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November 30, 2000
From: Laughing
comments: Things are really looking up in the state We are really low on wrestling officals. It
will not be long till the irrational fans are actually calling the matches. I can hardly wait.
Especially the ones that attack the officals. It will be funny to see them they will not know
who to attack.
November 30, 2000
JP Stanley now wrestling for Indiana University won the <20 division at the
Missouri Open at the University of Missouri.
http://www.intermatwrestle.com/college/results/november/missouri20_open.asp
November 30, 2000
From: old talzer
comments: To Bulldog
Did you ever think that you contradict yourself. Why then do you want a state tournament for
JR. High?/Middle School. This will be the last time I will talk to you about this. CASE CLOSED!
November 30, 2000
comments: Anyone wanting to witness or any wrestler who wants to see some competition-hike on
up to the Ironman tourney at Walsh Jesuit high on Dec.8-9 ! Someone asked on here a while back
if South was "running and hiding"? Yeah-they are running up to the Ironman and wrestling the
very best competition you can find in this country!If my memory serves me right South has never
had an individual champ in this tourney and they have had several state champs during this
period.They take their early season lumps and bruises but they get toughened-up for what lies
ahead-another state championship!Like em' or hate em they wrestle the best that is out there!!
November 30, 2000
From: South Wrestling Fan
comments: To Wonderer 29:Your comments are a year behind!We know where you are headed though-South has it easy with only 7 teams.Take a real close look at those 7 teams and their past performances.Also South had 7 wrestlers finish in the top 3 in the state last year so it does'nt really matter which region they are in-they win!Send over whoever but this subject was worn totally out last year!
November 30, 2000
comments: IN comments to Sad State: I agree that football and basketball have higher priority and get a lot of support. It doesn't seem fair. Wrestlers don't get as much attention as other sports. It takes a whole team to succeed in other sports. Where werestling is an individual sport. You do it or not. If you mess up its your fault and there is no team to pick up the slack. People don't realize that it takes some special determined and dedication people to wrestle. Everyone knows that you have to work harder to wrestle than to play football and basketball. Wrestlers survive because they have to work hard to get results which shows determination. We have had wrestlers to try basketball and they came back to wrestling because it wasn't what they wanted and have had basketball players to try wrestling and quit because they couldn't take the workouts. About the volunteer coaches Its not the county not allowing them but its West Virginia Secondary School Assoc. They put the counties under such a tight rope with all their restrictions. Counties do fight for volunteers but WVSSAC buts a damper on the limit. You can be a volunteer as long as you get the coaching certificatrion and have a regular employeed coach with you at all times along with board approval. We as wrestling fans need to push wrestling for more support to the public. Maybe this issue needs to be brought to WVSSAC's attention along with the awards to players with trophies. That is WVSSAC rule too. No one knows how many volunteers are needed unless to experience matches and tournaments where they call several of your wrestlers to wrestle at the same time but on different mats. One coach can only be one place at a time.
November 30, 2000
From: applemen
email: comments for the forum
comments: ep fan you asked abpout the top 3-4 wrestlers from the berkeley county area musselmen martinsburg hedgesville
martinsburg: definitely joe jackson 171 or 189
and travis durst at 160 or so
musselmen: victor beard 145-152 jeff clarke 103 mike triggs145-152 mike renner?????? 215?????? raymond watkins 160? justin jones 125
others could have productive years but these are definites
hedgesville: the whole team jason baker 189 kevin ballam 112 bryan moats 145 andrew everhart 171 ???? justin snyder
November 29, 2000
From: wonderer 29
Editor's note: Here we go again..... (smile)
comments: Does it seem weird to anyone else that region 1 in AAA has only 7 teams?! Every other
region has 10!! That isn't exactly fair. If there are 37 teams in AAA then why don't you put 9
teams in each region and and give the one odd region 10. I propose this regional set up.
R-1 Brooke Parkersburg Morgantown W.Park P.South Ripley J.Marshall University North Marion
And the rest of the regions as is. If you put Ripley and N.Marion in Region 1 then you have 9 in reg.1 9 in Reg.2 9 in Reg.3 and 10 in region 4. There is how you make the regions fair.
November 29, 2000
From: curious george
comments: how about posting upcoming matches on front page like you did last year. i know CM
wrestles PS this Friday.
Editor's note: Yikes. The start of the season sure did sneak up! Will probably add that feature this year
as in years past...
