MATT McFARLAND

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Matt McFarland was an accomplished wrestler during his high school and collegiate days. When he turned to coaching, nothing changed.

The 2016 Union Local High School graduate turned the Bridgeport wrestling program around in his short five years at the helm. Now, after a recent meeting of the St. Clairsville Richland City School District Board of Education, the 27-year-old has been named the new head wrestling coach for the Red Devils.

“Overall, I’m very excited to be a part of the St. Clairsville Richland City School District. I’ve been wanting to be there ever since I was there in 2020 during the COVID year,” he explained. “I enjoyed the kids there. I enjoyed the culture there.”

In addition to his coaching duties, McFarland will also be involved in the classroom.

“I will also be teaching at St. Clairsville. I will be teaching 7th-8th grade math,” he added. “I did my student teaching there and I loved the student body and the attitude inside the school, as well.

“To be a part of the St. Clairsville Richland City School District, I’m very happy and excited to get started. I’m proud to be a Red Devil.”

When McFarland took over a once-proud Bridgeport program that had fallen off, he instilled a work ethic that proved to be the cure as two Bulldogs advanced to the state meet last winter.

“You can see what I’ve done here at Bridgeport,” he added. “We didn’t have much, but we found a way to win. When you find the kids that want to do it and put in the work, they will follow you and you will get better. We all have a common goal. We want to be on top of the podium at the OVAC Ron Mauck Tournament and make some noise in Columbus (at the state meet).

“If I can find a group willing to do those things, we are going to work towards those goals. Those goals don’t happen without hard work and dedication, especially in wrestling,” he stressed. “You’re going to have to love the sport. You’re going to have to love what we do every day … the work, the grind, the running, the wrestling and in the classroom, as well, so you can be an attribute to our program.

“I’m not looking at changing much. I just want to be myself and let what I do be contagious. Hopefully, we can all come together for that common goal.”

McFarland was a two-time OVAC Ron Mauck Tournament runner-up during his days at Union Local. He was also a three-time Ohio state qualifier.

“I met with the team, except the middle school kids who were on a field trip, and I am very excited to work with them. In the high school meeting I saw some faces that weren’t on the team last year that I did notice from years prior,” he recalled. “I’m excited to have them back.”

Making the decision was hard, but, according to McFarland, it was time to move on.

“It was very difficult to leave Bridgeport. I had several boys — Robert Weekley and Ax’Zavior Santana — who bought into what we were trying to teach them, and it showed because both ended up at the state meet. We put on the Columbia Blue and represented Bridgeport in the best way we could.

“At the end of the day, the boys have their goals and I have mine. Having to go and chase them is hard, but it is what I want to do. I wish Bridgeport the best.”

Another thing McFarland was proud of was starting the Bobby Douglas Invitational Tournament.

“That needs to remain,” he said. “I hope whoever takes over for me keeps it going.”

McFarland also wanted to give some thanks to several individuals who have helped him along his coaching journey thus far.

“My family. My father, especially. He’s been there with me in my coaching passion. I’d like to thank all my coaches at Union Local and at Ohio University. Joel Greenlee has been a big influence on me.

“I’d also like to thank (former St. Clairsville head coach) Joel Sansone who helped me look at a few things a little differently when I was at St. Clairsville (as an assistant) to give me an idea of what I wanted to do. Everyone at Bridgeport has been great. (Assistant) Coach (Kyle) Solar who was on the staff here has turned out to be a great friend. He’s helped me the whole way through, as has Greg Honaker, a proud Bridgeport alum. They both helped me connect with the Bridgeport community.

“I just hope people understand why I had to make the move. I’m going to miss Bridgeport, but, at the same time, I’m ready for the next chapter in my life and I’m writing the book now.”

McFarland took over for David Nelson.