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March 7, 2001
comments: I agree that things have gotten a bit out of hand on and off the mat and sometimes
(but only a few) on the forum. The key is control. The officials and coaches are expected to
maintain control during the match while the wrestlers AND their parents should display
enthusiasm WITH sportsmanship. And Doc, the forum is in your hands. It is far too popular to
end. If you feel that it has contributed to the negative aspects of the sport, then use our
forum to turn things around a bit. Keep it positive and edit when needed.......
March 7, 2001
From: KW
comments:
The WVMAT webpage and forum has given West Virginia wrestling at all levels a place to get
together and chew the fat. It used to be at the old general store with a coal burning Warm
Morning stove and a few fruit crates to sit on that all of the old timers discussed their
favorite issues of the day. Now for all wrestling enthusiasts it is on your website that all
corners of the state can come together and say our piece ( good or bad ). I have gotten to know
many coaches and wrestlers from other parts of our state ( some of them I have never met and
may never meet and might not want to meet:^)..........
. Please keep it the way it is and continue to run it as you see fit.
March 7, 2001
From: Spiderman
comments: I really believe we need to keep the forum, How else are we gonna keep in touch with
people across the state? How else are we gonna know who is the man to beat? Or know about
injuries? Or how great "The One" Billy Barbour is? From time to time people will do stupid
things at matches, but thats gonna happen with or without a forum. We can't let ourselves get
caught up in the web of immorality or we will end up climbing the walls, and swinging from tall
buildings trying to deal with it. On the same note we can't ignore the radioactive spider
which is disorderly behavior. I think it might be a good idea to use the forum to address this
problem, as opposed to removing our opportunity to help things,
March 7, 2001
comments: There has been a general loss of sportsmanship in all sports for several years, now.
This is most obvious in basketball and other professional sports where kids watch and imitate.
I don't think WVMAT should accept any blame for bad behaviour in WV scholastic wrestling. This
website is excellent, informative and worthy of being nominated for a website award. Most of
the bad behaviour I have witnessed is from the parents. The kids are uniformly great. In
fact, one of the things I like about WV HS wrestling is that sometimes when we visit another
part of the state, my kids will run into someone they've wrestled and they stop to talk - there
is an instant bond there. The kids really are supportive of each other and they understand how
difficult the sport is and how courageous you have to be to participate and excel.
I could see limiting the forum discussion to specific topics at specific times, simply to cut
down on the workload of the editor. Everyone would understand that. Another possibility would
be to limit forum contributions to certain days of the week. That might cut down on the
workload.
If I could cut anything out of the forum, it would be comments that compare wrestlers. This
seems unnecessary. Let the coaches do the seeding and comparing. All four of my sons wrestle
and the best of them really doesn't care to know how good his opponent is. He just goes in and
gives it his best shot, wrestling his match. Of course, a little info doesn't hurt, but I
think this highlights the mentality of some of our kids - they really don't care about the
comparisons. They just work hard and do their best. Let's not forget this and remind
ourselves that what our kids feel about the sport is more important than what we as parent
feel.
March 7, 2001
comments: Congradulations Micah Gerasimovich on your 2nd place finish at Junior states this
past weekend.We hated to see your 27 match win streak end in the finals, but your courage to
put it on the line and test your talents in a bigger arena will carry you to even loftier
hieghts in the future. Train hard and good luck at Morgantown High this year.
March 7, 2001
From: Pirate_Mann
email: handyman2@charter.net
comments: Arrr!!! It seems Polly misplaced my black singlet at the Braxton County 16 tournament. If ye has found it e-mail me and ye shall receive treasure. Arrr!!!
March 6, 2001
From: Branko Busick
comments: CONGRATULATIONS to MAX and EDDIE NOGAY!!! 1st. place at W.V. STATES.Good Job!!!!
P.S. Hey Coach Nogay, do you no any jokes?
March 6, 2001
From: The Incredible Hulk
comments: I've seen alot of things on the mat, and around it, that make me so mad I could turn
green and rip my clothes off. I don't blame them on the forum. I blame them on rock and roll
music.
After all these things have been going on way before there was a forum or even a WVMAT, or even
an internet. I blame it on a lack of morality due to the gratuitous violence surrounding this
great sport.
March 6, 2001
From: informed person
comments: when i wrestled in high school..the sport had no forum and no way to follow the
action... it was a sport in obscurity ...this forum means a bunch to the kids , coaches and
enthusiasts!..you have to keep it..or we will start posting bad stuff about the editor..just a
joke!..great job!
March 6, 2001
From: # 1 FANS
comments: I would like to Congratulate two Clay County Youth wrestlers, on doing a Great Job
this season and a great job at Parkersburg this weekend. Jordan Adkins 9-10 85# 1st State
Champion, Jared Kleman 11-12 85# 4th place and they both did a Great Job.
