While Bridgeport’s wrestling team may not be able to win a lot of tournaments this year due to not fielding a complete roster, it’s starting to look undeniable that the Indians sport one of the top programs in Class AA. The Tribe proved just that last weekend in the Grafton Duals in Taylor County.

 

The Indians went 4-1 on the day despite giving up three weight classes to forfeits. Bridgeport toppled Fort Cherry (Pa.), Grafton, Petersburg and West Greene (Pa.).

 

Hedgesville was the only team to top BHS and the setback was by four points. The Indians finished in fourth place out of 12 teams.

 

“It was fun to compete as a team. The boys knew they were giving up three weight classes,” said Coach Chris Courtney. “They rose up and fought for points for the team. We grew as a team today.”

 

The Indians also saw those going perfect grow in numbers as well. Five wrestlers – Kemo Summers (132), Aidan Gibson (145), Austin Gibson (160), Josh Wojciechowicz (170) and Kavaughn Summers (220) – all went 5-0.

 

While all the efforts were impressive, senior Kavaughn Summers was able to get a bit of revenge. He managed to not only win his weight class, but upended an opponent from Petersburg in triple overtime that was a wrestler that beat him in the state tournament a year ago.

 

“No matter who Kavaughn wrestles he is prepared when he steps on the mat. He had a match plan and stuck with it. It was a great effort,” said Courtney. “There are things we saw we would like to improve on. We will review his video make changes and keep getting better.”

 

As for his other undefeated wrestlers, the coach also had words of praise.

 

“All the above mentioned boys are coming into their own. I have seen a big difference in their approach, style to wrestling. They are becoming more complete wrestlers,” said Courtney. Two of those wrestlers – Wojciechowicz and Kemo Summers – won four of their five matches by pinfall.

 

Bridgeport also had two wrestlers finish the day at 4-1. Addison Courtney (138) and Derek Starkey (120) did the honors. Courtney, in particular, drew the respect of coaches, teammates and likely those watching as he dealt with physical issues.

 

“Addison has defied many medical battles to just be able to step on the mat. Unfortunately during the final day of wrestling at Berkeley Springs (our first tournament that Addison won) some of those issues resurfaced.  He is getting better but this issue can’t be corrected overnight,” said Courtney, who serves as coach and father. “It may have been a little premature to put him back on the mat all day during the Grafton duals, but he is a leader and wanted to be there for the team. I have never met a kid with so much fight and determination. I am praying he continues to get well.” 

 

As for Starkey, it was a big day with big results. Courtney liked what he witnessed.

 

“Derek did great. He is exciting to watch and he battles,” said Courtney. “We will continue to tweak his game plan. He is gamer. I am excited to see him mature with the sport.”

 

The team is back in action Saturday in the Cameron Invitational. The event will begin at 10 a.m.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Kavaughn Summers dominating a foe, while Josh Wojciechowicz does the same in the second photo. In the bottom, a determined Addison Courtney is shown getting his hand raised in victory.