When the smoke had settled from the Region II tournament in Braxton County this past weekend, Bridgeport had managed to get six wrestlers qualified for the state meet Feb. 28-29 in Huntington. Three wrestlers ended up winning regional championships.

 

“Our guys gave it their all this past weekend. We had an anemic wrestling room going into regionals,” said Coach Chris Courtney. “We had a lot of guys out with flu. We really couldn’t wrestle at all to get ready for regionals.  We conditioned and did individual workouts.”

 

Several wrestlers responded. Leading the way was Aidan Gibson who not only qualified for the state tournament but did something else in Braxton on his way to the regional crown. The standout won his 150^th match.

 

“Aidan has had an exceptional career at Bridgeport.  The team knows I am not much on stats, but 150 wins is tough to do.  That is an impressive accomplishment,” said Courtney. “None the less I am sure if you asked him, he would take a state title over a win record.  We will get him ready so he can make a run for the title.”

 

Kemo Summers also qualified. He won the championship at 152 pounds.

 

“He looked very good,” said Courtney of Summers. “He has redefined his approach to wrestling and is taking command of the match from the start. He is peaking at the right time.”

 

The third wrestler to win a Region II championship was Derek Starkey. Starkey won at 145.

 

“We have been working with Derek on adding different setups and attacks on his feet. We have seen glimpses of this on the mat which really makes him a serious threat going into states,” said Courtney. “I hope he continues to put the work in to make these changes over the next week. If so, he will be another one to watch to advance deep into the tournament.”

 

Although not winning titles, three more BHS wrestlers will have their names in the field after qualifying for the state meet.  Conner Arnett (113) finished third, Bladen Roush (138) finished fourth, and Kamar Summers (heavyweight) was a third place finisher.    

 

“These guys showed a lot of fight this weekend. They weren’t 100 percent but battle like champions. The interval between regionals and states should let them reset and get ready for states. I am excited for all 6 of these wrestlers headed to states,” said Courtney. “They know what is at stake and are accepting the challenge.”

 

Although only the top four wrestlers from each region place, the Indians did manage to get two more wrestlers on the top six finishers podium. Brody Carnes took fifth place and will serve as an alternate in the event another wrestler can’t compete due to injury or illness, while Mario Galindo managed to earn a sixth-place finish in regional competition.     

 

“They are freshman with a great work ethic. They are very motivated. If they continued to learn wrestling and follow our technique, they will be successful in this sport,” Courtney said.

 

The wrestling team leaves next Thursday and will compete Friday through Saturday.

 

Editor's Note: Photos show, from top, Aidan Gibson, Kemo Summers and Derek Starkey. Photos by and courtesy of Jodi Romeo Muller.