Keep up the Good work and I am sure we will be seeing more about these wrestlers in the future.
March 6, 2001
From: Robert Hickman
comments: Communication is essential to the success of any great organization. The WVMAT forum
has allowed a greater level of communiction to take place. I do understand your eyes must be
terribly tired after a long day at the office and then reading numerous posts to the web site.
Please, Please, Please keep up the good work and please continue to edit the posts you believe
are derogatory. Wrestling is far better because of your effort. I see no negatives because of
your tireless commitment. I've exchanged ideas, compliments and disagreements over this forum
over the past few years and would truly miss this service if it no longer existed. Someday I'd
like to meet several of the coaches, wrestlers, officials and others I've traded ideas with
over the past years. Faces, when coupled with names and ideas, increase respect and bonding.
As for the South fans, we should be congratulating them. Their support for their team is second
to none and at least for the moment, they should be the yardstick we ask our school and
community to strive for.
Once again Doc, Please, Please keep the forum!!!! You and it are a much needed positive feature
for wrestling.
March 6, 2001
From: Youth parent and coach
comments: I would like to relate a few positives to allay the editor's fears that the sport is
detiorating. This past year at a tournament my son lost a match 12-10. The other boy is a
tremendous wrestler and the two have had some great matches. At the end of the match I saw the
boy's coach (who also happened to be his father) run onto the mat and up to the official. I saw
him pointing to the scorer's table. I feared the worst--that he wanted more points to make it
seem the margin of victory was greater. I was dead wrong. He was pointing out that the official
and (blush) I had both missed an earlier takedown by my kid and the match had ended in a tie. I
can honestly say I was relieved when his boy won in overtime. The man's name was Tim Nolan and
his son, Jordan Nolan, wrestles for the Cougars. What a class act. Further, at another match
this year, another of my boys was in a grueling match that was stopped for injury time. One of
the Wheeling coaches--a rival team--jumped out of the stands and squirted water into my son's mouth while we waited. Another act of kindness. When we have trouble getting into our wrestling room due to a high school basketball
game etc., any of the other local club teams welcome us with open arms at their practices. In
short, the occassional jerk is more than offset by the numerous good people in our sport.
March 6, 2001
From: Youth Wrestling Fan
comments: I would like to comment on the recent Youth State Tournament held in Parkersburg. I
am from the Northern Panhandle and I though it was run great. I was very impressed with the
trophys. They were as nice as the Ones at the Wheeling States 2 years ago. I was also
pleased that WV High School Champions from througout the state was recognized, not just Wood
County ones. The seeding was done fairly. A thumbs up to Sam. Great Job!
March 6, 2001
comments: Wrestling isn't over yet! Wirt's Erica Dye will be flying out of Pittsburgh March 6
to Klippan, Sweeden. She will be competing on the USA Cadet Womens team in the Kippan Ladies
Open. She will be wrestling March 7,8,9. Good luck, wrestle hard, and enjoy. "SLAM EM
SWEETIE!"
March 6, 2001
From: Casey Hughes
email: SMUDGEPROOF20@aol.com
comments: I would like to take this opportunity to thank a lot of the friends I've made this
year and throughout the years leading up to this, my first year in High School Wrestling.
First, I'd like to thank my older brothers Tyler and Jeff. You guys are the ones who have made
this all possible. You guys believed in me and gave me confidence my whole life, I could have
never done this without you two! Jeff, this year's title is for you. To my parents, thanks for
always being with me and wanting what is best for me. After getting knocked out at OVACs, you
made sure I didn't do anything stupid that could have messed up my chances at this state title.
To Roger Kupfer and Wyatt O'Neil, thanks for helping me to be the best I can be, and congrats
on your state titles, you two deserved it more than I did. I'm glad you both won. To Tucker
Brown, thanks for being my practice partner this year, your skill level and hard work helped my
development and made me a much better wrestler. Great job at states man, you've still got one more year for that title, I know its yours next
year.
To the Oak Glen team, Eric, Gaelen, Joey, Ronnie, Derrick, Garrett, and Phillip, its been a pleasure to watch you guys, and to talk to you guys. Eric, Gaelen, Phillip; I wish I could watch you guys wrestle some more, but you've had great careers just the same. It won't be the same without you guys there goofing off like you always do. To the Delligatti's, you guys are all three cool. Jonathan, Matt, and Anthony, congratulations on great seasons. Jonathan, great career, I hope you go on to be successful in whatever you do; Matt and Anthony, you two have seasons to go, reach for the sky, its all possible. To Dustin Bartrug and Erica Dye, it was a real treat to meet you two at Parkersburg and actually get to talk to you for a while. Congratulations to both of you on your accomplishments this year, and I hope to see both of you and talk to both of you in the future. Congrats to Brad Nicka of Weirton Madonna on a great year, and thanks for the entertainment all year. Congrats to Ricky Brewer of Magnolia and Alan Tracewell of Williamstown on great seasons. You two are pretty cool guys, good luck in the future.
