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It's official, wrestling season is upon us.
The coaches in the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference were brought together to kick-off the official start of the 2007-2008 wrestling season Monday night at WesBanco Arena in Wheeling.
Certain coaches continued to be the jokesters of the wrestling fraternity, but all in good fun as 11 new coaches joined the ranks as head mat coach. However, take the term "new" lightly. Martins Ferry dug deep in its pockets picking out former coach Jeff Oberdick as its go to guy this season. While Chic Lamotte proved that wrestling never truly leaves you, even during retirement, as the former St. John Central mat mentor makes the transistion back towards wrestling room as head coach of Wheeling Central.
Brian Davis, who left Buckeye Local to take over West Liberty State College's nationally recognized mat program this fall, couldn't quite stay away from his OVAC companions as he took the podium.
"I am very happy to be back at West Lib, but was disappointed to leave Buckeye (Local)," Davis commented. "We have a handful of local guys on our team and want to see more valley kids wrestling infront of their family and friends at West Lib."
The Division II program currently has five OVAC grapplers listed on its newly updated roster Davis said. Following wrestle offs, Davis will announce his starting lineup for the Toppers' opening dual against West Virginia Tech on Tuesday, Nov. 16.
Other notable changes for the 2007 season come from the Wheeling area as Sean Doyle crossed the Red, White and Blue tape taking over Wheeling Park's program. Todd Dunlap has taken over the reign from Richard McKinney as Harrison Central's head coach while Nate Skrzypak looked on at the shoes he needs to fill at Buckeye Local. Jay Michael, another former Buckeye Local grappling coach, takes over St. Clairsville's program.
Adding a new program to the OVAC, which surprised many, was Joel Sansone. The St. Clairsville graduate found himself with a late start, but has high hopes for Bishop Donahue this season.
OVERTIME
LOOKING INTO the OHSAA enrollment figures, there is relief in Morristown as Union Local will stay in Division III by one body. One more male student during the survey would have moved the Jets into Division II at the state level.
On a dropping note, St. Clairsville went down 38 students from its 2005 figure, dropping the Red Devils down to Division III.
The sites of the sectional and district tournaments have not been released. The new enrollment figures used to determine divisions makes the OHSAA revamp the sectionals and district events based on geographic locations.
DOUBLE OVERTIME
THE DRESS shoes will be turned into slippers this December for one Harrison Hills City School District professional as John Stephenson will throw the towel in. The long-time coach and wrestling fan will have a retirement party in his honor on Sunday, Dec. 30 at the Hopedale Social Hall. The cost is $10 for those who attend.
TRIPLE OVERTIME
OLYMPIC WRESTLER and Bridgeport native Bobby Douglas will sweep into the valley this weekend as the feature clinician of the 2007 Wrestling Academy of Technical and Tactical Skills sponsored by The Greater Wheeling Wrestling Association.
Joined by West Virginia Rules Interpretor Dr. Bill Welker and legendary Oak Glen coach Larry Shaw, the two day session begins on Friday, Nov. 9 and will guide youths of all ages on the mat.
Welker urged valley participants to join in this great event as folks can signup at the door from 5:30 p.m. until 6:45 p.m. on Friday. Individuals that register with two or more team members will receive a discount, making their balance $50 per child.
DISK TOSS
BUCKEYE LOCAL graduate David Bertolino's blood, sweat and tears earned him a starting spot in the roation in Iowa State's starting lineup in the 197 pound weight class as he picked up a 9-7 decision over teammate Joe Curran packed house at the Lied Recreation Facility in Ames.
The former Ohio Division II state champion has molded into quite the college athlete. Finishing last season with a 10-6 marking at 174 pounds, the Mt. Pleasant native placed in three tournaments -- fourth at Harold Nichols Open, second at the Fullerton Open and eighth at the Midlands Championships. He also saw action in two dual meets and picked up a 9-2 victory over Arizona State's Alex Pavlenko.
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