November 29, 2000
From: BCHS wrestler
comments: Coach Stef I totally agree with you. the Middle school needs more room for the kids
you have come out for wrestling. Even though we only have 1 fund raiser at the High school you
guys should think about doing a fund raiser yourself. we only have our Football Locker room to
practice in and we barely have enough room to have 26 wrestlers in there so don't get too down
in the dumps about not having enough room to Practice.
November 29, 2000
From: curious george
email: mc126@themat.com
comments: to: regalbuto
hope the surgery turns out fine. will you be redshirting this year? how are the battles with
smith turning out?
November 29, 2000
From: Ken Chertow
email: chertow@olympianwrestling.com
comments: I look forward to working with the many dedicated WV wrestlers enrolled in my Camp of
Champs this weekend at Ripley HS.
Currently over 60 kids from 20+ different schools are enrolled. For details on this camp click
http://www.kenchertow.com/camps/pawvcamps.html
Coaches you are always welcome at any or all sessions of my camps. There is no fee for
coaches. Session times are:
Friday 7-9 pm
Saturday 10-5
Sunday 10-3
If you have any athletes who you would like to recommend for need based scholarships let me
know asap at chertow@olympianwrestling.com
For those of you who have scrimmage commitments this weekend I will look forward to training
you at Gold Medal Training Camp this summer.
Ken Chertow
November 29, 2000
From: Fan
comments: Does anyone know who all is gonna be at the 103lb weight class it just seems like
there hasn't been alot of talk about it. If anybody know anything i wou;d appreciate it. Thanx
November 29, 2000
From: Just Onedering
comments: It looks like east fairmonts upper weights will be good like usual. How does the
rest of the team look? Where are all the returning kids going and who are they? Fill me in
please because I keep hearing that they are supposed to be good and the upper weights seem to
have the talent but how about everyone else?
November 29, 2000
From: just a parent
comments: Hey wrestlings fans looking forward to a great season. I think its going to be an
interesting year i can't to see the out come of this year.
I do have one comment as a parent through highschool i begged my sons not to cut weight but they have goals that they want to acheice and as all of you know as much as we do not want them to cut the weight they do it regaurdless
In situations like the Wheeling duals this year it is scheduled for Dec. 27-28 that is 2 Days
after Christmas that leaves teams with one day of practice and not very much time to lose
their weight. I know the rule states that no weight is given in West Virginia until Jan. 15 but
i strongly consider that the coaches from Wheeeling Park will grant the wrestlers 2lbs. and
atleast 1lb that way all the wrestlers can enjoy a nice Christmas/Christmas eve with there
family. I don't think thats too much to ask to grant a little weight to our young ones 2 days
after christmas. That way we can all enjoy a nice christmas with our children
Thank You
November 29, 2000
comments: YOUTH COACHES need the dates for the Wheeling and Brooke Cubs youth tournaments to be
posted so we can plan a schedule. Can anyone submit a form or post some info? These
tournaments normally are the 2d and 3d weeks in February. THANKS.
November 29, 2000
From: theAAsource
email: theAAsource@hotmail.com
comments: I have heard from several teams so far. Anyone else wanting to submit a lineup for
consideration in my upcoming rankings feel free to. Good luck to all wrestlers this year.
November 29, 2000
From: EP Fan
comments: Does anyone know who the top 3 or 4 wrestlers are from these schools: Martinsburg
Musselman and Hedgesville ? What is their weights ?
November 29, 2000
From: Bulldog
comments: To: Observer
Thanks for the backup. From what I see being posted the general concensus is that any
opportunity to give young wrestlers more mat time makes for better wrestling in WV. I also
think that everyone should also remember that " THE TITLE EARNED ISN'T THE MOST IMPORTANT
THING IN THE SPORT OF WRESTLING IT'S THE LIFE LESSONS LEARNED ALONG THE WAY IN TRYING TO
REACH YOUR HIGHEST GOALS THAT MAKES WRESTLING A NOBLE PURSUIT ".
Bulldog
November 29, 2000
From: applemen
comments: i just wanted to let evryone know that musselman is looking good to start the season
we have everyone on varsity coming back heres the probable line up if your wondering
103 jeff clarke
112 mike hedrick
119 jordan bott
125 justin jones
130 kendal hudson
135 -----------
140 phillip nowak
145 victor beard
152 mike triggs
160 raymond watkins
171 greg emswiler
189 brad wright
215 mike renner if he makes weight weight 240 rigt now
275 bj pruitt
good luck to all the teams this year remember the sky is the limit
November 29, 2000
comments: Thanks a million to Brent Sams for posting the 1974 state results. Now if we can only
get the 1976 results when WEIR did hang on to win the title....
comments: Is the 1994 State Wrestling Tournaments going to be added anytime soon?????