Finally, I would like to thank my coaches this year, and over the years for helping me to the point I'm at today. Coach Potts, Trowbridge, and Baird, and Brent Hughes and Bo Hughes (Current Coaches at Magnolia and former MOV Wrestling Club Coaches) thank you for all your support and help over the years. You guys taught me how to wrestle! Thank you to everyone I forgot, and congratulations to everyone in the state who won and even placed. It was a real treat this year to wrestle for you, against you, watch you, and hang out with you! Anyone who would like can e-mail me, I am on all the time so don't worry about bothering me. Thank you all, and God Bless!
March 6, 2001
comments: I am looking forward to see the posting of the 24th annual jr. state tourney results
from Parkersburg. I saw Brent Samms working away on his computer so I know it is just a matter
of time. Sam Baldwin and crew ran an EXCELLENT tourney and are to be commended. P.S. I hope the
editor of this site was simply venting from overwork would he said he might shut down the site
due to the ramblings of a few knuckleheads. I am ADDICTED to wvmat.com and would end up in
therapy :).
March 6, 2001
From: Eric Noel
comments: I just wnated to Congratulate Max and Eddie Nogay for winning the Wv States in Parkersburg this year.
March 6, 2001
From: Proud Small Fry Mom
comments: I just want to congratulate Kyle Neely on a job well done 5-6 40lbs state champ!!
Beating a boy from Mason Co. with a record of 36-0. Kyle's two year record is 45-2.We are
looking forward to Youth Championship this weekend in Clarksburg.
March 6, 2001
From: mom and dad
comments: To Nicholas Munday Congratulations on your 3rd State win!! You really made us proud
yesterday. All the hard work you have put in is really paying off. Good luck this weekend in
Virginia and good luck going for another Eastern National win. Keep up the hard work and all
your dreams will come true!
From: mom and dad
comments: To Luke Munday: Congratulations on your 6th place win at the States, you have really
worked hard this year and we are just as proud of you for placing 6th as we are your brother
for taking 1st. You stuck with your practices and never complained. Keep up the hard work and
it will continue to pay off for you.
March 6, 2001
From: Chuck
comments: I would like to congradulate the boys from Beckley Central that went to the Youth
States this weekend IM proud of you and the way we wrestled. We placed 7 boys in the state this
year.
Drew Sauls 7&8 45 2nd
Mike Denny 6&U UNL 3rd
Bryan Mcmillian 9&10 LH 4th
Rusty Shelton 9&10 65 5th
Tyler Toney 9&10 55 6th
Zack Amick 11&12 70 6th
Eric Mcmillian 11&12 100 6th
Also Congrats to the Young Guns's State Champs
Chris Brogan
Jake Justice
Robert Rash
Mike Prince Runner UP you'll get it next year
And JEREMY HART for winning his 3rd consecutive Southern Conference Title and was named OW for
the 2nd year in a row. Good Luck at the NCAA NATIONALS.
March 6, 2001
From: ripley fan
comments: Congrats to the Ripley Jr. Wrestlers that placed at the Parkersburg States. Logan
Martin 1st (2X Champion), Seth Phalen 1st (3X Champion), Patrick Weaver 2nd, Ritchie Anderson
4th, Derek Stover 5th, Benji Ratliff 5th, JJ Johnson 6th. I am proud, as you should be also,
of your performance over the weekend.
March 6, 2001
From: Northern Panhandle Fan
comments: To David and Goliath:
Couldn't agree with you more. Something must be done about the current state wrestling
championship forum. We're awarding the best AAA and AA schools in the state with championship
honors while denying the best A schools the coveted award. How can this be fair??? The WVSSAC
should honor these teams by awarding them with those state championship laurels they so
righteously deserve. However, I have nothing against consolidating all three classes into one
monster tournament with one state champ per weight class. They could still separate each
division into their own points race....very similar to the gigantic O.V.A.C. tourny.
Questions?? Comments??
March 6, 2001
From: To The Editor
comments: I personally don't think that this forum has anything to do with the new "rudness" of
either fans or wrestlers. I am from South and I personally think that we handle what goes on on
this forum very well as do the other people form other schools. I don't think that the forum
has to do with that. I think that the rivalry's and fighting and bickering would go on even if
it wasn't for the forum. I am very greatful to have this forum, thank you for all the work and
effort that you put in this.
