Class of 2026

From the moment he stepped onto the wrestling mat at four years old, it was clear that Alex Herringshaw possessed a rare combination of talent, determination, and competitive drive. Thirteen years later, he completed one of the most distinguished wrestling careers in the proud history of Section III.

Herringshaw began wrestling while his father coached the Little Falls peewee program before joining the Holland Patent Youth Wrestling program under coach Ed Stevens. As a seventh grader, he earned the starting 96-pound varsity position for Hall of Fame coach John Richard and the Golden Knights, launching a career that would become the standard for excellence.

By graduation, Herringshaw had amassed 253 career victories, the third-highest total in Section III history. He became just the fifth wrestler in the history of the section to win three New York State championships, an accomplishment that places him among the sports all-time greats. His remarkable career also earned him recognition as the Section III Wrestler of the Year on two occasions, an honor reserved for the sections most outstanding competitor.

Even his earliest varsity seasons hinted at what was to come. As a seventh grader, he won 35 matches and placed fourth at the Section III Championships. The following year, he captured Class and Section III championships, finished sixth at the New York State Championships, and earned NHSCA Middle School All-American honors.

What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. Herringshaw qualified for the New York State Championships five times, winning four Class championships, four Section III championships, and three New York State titles. His success extended beyond the scholastic season as he also captured three New York State Freestyle Championships and an NHSCA National Championship, firmly establishing himself as one of the best wrestlers in Section III history.

Herringshaw continued his wrestling career at Campbell University before transferring to Oswego State University, where he earned ECAC All-Conference honors. His competitive spirit and commitment to excellence remained evident throughout his collegiate career.

Today, Alex continues to give back to the sport that shaped his life as a coach at Fulton High School, helping develop the next generation of wrestlers while sharing the knowledge, discipline, and work ethic that defined his own career. Outside the wrestling room, he has built a successful career as a professional hunting guide, turning his lifelong passion for the outdoors into his profession.