University's Brock Kehler Named 204-25 Dutton Award Winner by WVSWA as State's Top Wrestler
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on March 26, 2025
By Michael Griffith
The Dominion Post
University’s Brock Kehler named Dutton Award winner for wrestler of the year
There may never be another wrestler like Brock Kehler.
The University High senior concluded his remarkable prep wrestling career with his fourth consecutive state championship and a 184-1 record, the latest run marking his third straight unbeaten season.
Kehler’s dominance on the mat has earned him the 2024-2025 Dutton Award for Wrestler of the Year, selected by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association.
“This means a lot to me, and I’m honored for this award,” Kehler said. “I’m happy that all the work put in during the season and the offseason sets me apart and very glad it’s all paid off through the years.”
Kehler won his fourth state championship in as many years (195, 215, 285, 285), completing another perfect season, his third in four years.
In four years as a participant in the state tournament, none of his opponents managed a single point against him.
In addition to his four state titles, Brock won three OVAC titles and led the Hawks to back-to-back team state championships in the past two seasons.
He holds a 4.16 GPA in the classroom and was named on the Class AAAA football all-state first team in the fall.
“The pride and recognition Brock has brought to our program is immeasurable,” UHS head coach Ken Maisel said. “Everyone knows who Brock Kehler is and what he’s done. But it’s not only what he’s done on the mat but also off it. He’s a great role model and leader for our younger guys and is always there for any one of his teammates when they need him. He is a one-of-a-kind talent and person.”
While winning is nothing new to Brock, his latest season was slightly more memorable than previous ones.
“Being my senior year was definitely more sentimental,” he said. “Getting to wrestle on the same team as my brother (Brody) was great as well. Getting to spend one last go around with my friends and just enjoying being out there was what I was focusing on.”
Although his time with UHS is ending, Kehler will still be wrestling nearby. He has signed to join the WVU wrestling team and head coach Tim Flynn in the fall.
“I’m most excited for the change when it comes to competition,” Kehler said of wrestling at the next level. “I’ll be able to really find out where my limits are early on and then work to push myself past that to prove myself at the next level and show that I belong. I feel like I’m still a little undersized in wrestling as a heavyweight in college, so I’m spending a lot of time in the weight room and working on my endurance.”
No matter where wrestling takes him, Brock says growing up, wrestling in West Virginia was special to him, and he wouldn’t ever forget where he came from.
“I feel like our state has grown significantly over the past few years,” he said. “There are numerous programs and wrestlers out there who are achieving some extraordinary things, and the support for wrestling goes beyond the mat and the results now.”
Kehler is now focusing on graduation from University High School in May before joining the Mountaineers this fall.
Runner-ups for the award were Gunner Andrick of Point Pleasant and Kai Plinski of Washington.
Kehler will be honored at the 78th annual Victory Awards Dinner on May 4 at the Bridgeport Conference Center.
Editor’s Note: Photo of Kehler by Ben Powell for The Dominion Post.