March 6, 2001
I am a youth wrestling coach and have been active in the sport for twenty-five years. Over the
past 5-10 years I have noticed a gradual decline in the sportsmanship exhibited by wrestlers,
in winning and in defeat. I have noticed an increased aggressiveness among wrestlers that I
didn't see in year's past. The goal anymore seems to be dominance, over victory, sometimes at
the price of victory. When two wrestlers go out of bounds, I see a lot more hostile activity
than I remember in year's past (pushing, staredowns). Crossfaces are delivered not to get an
opponent to release a leg, but more to inflict punishment (punching). Like in most other
sports, technique is giving way to physical strength and aggressiveness. This saddens me, as I
have always been taught and taught to children that a good wrestler will succeed over a strong
aggressive wrestler more often than not.
Having said that, I don't feel it is this forum which is causing these displays and I don't feel that you shutting down this forum will curtail these activities. You edit out the real trash talk which I am thankful for. Most of the posts seem to come from children who don't know better.
I feel it is the coaches, parents and referees who need to take a more active part in the wrestlers lives. The coaches know which of their wrestlers have attitude problems. If it means sitting a potential state champion to correct the problem, sit him (or her). The parents have the most contact with their children and they are not blind either. The parents can do more for the coach by allowing the discipline from the coach and not constantly questioning it. The referees (and I know there are a lot of them who are relatively new) can do the most by enforcing the rules on the mat. If I were wrestling and I knew that a referee wasn't going to allow any bull,! and a DQ was a strong possibility, I would walk the straight and narrow.
Please don't give up the forum. It provides wrestlers, coaches, and fans a pleasant break from the day. I know I log on every day, not to see trash talk, but to find out exactly what's happening, and it gives me an insight at times to how a match actually went, rather than just seeing the score.
My two cents.
March 6, 2001
comments: To the editor , There have been fights , dq's ,"heated Rivalries" and other such
things WAY before this form was ever created. I think this has nothing to do with. Pluss this
sport isnt exactly a sport where people get buddy buddy with the competion.
March 6, 2001
From: Coach Stef
comments: As I read Doc's commentary, I was saddened that he would feel that
he has not been a positive influence in the sport of wrestling.I've
learned through 26 yrs. of coaching that we are always controversial
as coaches and athletes. Those of us who believe in the positive
influence that athletics contribute to kids becoming citizens
and the overwhelming job we do not just on the mat, but in the
classromm understand what a great job that Doc is doing. There
will always be controversy in sports - those of us who continue
to "preach" sportsmanship, grades and hard work should step up
to the line, and not back down. That's you, Doc!!! Keep it up!
March 6, 2001
From: Superman
comments: I like the idea of a 7th-8th place match, I also like the idea of a team tournament.
I would have liked to have seen the team tournament 5 years ago. I think the team we had my
junior year of high school may have been able to win it.
On the other hand I don't like the idea of the forum being scraped. The forum is a great place
to exchange information, or share an opinion. For instance, my opinion is that "The One" Billy
Barbour is the greatest wrestler in the history of the universe. Some people might disagree
with that opinion , and that's fine. I don't condone the "ugliness" in anyway. I refuse to
believe it is fueled by the forum. Wrestling is a very emotional sport, people do irrational
things. This is going to happen. Death , Taxes, and people doing irrational things at high
school wrestling matches. I really do not think abolishing the forum is the answer. I think I
am not alone with this opinion, and I hope others will support me.
March 6, 2001
From: Jim LeMaster
comments: It is with shaken emotion that I read the Good Doctor's post regarding the
usefullness and life expectancy of the forum. It should - no must appear next season. Perhaps a
few are too vehement in the support of their local heroes to the point of undeserved criticism
of the other athletes whose names grace these pages. It is however the only true and honest
medium of exchange for meaningful dialogue among those who truly love the sport. All too often
it seems to deterierate into a "South vs the world" site - a "AA would beat AAA diatribe" or "
the all time low of the great Hand Shake debate." The trash talk and name calling are more
than tempered with the need to vocalize the current happenings around the mats that bring the
"basketball floors" of our great state to a state of grace. Many of our local newspapers will
hardly acknowledge that the mat sport exists and seldom if ever report more than a box score
devoid of details. I can not nor do I care to envision the web site without the Forum because I consider it to be a vital part of the site. Even
without the Forum the WVMAT site would be magnificent but it provides the so called frosting on
the cake and a little spice and humor. For every erstwhile Mexicano or BUFFALO BILL (he of the
all caps fame) there is a balancing force of an Old Coach, A coach Stef, A Dean Moore or a
Jenny Sullivan. To squelch the wisdom imparted to the wrestling community in order to silence a
few misguided braggarts would not only be a grievious error but would border on the criminal!
