith Christian Academy’s Nick Singer at 172 pounds.

“It just helps me learn what I have to do better if I see him again,” said Fugazzotto. “I still was able to do better than I did last year at this tournament. It just gives me more to work for. I wrestled some talented guys, and it just shows me what I have to do better.”

Fugazzotto was third last year at regionals before advancing to the finals in Hershey. He had three first-period pins at regionals to reach the final.

Koehler, a freshman, advanced to states with a 6-5 decision over Seth Karpulk (Tulpehocken) in the 152-pound fifth-place match.

“It’s a great feeling,” said Koehler. “Being a freshman, going to states, it’s very exciting. My coaches have really helped me with my mentality throughout a match.

“My goals coming into this weekend were of course to go to states. I just wanted to stay in matches as much as possible.”

While not advancing to Hershey, Northwestern’s Weston Killar (114) made the podium by placing sixth at regionals.