Editor's note: No specific plans. Brent Sams is to be commended for the work he has done on the tournament archives. If anyone has complete results on this or other tournaments, contact Brent or this website....
November 29, 2000
From: Falcon Fan
comments: Tyler Venton is wrestling 140 this year for Wahama.
He is a transfer from Harrisville Fl. He was 6th in the state down their last year.
140's watch out!
November 28, 2000
From: J Hughes
email: JH145DEADSEXY@aol.com
comments: Good luck this year Casey the sky is the limit...
I know you can do whatever you put your heart to. You are one of the most talented athletes
with natural ability I have ever seen and I am sure that with a hard work ethic I have no
doubt you will be wrestling on Saturday night in late February. Best of luck to you too Tyler.
You know you're due. I never got to bring the plaque back to the house. I want to see what one
looks like guys! Best of luck Dragons on the upcoming season. I know you guys had your heart
set on the Island this fall and bearing a couple bad breaks you guys should have been there.
Lets settle for a AA-A wrestling title!
November 28, 2000
comments: I was just wondering if anyone knew what weight class Chris
Johnson of Nitro was wrestling this year.?? thanks!
November 28, 2000
comments: You know i have heard a lot of hype about how good such and such teams are gonna
be.....but i haven't heard too much about ole North Marion. They usually have a strong team
how are they looking this year? anyone have any predictions about their lineup and/or how they
will do this season?
November 28, 2000
From: Observer
comments: I don't think wrestlers get burned out by having one extra tournament a year namely
a junior high/middle school tournament. I think that if a wrestler gets burned out it is
because he started wrestling too young like 3-7 years of age or maybe older. Having wrestled
in college I can say that the guys who stay motivated the best are the wrestlers who didn't
start until 6th 7th or 8th grade. I know some excellent wrestlers who started wrestling when
they were 3 years old and by the time they reached their senior year in college plus a
redshirt year mind you they were so burned out it made ME feel bad for them. Besides an state
JH/MS tournament could only mean more wrestling which means more experience which means
better wrestling which improves wrestling throughout the state. In many states like PA and NJ
they wrestle in clubs during the summer time I don't here anyone saying "Man Pennsylvania
wrestling is far superior to all other states but they sure do wrestle alot maybe they shouldn't wrestle so much and continue improving because they
might get burned out." Anyone who doesn't want to continue improving the state of wrestling in
WV needs not critize the attempts of others to do so and I am refering to you old talzer.
Also even if you did with states twice that doesn't make you argument any stronger.
November 28, 2000
comments: Initially Huntington High will have Robbie Williams @ 130; Mike Byrd @ 135 and Mike
Waldeck @ 140.
November 28, 2000
From: Cool Dude that thinks things get old
comments: I think that we should just forget about all of this jr.high tournament because
its gettting old quick. And seriously what help is it going to do talking about it on a
message board
November 28, 2000
email: in2jesus@alloymail.com
comments: Hello I am allowing all those South fans to come see the new wrestling page for the
South Patriots. Feel free to do so and if you aren't a fan come see what is happening with us
anyway. The web address is www.eteamz.com/southwrestling so please come see it keep in mind it
is still not yet completed but you can get recent events and other things there also it should
be totally finished within the next few weeks.
November 26, 2000
From: Scott
comments: The Youth Open Wrestling page has the PeeWee States in Pburg on the 6th and 7th of
March. Does anyone know who to contact to get them to post the right dates this is a tues.
and wed. ???
Thanks.
Editor's note: Oops, got it fixed now...
November 26, 2000
comments: I feel the more serious jr high/middle schools wrestlers would
be all for a state tournament. The pee-wee program does it--the
high school does it--what's the difference? Most of the wrestlers in this age group have to
travel great distance to
complete after the "school" season is over to gain more than
the county title. The kids work hard during the season and they deserve to have the chance to
complete for this title. I know wrestlers that travel 8 10 even 20 hours looking for a title
what is a 3 or 4 hour trip? Even the less serious wrestler would go another week or 2 of
practice or travel to
have the chance. Ask the kids!
November 26, 2000
From: wrestler
comments: Brian Moats will be at 145 this year
November 26, 2000
From: Ashley -- GWHS Fan
comments: Hey everyone! I am a student at Greenbrier West High School and I recently watched our wrestlers at practice and I just wanted to let everyone know.... we are going to kick butt this year! Our team is awesome and have loads of potential. We are going to have an awesome season!