Please reconsider and allow the forum to continue. Perhaps no one touched off as virtiolic a
firestorm of righteous indignation as I did a while back when I angered nearly all of the
state's fairer sex with a careless but well intentioned remark about middle school cheerleaders
manning (Freudian slip?) the score tables at a tournament my team attended. But . . . the
subject was "cussed and discussed" and worked itself out as did all the other controversies which have taken on a life
of their own on this board. I suggest that posters might perhaps be required to register their
real name and e-mail address with the sysop in order to be allowed to post. I can only imagine
what a job it is for the Good Doctor to sort through the mounds of posts and try to determine
what some may consider innapropriate. You do a great job and it is much appreciated. From the
youth wrestler to the seasoned state champion to the coaches and officials the Forum provides a
vital line of communication (and sometimes entertainment) that should be preserved in some
form. The trash talk you mentioned in your post is epidemic in other sports as well and ours is
almost the last bastion of true sportsmanship. As posters we need to make the Doc's job easier
ny keeping our posts on target as he mentioned. If you want to talk trash I suggest the "smack"
oriented wrestling board at http://boards.rivals.com.
Sorry about the length of the post but a pasionate plea to save the Forum was in order.
Regular posters and "lurkers" who just log on to read every now and then please post your
feelings on this matter. Whether we agree or not it is important that you make your feelings
known. That is why there needs to be a Forum! Maybe I am way off base but I feel it is too
valuable a dialogue to be lost do to the actions of a few.
Respectfully,
Coach LeMaster
March 4, 2001
From: The Editor
Another season is winding down, and it is time for me to reflect on the direction this website
is taking. I try to consider what is working for this website,
what is not, what can be improved, and what should be scrapped.
Many thanks to Coaches, statisticians, fans, and parents who have submitted match results over the course of the season. This website would be nothing without so many sharing this information.
Thanks to the regional tournament directors for getting regional results to us Saturday night, and thanks to Coach Archer for getting us the pill number. I think our regional tournament reporting was the best ever.
Thanks to Brent Sams for getting the Middle School/Junior High picture in focus. I think this is a great contribution to the website. Thanks to Jenny Sullivan for her continued contributions, and thanks to Dr Bill Welker for his key contributions.
Traffic to the website continues to increase. My Internet service provider provides the following stats:
| Number of visits | Home page hits |
Total number of documents viewed | |
| November | 44,094 | 15,800 | 157,604 |
| December | 63,137 | 28,186 | 285,644 |
| January | 86,479 | 42,799 | 380,672 |
| February | 81,727 | 46,307 | 370,690 |
Unfortunately, my Internet service provider suffered a severe system-wide failure the Sunday after regional tournaments, and I think they are still trying to get their system back up to snuff. Even last week, the website was unreachable for 2-3 days.
I regret that we didn't get round-by-round updates from the State Tournament this year. There were data transmission problems. Hopefully, this will be corrected for next year.
As I have stated before, this website is a sort of technology learning laboratory for many of us in the wrestling community. We are learning the capabilities and limitations of Internet technology, which I submit is still in its evolutionary stage. When the Internet works it is great - when it doesn't it drives you nuts. At best, I think Internet technology is only about 95% reliable at present. In 20 or 30 years it might approach 100% reliability, but it isn't there yet.
I think the Internet is about where television broadcasting was 40 years ago. (Yes, I can remember back that far). I remember when I was a kid, Channel 3 in Huntington would periodically just go off the air for no apparent reason. Anybody remember that? Your favorite program would disappear, and the announcer would come on the air and say "The trouble is not in your set - please stand by." Or sometimes it would just disappear completely. I remember when I was a kid our telephone system was a locally owned system with an operator in Grantsville, and a long distance phone call was anything over 10 miles away. (For you Calhouners, a phone call from Phillips Run to Brooksville was a long distance adventure. Forget about calling your relatives in Akron).
The point is, I think the Internet now is at about the same place that television and telephones were 40 or 50 years ago. Works most of the time, but still some bugs to work out.
Perhaps I'm just tired at the end of the season and perhaps my vision is blurry at this time, but I think that there has definitely been more controversy and venom directed toward this forum this year than in years past. Lots of topics fans wanted to debate I just refused to get in to. Of course, the reader cannot know what I'm talking about, since most of the controversial stuff doesn't get posted. Congratulatory notes are fine. Regrettably, each wrestler's/team's big victory comes at the expense of a loss suffered by another wrestler/team. There is a point where appropriate messages of congratulation cross the line into unfortunate braggadocio and passions are inflamed. We do our best to keep things in an acceptable envelope, but it is sometimes difficult.
Here are some valid questions for contemplation
1) Has anyone (other than me) detected an increase in the amount of general "ugliness" on and off the mat this year? Ugliness between fans - booing and trash-talking between fans at events. "Heated rivalry" might be putting it mildly. Ugliness directed to coaches. Heated rivalry spilling over into the mat between wrestlers?
