Parkersburg's Stephen Myers is Recipient of Dutton Award as State's Top Wrestler
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on April 13, 2026
The journey for Parkersburg High School three-time state champion Stephen Myers is far from over, but the junior and former national title winner at Fargo will be adding to his trophy case after being selected by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association as the 42nd annual Robert Dutton Award winner for being the best high school wrestler in the state.
“Stephen is a phenomenal wrestler and an even better young man and leader. We are super excited for him to win the Dutton,” said PHS head coach Matt Littleton of the future West Virginia University Mountaineer. “Since he's come into the program we all knew he was a special talent and he's lived up to the hype.
“It’s been a pleasure to watch him continue to excel at wrestling, chase goals and reach them. It’s also been a pleasure to watch him grow as a young man and continue to just get better every day. Excited to see what the future holds for him this summer, next season and eventually college at WVU.”
Myers capped his 50-5 junior campaign with the 138-pound Division I state crown as the Big Reds finished runner-up in the team race to University.
“I was very shocked, but not shocked at the same time because of how much hard work I've put into this sport,” admitted Myers, who also won Class AAA titles at 126 and 132.
“I was also pretty shocked about it because it usually goes to seniors and we had a four-timer in (Parkersburg South's) Jesse Adams, and that's who I thought it was going to be.”
Myers, who is the first Big Red to win the Dutton Award since Jordon Nolan in 2010, has cherished every moment of his journey.
“It started a long time ago,” said the Big Red. “My coaches when I wrestled for Roane my first year of wrestling when I was like 5 years old, my coaches told my parents that they saw something in me that they hadn't seen in a while and they needed to take me someplace out of Roane County. The next year my parents sent me to Ripley and I wrestled with them for a year.
“That led to being coached by Bobby Cooper and the Intensity Wrestling Club. I got so much better from in there. That really prepared me for how much hard work I need to do just to be the best and then middle school hit. I went to Ripley for my seventh grade year and my eighth grade year I transferred to Jackson.”
Coach Littleton knew from day one that Myers had all the tools needed to dominate on the mat, but he had to go out and prove it.
“I think when he first came to us it was his God given physical abilities, but lately he's developed the mental side of things and is always asking questions on where he can improve.
“I think he's right on pace to reach his full potential. He is the best wrestler in the state and I believe he has the best room in the state to push him every day.”
Myers gave considerable thanks to his parents, PHS assistant coach Chris Way and the staff as well as 2016 Dutton honoree Lucas Simpkins of Ripley.
“He used to coach me,” Myers said of Simpkins. “He was another person in my life that impacted me a lot. He won it his junior year as well. It's just truly a blessing. I just love the whole journey itself. It's been so nice.
“Of course, there's going to be ups and downs. That's just the sport though, but the thing is that none of this would have happened if my parents didn't do all their sacrifices that they've done for me all through my life.”
Three-time state champion Maximus Fortier, who won his first two titles at Fairmont Senior (144/157) and the 175-pound Division I crown this year for University, was runner-up for the Dutton Award.
Myers will be honored at the 79th annual Victory Awards Dinner on May 3 at the Charleston Town Center.
“I’ve loved every moment of my high school (career),” Myers added. “I’ve created a lot of memories with my team throughout these three years.
“It's been such a journey. Bleeding, sweating in the practice room together, but we're not done yet. We still need one more job. We got to get that team title.”
Robert Dutton Award Winners
1985 - Dave Miller, Parkersburg South
1986 - Mike Lantz, Parkersburg
1987 - Vinnie Monseau, Wheeling Park
1988 - John Crain, Oak Glen
1989 - Gary Tuttle, Parkersburg
1990 - Todd Kendall, Spencer
1991 - Jay Michael, North Marion
1992 - R.C. Anderson, Cameron
1993 - Doug Moore, North Marion & Mike Mason, Williamstown
1994 - Mark Samples, George Washington
1995 - Jason Taylor, Wheeling Park
1996 - Jeremy Hart, Independence
1997 - Ryan Muldrew, John Marshall
1998 - Jason Johnson, Parkersburg South
1999 - Mike Miller, Wirt County
2000 - Anthony Regalbuto, Hedgesville
2001 - Matt Stevens, Parkersburg High
2002 - Jeff Courtney, Fairmont Senior
2003 - Matt Easter, Nitro
2004 - Lou Thomas, Parkersburg High
2005 - Brandon Rader, Parkersburg High
2006 - Chad Porter, Parkersburg South
2007 - Dustin Haislip, Musselman
2008 - Seth Easter, Nitro
2009 - Mason Bailey, East Fairmont
2010 - Jordon Nolan, Parkersburg
2011 - Josh Fisher, Roane County
2012 - Dylan Cottrell, Roane County
2013 - Justin Arthur, Huntington
2014 - Dalton George, Williamstown
2015 - Logan Grass, Huntington
2016 - Lucas Simpkins, Ripley
2017 - Noah Adams, Independence
2018 - Josh Humphreys, Parkersburg South
2019 - Braxton Amos, Parkersburg South
2020 - Braxton Amos, Parkersburg South
2021 - Gavin Quiocho, Parkersburg South
2022 - Derek Raike, Point Pleasant
2023 - Ethan Osborne, Woodrow Wilson
2024 - Gage Wright, Parkersburg South
2025 - Brock Kehler, University
2026 - Stephen Myers, Parkersburg
