Despite not having wrestlers in four weight classes, Bridgeport’s wrestling team still managed to finish fourth among 17 teams in the Class AA-A Region II championship meet held at Braxton County High School this past Friday and Saturday.

 

The Indians finished with 127.5 points, which wasn’t far off from the second place position. The host school Braxton County won with 237 points, while Grafton was second at 133. Roane County finished in third place with 130 points.

 

The high finish also meant the Indians had several qualify for the state meet. The Tribe will have six wrestlers heading to Huntington.

 

“I was very happy with the team. We competed in 10 of 14 weight classes.  We did not fill 106, 113, 120, and 285. The guys stepped it up this weekend,” said Coach Chris Courtney. “We took three to the state tournament last year. We doubled that number this year. I know we have a ways to go but we are moving closer to filling a team and becoming more competitive as a whole.”

 

Bridgeport had three wrestlers win regional championships. Leading the way was junior Kavaughn Summers who won the 220 pound classification and stands at a near-perfect 31-1 on the year.

 

“He did what he needed to do to secure first place. He has been battling illness. We knew he was going to be winded. He gave it his all,” said Courtney. “We have nine practices to get him back to 100 percent. I am looking forward to a solid finish at the state tournament.”

 

The two other first place finishes came from Aidan Gibson and Kemo Summers. Aidan Gibson won at 132 and moved to 36-10, while Kemo took home the title at 132 and goes into the state meet at 36-10.

 

“Aidan and Kemo improved this weekend. They wrestled smart with confidence,” said Courtney. “Hopefully they will carry that momentum into the state tournament.”

 

The Tribe also had one runner-up in Addison Courtney. Courtney, at 138, is now 28-14 on the season.

 

“Addison has really picked it up over the last few weeks. I think his reactions and decision making has improved. He looks very confident,” said the coach.

 

Austin Gibson managed a third place finish for the Tribe to qualify at 152. He’ll head south with a record of 38-11.

 

“Austin is ready for states. He lost a very close semifinals match. He rebounded to third,” said Courtney. “He looks good.  His mind is where it needs to be.” 

 

 The Indians had one senior earn a trip. Benson Bassell did the honors in the 170-pound classification and upped his record to 38-14 in the process.

 

“Benson is a competitor. He gave it his all this weekend.  He came up short on a guy he had beat early in the tournament,” said Courtney. “It is tough wrestling the same guy in one weekend. I am excited to see what he can do next weekend.”

 

Bridgeport does not have any alternates for the tournament. The state wrestling tournament is Feb. 22-24 at the Big Sandy Super Store Arena (Huntington Civic Center).  

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Kavaughn Summers dominating an opponent, while Adian Gibson gets the upperhand on a foe in the second phot. In the bottom picture, Kemo Summers looks to add to his win total.