2) If so, to what extent does this forum contribute to this general increase in, shall we say, heated rivalry? Perhaps I am overly inflating the significance of this forum as it relates to the sport in West Virginia. I hope I am. However, if this forum is having a negative impact in this respect -- if this forum is causing controversy to continually boil -- then perhaps it is time to re-examine the utility of this forum.
3) I am seriously considering shutting down this forum, or at least significantly limiting its content to selected bits of useful information. If it has become detrimental to the sport, or a distraction to the sport, then it needs to be fixed. Are we at the point where the benefit (publicity, fan interest, discussion, sharing of tidbits of information) is outweighed by the adverse effect? What do you think? I'd welcome some input on this, particularly from coaches. If you want to share your opinion privately, just indicate "not for the forum" or some such.
March 4, 2001
From: The Department of Reliable Sources
1 - Coaches group has asked WVSSAC to recogonize 7th and 8th place in
both classes, it would only be 28 more matches. They said that would
not be constant with what they do in track, and they would be forced
to change all their sports to this format.
2 - Upper level discussions are taking place concerning a Dual Meet State Tournament. You would need to extend the wrestling season one week. The biggest problem is in chosing the method to select the teams to compete.
March 3, 2001
From: Superman
comments: I would be interested in seeing those seniors eligible to wrestle in NHSCA go. Even
if you aren't planning on wrestling in college this is a once in a lifetime chance to compete
against the rest of the country and represent West Virginia. There are at least 6 wrestlers
with a serious chance to become all-american, In my "Super" opinion ,having seen this
tournament personaly: Gandee, Stevens, Johnson, Moats, Noel, Miller all can do it. At this top
level the rest of the country isn't that much better, all West Virginia eligible wrestlers
could do well. Go Get um Boys!! and remember "The One" Billy Barbour is gonna be state
champion, in 2002, and then hes gonna go, ....and win. :)
March 3, 2001
From: Chris Basford
email: Basford2@hotmail.com
comments: I would just like to congradulate Grafton on their efforts at
this past state tournament. Cory, Chris, Keener, sorry to see
your careers end, but I wish you all the best of luck
in the future. Cory and Chris, if you get the chance, wrestle
in high school nationals. They are a great experience!
Adam, Trampus, and Ken, I hope you three can get your crack at a
state title next season. I am sure coach Auvil and Harlow will
prepare you for that though.
I would also like to congradulate Drew Toth, Tyler Hughes, Chris
Johnson, Jeff Coartney, and Richard Stotler with their high school
careers.
Drew, sorry you couldn't finish out on top, but you made the
best out of an injury prone career. Good luck with baseball and
with whatever you decide to do with your future.
Tyler, wow... Finally, huh? You are well deserving of being
called a State Champ. It must feel pretty sweet, huh?
Chris Johnson, I know we don't know one another, but I followed
you all through your career. I had you picked all the way this
season, and I am glad that you knew that anything less than the
best was not acceptable. You showed a lot of heart in your semi-
final match against Bosley. I respect that, and wish you well with
your future.
Jeff, you are apart of a family of champions now. You finally got
him. Matt Miller is definetely a next level wrestler, and I hope
he chooses to prove that. Jeff, you have one more season to go. I
wish you well with that.
Stotler, sorry to see your career end the way it did. I wanted to
see you win a state title just as much as anyone else did. I know
you worked hard for what you did. Best of luck with the future.
I would like to congradulate Casey Hughes on his state title.
That was one of the best matches of the 2001 finals. You beat a
good wrestler, but just remember this, you aren't the sleeper
pick for the next three seasons.
Congradulations to Oak Glen and Parkersburg South on the team
titles. You guys are tough to beat.
March 3, 2001
From: as
comments: to david and goliath.
why extend the state to three different divisions??? do you not like competition?? if we made three divisions the competition would be so spread out it would be boring. if any changes are made in that sense i think it should be to combine all divisions to make a "true state champion" .. wrestling is and individual sport. if you make so many different divisions then we would go to the state tournament and see .. oohh.. lets say 10 good matches all weekend. it is work ethic and desire that will help you to excell in this sport.. not the size of a school.. thank you
March 3, 2001
From: Big brother
comments: I would like to say congratulations to Dustin Bartrug. Sorry i missed it. You did
what you set out to do and i am PROUD of you. love ya buddy
March 3, 2001
From: South Wrestling Fan
comments: I don't know how the rest of you wrestling fans feel,but after witnessing last week's
state championships,I just want to stand and cheer for every wrestler who participated.It was
one of the best state tourneys in some time and as always we witnessed upsets and may have shed
a few tears,but WOW,what a gutsy performance by all the great atheletes who gave their best
from every school! Only 51 more weeks until next years final event!!