November 24, 2000
From: Beckley-Stratton wrestling fan
comments: To wrestler Beckley-Stratton has a wrestler by the name of Joe McQuillen that moved up from 123 to 135 placed first in Raleigh Co. championships 1st at Scott Brown memorial 2nd at Andrew Jackson just to name a few.In only his third year ever wrestling has has improved every year expect this year to be no different he's alot stronger and smarter than his previous 2 years I understand that they (Beckley-Stratton)has a pretty good heavyweight this year to.But none the less Beckley-Stratton has very talented returning members Sean Meade Tyler Wilson Zach Evans Jay Thomas if i forgot any of you guys sorry Good luck this season fellas
November 24, 2000
From: regalbuto
comments: i did not wrestle at navy i just had surgery. i will be back in a couple of weeks and will be wrestling 149. And one more thing will everybody please spell my last name with just one t and not two.
November 24, 2000
From: Wrestler dad
comments: Mitch Smith is in 8th grade this year. Adam Schindler is no longer wrestling...go figure!?!
November 24, 2000
From: CH
comments: Hey wrestling patrons! I can't believe we are already getting into the 3rd week of
practice so soon! I come from a school that will just be starting wrestling due to football
playoffs but it still feels like mat time! I can already smell the freshly mopped mats of the
practice room I've been lifting in all summer long and I know a lot of you out here are just
as anxious as me! For some info Mitch Smith from Ripley is in the 8th grade this year good
luck to him in his final year before the big show. I think really I am sure that it will be a
great year for everyone to watch in WV wrestling. There will be many great matches to look
forward to; for some life-long wrestlers this will be their last run at a title before its
over. Fans out there cherish these moments while they last! It seems like yesterday I was
watching my older brothers wrestle for State and OVAC championships and now one is a senior
and one is off to college. I am very excited since this will be my first year of HS wrestling. I don't know what I will do how I will do who I will
wrestle or even what weight I will be at yet but my competitive spirit tells me I will be
ready. WV here I come..I may be good I may not be the best either but I promise I'll give you
all a show you'll never forget! By the time I'm gone I want everyone to know what my name is!
Thank you and watch out for the big CH all up in your eye for the next 4 years! Later!
November 24, 2000
From: Andy Runion
comments: This is going to be another great year for the Patriots!! Good luck .. Going for
Three in a row!!!!!
November 24, 2000
From: Sad State
comments: Just a few comments regarding booster programs. Some teams are not even allowed to
try and raise money. Other teams do so out of desperation to survive. I know one program always
has fundrasiers or relays on non-school help for equipment etc. Yet the football team and
basketball team at that school never do anything to get a dime for the school. They don't have
to. The football coach and basketball coach is also the activities director. But that little
wrestling team still survives. And weather it is good or bad is a pain in the but for the
"regular" sports. And I find it hard to believe that some countys don't allow a volunteer coach
to help wrestling. I bet them countys sure has more than one football coach and basketball
coach at those schools. Its just another example of the disrespect wrestling is shown. It's not
looked on as a real sport by some AD's and even school boards.
November 24, 2000
From: Jim LeMaster
comments: Thanks RH for your understanding. I didn't mean to sound angry. I just needed to
let you know the situation. As for our county not allowing volunteer coaches... I have former
state champs who HAVE taken the coaching classes at their own expense and gotten certified AND
had backround checks AND had TB tests etc. and they are not allowed to even supervise kids
running or help kids one on one. My asst. coach from last season could not come back due to a
change in jobs but was willing to stop in 2-3 times a week to help. They told me NO WAY - NO
VOLUNTEERS!. He was good enough to have coached for many years with no problems and is great
with the kids. He's a fine Christian man and a good role model for the kids. They threw him a
way like an old shoe. Another example is my son who is in college. He wrestled from age 7 - 18
and won over 100 matches in high school & is also a multitime WSAZ champ. He was good enough to
be hired to coach Chesapeake Middle in Ohio but is not good enough to come in and help me once or twice a week according to our county. You guys
who can have volunteers be thankful for them today. My program could be so much better if I
could use help.
One other little tidbit about Cabell County. 2 years ago in their omnimpotent wisdom our powers that be decided that wrestlers would no longer be awarded any trophies at the county championships because it was a "Team Sport" AND they don't even give the first place team a team trophy! The parents went to the superintendent and asked to pay for them so the school system would not have to. They were told they could not be awarded on school property and if a coach was involved in handing them out we would lose our coaching position. So for the last two years... parents have donated money and bought trophies. They meet in secret at a church parking lot near the school where the event is held and hand them out by headlight. Talk about no respect for the sport. Once again be thankful for your situation ... the grass ain't always greener!
