The Ohio Valley Athletic Conference wrestling officials have held a golf outing for the past two summers, along with several major sponsors, at the Cadiz Country Club. Proceeds from the event go to OVAC wrestling scholarships. Because of the sponsors and several other donations, the group has been able to provide $500 awards to the Lucas Sedgmer and OVAC scholarship funds.

Saturday night the group made its latest presentation to former official Steve Kish in honor of his grandson, Mason Boyd, who tragically passed away earlier this year. Boyd, a sophomore wrestler at Watkins Memorial High School in Pataskala, was killed in a single-car accident on Jan. 6 while on his way to cheer on his teammates.

The goal of the Mason Richard Boyd Wrestling Scholarship fund is to provide a wrestler who exhibits the same integrity, work ethic, drive compassion, and love of life with assistance for their future.

The donation once again displays the bond and caring nature of the entire Ohio Valley wrestling community. Though competition in the sport is always fierce, the friendships and bonds created by it last lifetimes. A hallmark of those friendships is always demonstrated when one of our own is in need.

Buckeye 8 Rescheduled

The Buckeye 8 Tournament that was postponed two weeks ago due to inclement weather has been reset for Saturday, Feb. 10 at 10 a.m. in Stratton. Edison is the host school.

OHSAA TEAM TOURNAMENT

Barnesville and Buckeye Local high schools will be hosting Division III Team Team Duals Regional Tournaments on Wednesday at 5 p.m.

At Barnesville, the host Shamrocks, Bellaire, Bridgeport, Martins Ferry and Union Local will be competing in Region 22A Upper Bracket.

At Connorville, the host Panthers welcome Edison, Steubenville Catholic and Toronto for Region 21A Upper Bracket competition.

In Division II, Claymont, Harrison Central, Indian Creek, Indian Valley, Meadowbrook, New Philadelphia, River View, St. Clairsville and Steubenville will vie in Region 13A at Claymont High School in Uhrichsville.

Only those schools fielding a minimum of seven weight classes are eligible for the team dual tournament participation. Schools may enter a maximum of three wrestlers per weight class but no more than 28 total wrestlers.

The regional semifinals and finals will be contested at sites to be determined on Wednesday, Jan. 31. The state meet is Sunday, Feb. 11 inside St. John Arena on the campus of Ohio State University.

OVAC Jr. High Championships

Now that the 65th annual OVAC Ron Mauck Wrestling Tournament is in the books, it’s time for the jr. high version to take center stage. The event is set for Friday and Saturday inside ‘The Hangar’ at Union Local High School. Friday’s action starts at 4:30 p.m., with a 10 a.m. start scheduled for Saturday. The championship finals are scheduled for approximately 4:30-5 p.m.

Weight classes are 80, 86, 92, 98, 104, 110, 116, 122, 128, 134, 142, 150, 160, 172, 205 and 245. Awards will be presented to the top 6 individuals in each weight class. A Most Outstanding Wrestler will be voted upon by the tournament coaches.

OVAC Ron Mauck Leftovers

–With Cole McComas repeating as a champion, Beaver Local extended its streak to 18 straight years with a titlist.

–Kaleb Simpkins’ win at 170 kept Wheeling Park’s streak alive at 16.

–Martins Ferry entered the tournament with a 329-327 edge over Steubenville for the most placewinners in OVAC history. However, Big Red took over the lead at 336-333 following the tournament.

–Dalton Hoover’s third straight title allowed Martins Ferry to take over the lead with 86 all-time champions, one more than neighboring Bridgeport.

–Honored as 25-year returning champions were Jason Taylor (106-Wheeling Park); Chad Burge (112-Cameron); Kelly Shields (119-Edison South); Dwayne Patterson (125-Oak Glen); Jeff Smith (130-Martins Ferry); Cliff Ward (135-John Marshall); Jerry Otto (140-River); Dustin Harris (145-Beaver Local); Jeremy Wilkinson (152-Cambridge); Brian Jefferis (160-Barnesville); Chris Snyder (171-Steubenville); Tyrone Roseberry (189-Steubenville); and Matt Nardone (HWT-John Marshall). Jeff Oberdick was honored as head coach of the overall champion Martins Ferry.

North can be reached via email at knorth@timesleaderonline.com