The last time Bridgeport High School senior Austin Gibson was getting publicity in media circles it was because of his prep wrestling prowess. In late February, Gibson became the fourth Indian ever to win a state wrestling championship.

 

Today, Gibson was back in the news. And once again it was due to wrestling.

 

This time, however, it had more to do with collegiate wrestling as opposed to the high school level. Surrounded by family and coaches, Gibson signed a national letter of intent to continue wrestling as a student-athlete at Alderson Broaddus University.

 

When Gibson enters the Battlers’ program it will be his ninth year of competing on the mat. So far, the sport has been good to him.

 

Not only did he win more than 40 matches as a senior, he won multiple close matches to win a state title. He earned a crown in the 160-pound division and earned attention from several local schools. Gibson looked at Fairmont State University and Davis & Elkins College along with AB.

 

In the end, it was the most basic things that turned him to the Philippi school.

 

“I went up there for a visit and met the guys in the program and liked them. I also liked the campus and the small classroom settings,” said Gibson, who plans to major in nursing.

 

While Gibson feels like the campus is a good fit, he’ll find out soon enough if he’s a fit as a collegiate wrestler. Coach Ryan Courtney believes he will be a good fit for AB.

 

“He is a competitor. He has raw talent for this sport. The right coach can shape his wrestling style for the next level,” said Courtney. “He has changed a lot during the last season. He became a better listener.  Listening to his coaches will allow him to evolve into an even better wrestler.”

 

Gibson believes he has some work to do on his sport to excel.

 

“I mainly have to get better at my top work on riding my opponents. I also have to improve my stamina,” he said. “There were a times I got tired and that’s something you can’t have happen.”

 

As for what he’s confident will translate well to the next level, Gibson pointed to two things. He said he’s good performing as a wrestler from the bottom and is “decent” on his feet. However, he already likes what wrestling has provided that should help in college and other aspects of life.

 

“Wrestling is good for character building and teaches you about real life,” Gibson said. “You have to work everything you get in wrestling and to get to where you want to get it doesn’t come easy.”

 

Gibson who is still practicing twice a week and lifting five times a week, recently started running to stay in shape. He said he’ll likely wrestle at 165 or 174 for the Battlers.

 

“Wherever the coaches think I fit best in the lineup is where I’ll go,” said Gibson.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows today's signing, Front row, surrounding Austin Gibson is Nikki and Jason Gibson. Back row, from left, BHS Principal Matt DeMotto, Coach Ryan Courtney, Coach Chris Courtney, Aidan Gibson and Alyson Gibson. Bottom two photos are of Gibson wrestling for the Indians.