The regular season is officially in the books. And Bridgeport wrestling Coach Chris Courtney wasn’t completely thrilled with his team’s showing at last weekend’s Big 10 Conference Championships held in Grafton.

 

The Indians finished eighth overall in the field. The Tribe only had nine wrestlers competing, but did manage to place seven of those nine wrestlers. East Fairmont rolled to the conference title.

 

“I don't feel it was our best wrestling overall.  I do feel the guys are working on the things they need to improve,” said Courtney. “It just takes times when you are applying it in an actual match.”

 

Freshman Kemo Summers didn’t have too much trouble applying things to his matches. Summers, who is 30-9 on the year, was one of three wrestlers to place in the top four and the only BHS wrestler to finish as a runner-up.

 

“I was really impressed with Kemo,” said Courtney of his first-year wrestler in the 132-pound classification. “He has finished in the finals the last two weeks. Getting into the big matches as a freshman will go a long way in advancing his career. I am looking forward to see him mature in this sport.”

 

Bridgeport junior Austin Gibson, 38-11 was the next highest finisher. He came in third place at 152 at the event. Teammate Addison Courtney, a junior wrestling at 138 and who has a 25-13 mark, came in fourth.

 

“Addison and Austin have solid wrestling fundamentals. They have a lot of moves they aren't pulling the trigger on,” said Courtney. “Once they gain trust in themselves, those move will come.  Then they will find themselves as contenders in every tournament.”

 

Bridgeport had two fifth place finishers on the day. Sophomore Aidan Gibson, 34-10, did the honors in the 126-pound division, while senior teammate Benson Bassell, 32-13, came in fifth at 170.

 

At the sixth spot, sophomore Josh Wojciechowicz moved to 25-14 at 145. Freshman JT Muller, who is 14-23, earned sixth as well at 160.

 

Kavaughn Summers, who had lost just one match at 220 prior to the Big 10 meet, did not compete. Courtney said he expects him back for the Region II meet at Braxton County High School Friday and Saturday. He’s hoping that he’ll have a good meet along with the rest of the wrestlers.

 

“Time will tell. We have a good week of preparation for them.  Hopefully the team will start to peak this Friday and Saturday,” said Courtney.

 

Editor's Note: Bottom photo by www.benqueenphotography.com. Top photo of Kemo Summer was submitted by Jason Wojciechowicz