March 3, 2001
comments: Doc,
It is funny how you don't post my comments about **********.
******* broke his **** before the semis drilling.
Then in the ***** match he broke his *****.
I don't think there is anything thing wrong with these comments.
So please post them.
Editor's note: I didn't post your comments because I suspect that there were several wrestlers who wrestled
with injuries, and I would probably need to open up an entire separate page if we are going to
list all athletes who wrestled with injuries during the season. In my experience with this forum, any
time someone trys to explain a less-than-expected performance by a wrestler as being due to
injuries, that only opens up a torrent of posts accusing the wrestler of making excuses, etc.
Are you quite sure that the wrestler in question wants you making excuses for him on this forum?
Another concern is this: Why would a coach and trainer and parents allow a wrestler to compete
with multiple fractures (if what you claim is true)? Do you think that perhaps you might be opening these people up to
criticism?
March 3, 2001
From: WV Wrestling Fan
comments: Congratulations to the 39 Senior wrestlers who are eligible for the National Senior
Finalist Tournament!
Let's hope for a GREAT showing by all those who can make it! GOOD LUCK!
WT NAME SCHOOL PL YR PL YR PL YR 103 Sammy Bonasso Fairmont Senior 1st 2001 103 Josh Gorayeb Wheeling Park 2nd 2001 112 Ashley Gandee Ravenswood 1st 2001 1st 2000 1st 1999 112 Jonathan Delligatti Fairmont Senior 2nd 2001 2nd 2000 119 Matt Stevens Parkersburg 1st 2001 1st 2000 1st 1999 119 Justin Stanley Cabell Midland 1st 2000 119 Corey Auvil Grafton 2nd 2001 125 Chris Johnson Nitro 1st 2001 1st 1999 2nd 1998 125 Tyler Hughes Cameron 1st 2001 2nd 2000 2nd 1998 125 Tim Haddox Williamstown 1st 2000 125 Nathan Kinsley University 2nd 2000 130 Derek Kennedy Wheeling Park 1st 2001 130 Gaelen Lowers Oak Glen 2nd 2001 130 Clayton Samples Parkersburg 2nd 1999 135 Eric Noel Oak Glen 1st 2001 1st 2000 2nd 1999 135 John Duncan Parkersburg South 1st 2001 135 Mike Muldrew John Marshall 2nd 2001 140 Kyle Eckleberry Oak Glen 1st 2001 140 Chris Leach Grafton 2nd 2000 145 Bryan Moats Hedgesville 2nd 2001 2nd 1998 152 Adam Schindler Ripley 1st 2001 1st 2000 152 Jamie Bolen Independence 1st 2001 152 Mike Staley Herbert Hoover 2nd 2001 160 Casey Daggett Parkersburg South 1st 2001 160 Drew Toth South Harrison 2nd 2001 171 Matt Miller East Fairmont 2nd 2001 1st 2000 1st 1999 171 Chris Brown Independence 2nd 2001 171 Richard Stotler Berkely Springs 2nd 2000 189 Phillip Bellville Oak Glen 1st 2001 1st 2000 189 Joey Thomas Huntington 2nd 2001 2nd 2000 189 Josh Moyer Independence 2nd 2000 215 Wyatt O'Neil Cameron 1st 2001 2nd 2000 215 Jeff Noechel East Fairmont 1st 2001 215 Aaron McCartney Parkersburg South 2nd 2001 215 Greg Six Oak Glen 2nd 2000 275 Byron Wellman Cabell Midland 1st 2001 275 Heath Cliver Clay County 2nd 2001 275 Thomas Naylor Ritchie County 2nd 2000 275 Matt Clay Herbert Hoover 2nd 2000
March 3, 2001
From: Dad, Mom, Jamie & Rylee Paige
comments: Matt, 6 years old , 35
pounds & 12 years ago, when you started wrestling, who could have imagined how much it would
become a part of our lives. Dragging you out of bed at 4 a.m.( in your pj's) to travel to PA
with the cougars, to you driving to school (still in your pj's) to catch the bus to travel with
the BIG REDS!! I am so proud of you & all your accomplishments, but more so of the young man
your have become. You have always set your priorities (and goals) and in doing so have
successfully balanced academics, wrestling & friends. What great memories & good friends your
wrestling has given our family. As you pick your path through life, know that we will always be
there for you, & I hope your life will be filled with as much joy & happiness as you have
brought to ours.
March 3, 2001
From: Jonathan Delligatti
email: delbert103@aol
comments: can someone please tell mewhat kyle turnball's email address is? thank you.
March 3, 2001
comments: I wonder if it wouldn't be a bad idea for the state tournament to have a wrestle off
for 7th/8th place and call that honorable mention/all state?
