Upstart Mat Tigers

Scott Kinemond was a superb wrestler at Shadyside High School. It appears he may be an even better coach. The former Tiger grappling great and his kiddie corps of matmen raised many an eyebrow this weekend in the OVAC Wrestling Tournament at WesBanco Arena. Kinemond guided his Tigers to their best-ever showing in the mat extravaganza. The Orange & Black captured the OVAC 2-A championship and finished in the top six in the overall team standings, usually reserved for the 4-A and 3-A powers. The Tigers did so with a squad highlighted by freshmen, two of whom advanced to the championship finals. Parkersburg South, to no one's surprise, won the overall championship. But the Tigers were the Cinderella story of the meet event. Wrestling pundits expected the Orange to battle Caldwell and Barnesville for the 2-A crown. No one, however, expected the Tigers to muscle their way into the mix with the big-school elite or to see two frosh vie for championships. Kinemond has laid the groundwork for an enjoyable mat run for many years to come.