Despite not fielding a full team, the Bridgeport High School wrestling team got off to a strong start in the two-day 34^th Annual Max Horz Border Wars Wrestling Invitational in Berkeley Springs this past weekend.

 

The Indians finished fourth out of 17 teams in the field. James Wood (Va.) was the winning school, Woodgrove (Va.) was the runner-up, while third place went to Hedgesville. The Class AAA school was the only team from West Virginia to beat the Indians.

 

Coach Chris Courtney was pleased with his team’s showing.

 

“We competed. Finishing fourth out of 17 took a little work,” said Courtney. “We filled 10 of 14 weight classes. All 10 guys contributed and got wins. All 10 guys got better this weekend. That is all we ask.  I still feel we need to grow the program to fill each weight class. We have more wrestlers out this year, unfortunately not at the weight classes we need.”

 

Even with that, the Indians made up for it by having three wrestlers take home wins in their individual classifications. They also had one runner-up.

 

Derek Starkey won at 126, Addison Courtney was the 138-pound winner and Kavaughn Summers picked up where he left off in the regular season last year by winning in heavyweight.

 

 “It was an impressive start by all three. Derek couldn’t ask for a better start to his high school career. Even with the first place finish, we have some things we need to improve on. He is a competitor. I expect he will accept all challenges we place before him,” said Courtney. “Addison and Kavaughn took off from where they were last year. They used this tournament to work on areas they need to improve on. They represent the upperclassman on the team. It is important for our success on the mat this year for all my upperclassman to step up and lead the team.”

 

Josh Wojciechowicz made it to the finals as well. He ended up in the number two spot in the 170 pound classification.

 

“Josh put in time in the offseason. Over the last two years, we have been asking him to adopt our methods of wrestling and forget some of his other habits. It showed this weekend,” said Courtney. “If he continues to believe in the process, He will be very competitive at 170 this year. I am excited to see him develop on the mat this year.”

 

Bridgeport had several other wrestlers place.  Aidan Gibson (145) finished third; Bladen Roush (132) and Aaron Murphy (195) were both fifth and Nathan Popichak took home a sixth place finish.

 

“Much like Josh we asked Aidan to change the way he wrestled. All I have to say is mission accomplished. I am excited to see what he does this year,” said Courtney. “Ryan and I were most impressed with Bladen this weekend. As a freshman, he forgot all the bad habits commonly seen in young wrestlers. He listened and stuck with the game plan we gave him. If he continues developing in this manner he will have a very successful high school wrestling career.”

 

Courtney also sang the praises of Popichak and Murphy, along with a few wrestlers who didn’t place in J.T. Muller and Carson DeMotto.

 

“Nathan, J.T., Carson, and Aaron performed very well. Aaron captured his first high school victory. Nathan and J.T. battled every match,” said Courtney. “Carson’s two losses were only by a total of three points. Overall as a team we improved. We will review film, make corrections and get back to work this week.”

 

Bridgeport is a little closer to home this weekend. The Tribe will compete in the University High Invitational. 

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Addison Courtney as the Max Hors event, while Derek Starkey and Kavaughn Summers are shown in the second and third photos, respectively. Bottom picture is of Josh Wojciechowicz. Photos are courtesy of Jodi Romeo Muller.