There wasn’t a Big 10 championship at the end of the high school wrestling rainbow. In fact, there weren’t even any individual championships for Bridgeport High School.

 

That doesn’t mean that the two-day tournament in Marion County wasn’t one that was productive for the Indians. Despite finishing in seventh place, first-year coach Dr. Chris Courtney wasn’t terribly dismayed – even though he wanted to get a bit higher.

 

“I wanted to see a higher finish. I feel a few of the guys that didn't place has put the work in,” said Courtney. “It just hasn't translate to wins on the mat, yet.”

 

One person that the hard work did translate for was Cooper Hineman. Hineman, wrestling in the 160 pound category, came the closest to taking home a Big 10 title. He finished in second place during the competition.

 

“He trains harder than anyone. He is our leader.  I think the depth of our team hinders him some do to the lack of competition in the room,” said Courtney. “He will be anxious to get back in the practice room and work out a few wrinkles we saw in his final match. If the rest of the team finds the intensity Copper has we will start seeing a lot more hands getting raised.”

 

Two sets of hands that were raised nearly as much as that of Hineman was those belonging to Aidan Gibson and Austin Gibson. Aidan Gibson (106) and Austin Gibson both finished in third place.

 

 “I am very happy with both Austin and Aidan. They have very sound wrestling mechanics. It is a tough transition for a freshman (Aidan) in wrestling,” said Courtney. “Aidan is getting use to the speed of the sport at this level. He is reacting and initiating more action. If he continues this he will be very competitive at the regional tournament.

 

“We have worked with Austin on his technique and approach to wrestling. He has responded well,” Courtney continued. “If he can bring more intensity into his matches I think he has a very good chance to place in states.”

 

Bridgeport had three other wrestlers place in the top six. Josh Wojciechowicz finished in fourth place in 126, Blayne Werstler was fifth in 182 and Carson DeMotto was sixth in 126. What that means is that six of Bridgeport’s 10 wrestlers competing in the 14 weight classes placed.

 

Bridgeport is back in action Wednesday at 6 p.m. The Tribe is in a quad match with Roane County, Woodrow Wilson and Grafton.

 

The team scores for the meet were as follows:

 

1. East Fairmont 200.00

2. North Marion 189.50

3. Fairmont Senior 172.00

4. Buckhannon Upshur 120.50

5. Grafton 107.50

6. Liberty 99.00

7. Bridgeport 86.00

8. Philip Barbour 62.00

9. Lincoln 50.00

10. Lewis County 49.00

11. Preston 43.00

12. Robert C. Byrd 32.00

13. Elkins 5.00

 

Editor's Note: File photos by www.benqueenphotography.com.