November 23, 2000
From: coach
comments: Ripley looks to have the names for a good team but were will everyone be at??
comments: does any one know where joey thomas is going this year.
comments: does anyone know what weight class mitch smith from ripley is wrestling this year and what grade he is in?
November 23, 2000
From: curious george
comments: anyone have results from the navy classic that WVU wrestled in?
what weight class is regalbutto wrestling for WVU? i would appreciate any info possible thank
you!!!! Happy holidays!!!
November 23, 2000
From: Bob Staats
email: bsspeak@hotmail.com
comments: Looking forward to the season for the Ravenswood Red Devils to see if two-time state
champ Ash Gandee (112) can become the schools first ever three time champion. As both a
sportswriter (until last spring when retirement set in) I have followed this young man's career
since he begun wrestling and won a national title when just a fourth grader. We wish him and
the Red Devil team luck and look forward to Ash becoming Ravenswood High's first ever three
time champion. A reliable source tells me that he will be at 112 again this season.
November 23, 2000
From: RH
comments: It's sad when a county will not allow volunteer help. If you had 60 kids and a room
too small for them the parents should march staight to the principal's office looking for
creative solutions. I've been part of a pee wee program with 70 some kids. You need plenty of
volunteer help. Thanks for your response Mr. Lemasters. I can tell from your responses over the
years you are a seasoned professional. The kid whose mom had no idea of schoolastic wrestling
is exactly who we need to reach. Keep searching!!!Tell the disgruntled families to move to East
Fairmont. We'll take em!! Keep up the good work.
November 23, 2000
From: wrestler
comments: who all is coming up that is going to be good in junior high in the upper weight
classes from 135 up? i want to know who is going to be competitors this year
November 23, 2000
From: coach
comments: were will Adam Schindler be at this year??
November 23, 2000
From: Old Talzer
comments: To Bull Dog....
Thanks for reading my response to you. It does show you have a little bit of intelligence.
I have said enough about a Jr. High and Middle School State Tourny. It will never happen.
Because the people in their right minds will not let it take place. The End!!!!!!
November 23, 2000
hello, i am a high school wrestler in Ohio and i have just created a new
message board all about you guessed it, high school wrestling, i was just
gonna ask if you could please add it to the links section of your page,
the address is
http://members3.boardhost.com/hswrestling
November 23, 2000
From: CMHS Parent
comments: I totally agree with Coach Lemaster about limiting the number of wrestlers on a
middle school team. There is no way for a coach to teach and keep a safe eye on 60 kids. I also
like Coach Lemaster statement about introducing the kids to the pee wee coach.That way they can
still be involved in this great sport. Good luck this year Milton Middle and keep up the good
work coach.
November 23, 2000
From: wrestler
comments: Hi i just wandered who was at 130 135 and 140 for huntington this year? Please
provide some info.
November 23, 2000
From: a wrestling fan
comments: mitch hastings is starting out at heavy then going to 215.
November 23, 2000
From: bjhs wrestlers
comments: The Blennerhassett returning wrestlers from the starting line up are
Felix Osunacotta 1st in county
Brandon Patton 2nd
Dustin Piggott
Corey Porter 1st
Ryan Mathers
Drew Munson 1st
Shaun Smith 2nd
Seth Young 1st
Brandon Kesterson
And Scotti Wilkinson 2nd
November 23, 2000
From: Coach Stef
email: bsmontgomery@rtol.net
comments: I agree with those who hate to see kids cut from a wrestling
program. We do utilyze volunteer coaches we beg for money we
work with our athletes in the classroom and we try to provide
quality instruction for all of our wrestlers. Our problem has a
lot to do with the fact that we do not have youth wrestling in
our county and it's difficult to practice in the cafeteria at
our school with only one wrestling mat. We cannot give 46 kids
the practice mat time that they need. We work in stations with
volunteer coaches and as I said before as one who has taught
and coached for 26 yrs. I never wanted to have to cut any
student-athlete. As to why I have a problem with a 6th grader
wrestling a 9th grader I feel that there is a tremendous
difference between a 6th grader and a 9th grader - not just
physically but psychologically. And as a teacher who has taught
middle school and high school I do feel that the difference is
greater than the 9th grader who is wrestling a 12th grader. Keep
in mind that the kids that I coach have had very little if any
youth wrestling. Again I appreciate all of the comments on the
forum and Dr. Miller for all he does to promote wrestling in WV.