Connellsville honors CHS junior Kai V. Elma as 2026 PIAA 145‑lb state wrestling champion

Connellsville Area School District officials on Tuesday presented a plaque honoring CHS junior Kai V. Elma after he won the 2026 PIAA wrestling state championship at 145 pounds. Superintendent Richard Evans opened the presentation and School Board President John Deweiler, Athletic Committee Chair Dave Martree and head coach Bill Swink joined administration in recognizing Elma.

The board noted Elma’s string of accomplishments leading to the title: three‑time section champion, two‑time WPIAL champion, two‑time PIAA western regional champion, a state medalist as a sophomore, and an NHSCA high‑school national championship this season. Administrators also highlighted Elma’s academic honors, including membership in the National Honor Society and placement on the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association first‑team academic roster.

Superintendent Richard Evans framed the recognition as both athletic and academic: the presentation noted Elma has been invited to be recognized on the Pennsylvania Senate floor on June 1 and that he has committed to continue his academic and wrestling career at Stanford University. The plaque presented by the district reads, in part, “Kai V. Elma, Connellsville Area School District, in recognition of your outstanding achievement as the 2026 PIAA Wrestling State Champion.”

Elma’s family was acknowledged during the presentation: he is the son of Alonzo and Amanda V. Elma and the younger brother of Lonzie Velma, who wrestles at West Virginia University. The board thanked coaches and committee members who supported the athlete and highlighted his blend of competitive success and scholastic achievement.

The board did not take policy action as part of the presentation; the recognition was ceremonial and concluded before the meeting moved on to the evening’s agenda items.