Bridgeport wrestling Coach Chris Courtney didn’t go into this past weekend’s Winners Choice Wrestling Tournament at the Fairmont Senior Field House with expectations of winning it. After all, he’s sporting a youthful and not a full roster in an event that featured dozens of teams from the state and beyond.

 

That didn’t mean that he was expecting to go in and not see progress. And the first-year coach believes he had that happen despite the 30^th place finish in the two-day event in Marion County.

 

“The tournament was loaded with talent. Many of the state’s top rated (Class) AAA and AA-A (teams) were present,” said Courtney. “We had five of 11 guys make it to the second day.  Four of those five wrestled tough matches and just came up short. Addison Courtney was the only wrestler to advance.”

 

Addison Courtney was also the only wrestler for Bridgeport to place. He came in at No. 8 in the 138 pound classification.

 

“Addison was adjusting well to compete at a higher level. I feel he was getting use to the tempo and talent seen on the high school level,” said the coach, who doubles as Addison’s father. “He has been very dedicated to additional training and film study.  Placing in the top eight at the Winners Choice is a tough task, let alone for a freshman.”

 

The eighth place finish, however, was a bit deceptive. Due to twisting his knee, Addison Courtney had to injury default his final two matches or he possibly could have gotten higher.

 

“He felt a ‘pop’ and had immediate pain.  He held on to get the win.  He could not even stand to bear weight on his leg to even shake hands and get his hand raised,” said the coach. “After I examined him I knew he had an injury that would require treatment. I pulled him out of the tournament.”

 

The freshman was getting his knee looked at this week at United Hospital Center. His status is unknown, but looks like his first year is over.

 

“Addison's resolve and determination is inspiring to me. I have never seen him fall short of accomplishing a goal he has set himself. This injury is just another obstacle life has thrown at him. He will adjust and attack it head on,” said Coach Courtney. “I am very proud of him and the way he has carried himself with this injury.  His motivating spirit will be missed in the practice room.  I certainly will miss hearing his name called out on the mat the remainder of the year.” 

 

The meet should help others get ready for the state meet that is held late February in Huntington. It is not in the standard dual format that most are and, instead, is set up like what any potential BHS qualifier would see during the state event.

 

“As opposed to a dual match where one team versus another team and all wrestlers have a chance to wrestle win or lose. This was a double elimination bracketed tournament. You win you stay in. Lose once you have a chance to wrestle back for third,” said Courtney.

 

The wrestling team will be in the Harrison County championship Friday and Saturday. The meet will be held at the Nathan Goff Armory in Clarksburg. On Monday, BHS will host its final meet of the year with a tri-match that sees wrestling start at 6 p.m.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Addison Courtney getting his hand raised in victory, while the all-Courtney coaching staff is shown below.  Photos above and in the gallery below submitted by Jason Wojciechowicz