Kollin Rath has quickly become a prominent name in the wrestling world, known for his hard-nosed competitive style and impressive achievements. This article delves into his wrestling journey, highlighting his significant accomplishments and future aspirations.
Early Career and High School Success
A rising junior at Bethlehem Catholic, Kollin Rath has made a name for himself as a top-tier wrestler. As of 2023, he was ranked #8 in the country at 145 lbs. His accolades include:
- Pennsylvania State Champion
- Super 32 Champion
Rath's success in high school tournaments has solidified his reputation as a formidable competitor.
2024 PIAA Class 3A State Championship
In the 2024 PIAA Class 3A 152-pound final, Kollin Rath of Bethlehem Catholic faced Collin Gaj, a Quakertown junior. Despite a fierce first-period assault from Gaj, Rath maintained his composure. Rath secured a quick takedown in the third period and held on to win 3-2, claiming his second state championship and third state medal.
Rath acknowledged the intensity of the match, saying, "He may have come out a little harder than I thought."
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Gaj almost immediately got in deep on a shot, and the resulting sequence was met with oohs and aahs from the crowd. The shot was excellent and against 99% of wrestlers, it would have produced a takedown.
About the tough match, Rath said, “I have been in that one position 100 times. I have been in that exact position in practice with (junior) Shane McFillin (who finished fourth at 145 at states) before. The things I do in that position I can do because I have been there before. I wasn’t letting his hips get over.”
The second period saw nothing like the first-period fireworks, just a Rath escape.
Rath immediately pounced and after a brief tussle secured the takedown. Rath said, “I didn’t have anything specific in mind when he escaped. I saw a chance, took it, and I flowed through and I was able to get behind him. It’s positional wrestling - I have been in that position before. When you cause a scramble, then there’s a chance of someone getting a takedown, but you have to force the action and when it’s Collin you have to be perfect.”
Rath's victory contributed to Bethlehem Catholic's 3A team title, where they scored 98.5 points, surpassing runner-up Nazareth's 78.5 points. This win improved Rath’s season record to 45-1 and career record to 106-4.
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Key Stats from the Match
| Wrestler | Points | Championship |
|---|---|---|
| Kollin Rath | 3 | PIAA Class 3A State Championship |
| Collin Gaj | 2 | - |
College Commitment
PIAA champ Kollin Rath has made his college decision. The Bethlehem Catholic junior will be competing for Brian Smith's Missouri Tigers following his high school graduation in 2025. Rath committed live on PA Power Wrestling.
Rath is known as a hard-nosed competitor with college-ready hand fighting abilities.
Rath joins a 2025 Missouri recruiting class that already includes #66 Peyton Westpfahl. Mizzou's 2024 class has #7 Aeoden Sinclair, #26 Jace Roller, #37 Jake Crapps, and #74 Mack Mauger.
During his recruitment process, Rath emphasized the importance of a supportive coaching staff. "A coaching staff that will be behind me for everything. They’ll see me when I’m down and pick me up and keep pushing me," he said.
While NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities were a consideration, Rath stated that it wasn't a primary factor in his decision. He is more focused on finding a program that will support his athletic and personal growth.
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Escape the Rock Tournament
Kollin Rath has also distinguished himself at the Escape the Rock Tournament, a prestigious high school wrestling event. In 2023, he secured his second ETR belt. The 152 bracket provided some excellent match ups, featuring three returning champs, with Kollin Rath coming out on top to get his second ETR belt.
The Escape the Rock Tournament, originally conceived in 2004, has grown into a significant event attracting top wrestling talent. Over the years, it has featured appearances by renowned wrestlers like Jordan Burroughs.
The history of Escape the Rock includes:
- 2005: Inaugural tournament as a dual meet event
- 2007: Transition to a 24-team individual tournament
- 2011: Expansion to 32 teams
Teams like Bethlehem Catholic, Wyoming Seminary, and Malvern Prep have consistently performed well at the tournament, underscoring its competitive nature.
How to Become a State Champion Wrestler
Super 32 Title
Kollin Rath recently earned a Super 32 title in a loaded bracket at 150 lbs.
Kollin Rath's Super 32 finals victory was over Kody Routledge.
