By RICK THORP

Times Leader Sports Writer

BARNESVILLE — It’s been an up and down season so far for the Barnesville wrestling team. But as the Shamrocks head into the 64th annual Ron Mauck OVAC Tournament this week at WesBanco Arena, head coach Jayson Stephen is optimistic that things might be starting to come together for his squad.

”It’s always a good tournament to wrestle in,” he said. ”It’s just getting our kids to wrestle up to their potential.

”This tournament is a good way to get your kids prepared for their postseason goals. If I can have all my kids healthy then we should do well as a team.”

Doing that hasn’t been easy this season for Barnesville.

”The team is 4-3, but could’ve been 7-0,” Stephen said. ”It should be better. But I can’t keep all my kids in the lineup because of sickness or injuries.”

While frustrated at times because of the fluidity of his lineup, Stephen has been happy with how everyone has banded together to stay positive in the midst of trying circumstances.

”They are willing to help each other and do what’s best for their teammates and the team,” he said.

Leading the charge for the Shamrocks is senior Caide Bunfill.

At 21-1, Bunfill is ranked third at 220 pounds by the local wrestling website www.ovaec.org.

Bunfill is coming off back-to-back fourth-place OVAC showings — both at 195 pounds.

”He’s doing really well for fighting old football injuries,” Stephen said. ”He cuts down to 195 for the team in dual meetings. If he can get to 100 percent he will have an outstanding season and be very hard to be beat.”’

Junior Brayden Reynolds represents the Shamrocks at 113 pounds.

”Things are going well for him,” Stephen said of Reynolds, who sports a 17-8 mark. ”A few injuries have gotten in the way of some matches. He will have a good season.”

At 132 pounds, Stephen is excited about the prospects for freshman Bryce Farrabee (13-7).

”Sickness and injuries have gotten in the way for him, as well,” Stephen said.

Barnesville’s 138-pound slot is filled by sophomore Dylan Glotfelty (15-11).

”He’s getting better the more he sticks to his moves and believes in what he can do,” Stephen said. ”He should only get better and end with a good season.”

Stephen has the same feelings about Bradyn Strous,a sophomore who’s 21-8.

”Things are going pretty good for him,” he said. ”He works hard and listens very well. He will only get better as the year goes on.”

Zack Meade is Barnesville’s heavyweight. The sophomore is 17-12.

”He goes from 220 to 285,” Stephen explained. ”Giving up weight at 285 is a struggle for now, but he is learning to wrestle with it, He will have a good season.”

Round out the Shamrocks’ line are the following wrestlers with limited experience — juniors Dallas Raines (160) and Chase Hickman (170), and senior Jared Dugan (182).

The Shamrocks have no entrant at 195 pounds.

”We’re just making strides and continuing to work on wrestling moves they are not comfortable doing or not used to trying,” Stephen said.

”The more they open up, the better they are becoming.”