March 3, 2001
From: David and Goliath
comments: I'm dissatisfied with the school classification. West Virginia should do away with
regionals and extend the States to three full days and go with three classifications with about
24 teams each. The coaches poll should seed the top eight and then go from there.
AAA - Jefferson 1546; Parkersburg 1485; Wheeling Park 1435; Cabell Midland 1356; Huntington 1301; Morgantown 1292; Parkersburg South 1269; Woodrow Wilson 1189; John Marshall 1125; Preston 1124; Capital 1058; Greenbrier East 994; University 975; Riverside 931; Hedgesville 917; Brooke 904; Martinsburg 868; Buckhannon-Upshur 836; Spring Valley 826; St. Albans 794; North Marion 778; East Fairmont 737; George Washington 730; Musselman 720.
AA - Hurricane 704; Elkins 700; Fairmont Senior 697; Logan 694; Ripley 648; Robert C. Byrd 645; Point Pleasant 645; Lewis County 632; Keyser 626; Herbert Hoover 620; Nicholas County 612; Roane County 612; Nitro 611; Grafton 595; Philip Barbour 594; Bridgeport 590; Weir 585; Oak Hill 546; Liberty (H) 546; Oak Glen 526; Winfield 521; Braxton County 516; Clay County 510; Independence 508.
A - Shady Spring 498; Sissonville 494; Webster County 429; Berkeley Springs 403; Ritchie County 403; Ravenswood 398; Richwood 396; Magnolia 372; Iaeger 355; Tyler Consolidated 355; Petersburg 354; Frankfort 347; Greenbrier West 333; Liberty (R) 333; Williamstown 330; St. Marys 325; Calhoun County 324; South Harrison 293; Fayetteville 288; Wheeling Central 282; Wirt County 271; Big Creek 228; Wahama 222; Clay-Battelle 214; Buffalo (P) 207; Cameron 196; Valley (W) 178; Meadow Bridge 137; Parkersburg Catholic 130; Madonna 120; Hundred 112; Notre Dame 92; Bishop Donahue 72.
March 3, 2001
comments: GOOD LUCK MAX AND EDDIE AND BRANKO BUSICK at the W.V. STATES
March 2, 2001
From: Another youth coach
comments: I am the youth coach of several highly-seeded wrestlers at the Parkersburg youth states, including one who happens to be my son. I would be silly to publish the seeds--they mean nothing if the seeded wrestlers don't wrestle up to them. The boys (or girls) will get enough attention when the matches are over and the results are posted. That said, this year's seeding meeting was the fairest ever for us non-Wood County wrestlers and Sam Baldwin, the tournament director, should be commended for putting all the records on one sheet for each weight class for easy comparison. I hope that Fairmont/Clarksburg will reconsider their participation now that Mr.Baldwin is in charge.
March 2, 2001
From: mom and dad
comments: Jason Drappo: We just wanted to thank you for all the excitment you gave us over the
years, and all the hard work you put in. We are both very proud of you and all your
accomplishments you earned in wrestling. Congradulations on getting your 100th victory at the
states this year. I would also like to thank the coaches [BUBBY and BILL] and the [IRON EAGLES
CAMP] for all they have done with the kids and say congradulations to the HEDGESVILLE EAGLES
wrestling team, you guys had a great year. Jason Drappo you will always be the CHAMP to us.
Love mom and dad.
March 2, 2001
From: MOM2
comments: Congrats to Joey Lobis for taking 2nd in the State Wrestling Tourn. You have worked
hard and disciplined yourself well. We are extremely proud of you. You still have 2 more
years. We'll get it next time. You did a great job throughout the whole tournament and held
your own to the very end. We love you!
March 2, 2001
From: Wrestling Parent
comments: Asking to have the youth wrestling seedings for this weekend posted
is kinda far fetched. Considering that some classes have as
many as 26 wrestlers in them, and 95% of the classes having 10
or more wrestlers. Unfortunatley only the top 8 were seeded.
Or they would have been there all night. Those being very close
records and close competion. Leaving out great wrestlers. Some
teams had representation, some teams having none, while others
were out voted. I say that when this tournament is over, the
results will be posted and then you will have your top wrestlers.
The small guys no nothing about seeding, as it should be. Most
wouldn't understand anyway. The best wrestlers will come out on
top and then they can see there name in the top 6 places. Don't
get me wrong I am very competitive (maybe too much at times)and
my son seems to be more than I. But he has enough trophies at
home to prove to him where he stands. And those reading the
forum would see those who they new and those they didn't and
think that their wrestler was booted out, and should have been
seeded. A big can of worms would be opened here!!!
March 2, 2001
From: *Alicia Miller*
email: PrincessLish@girlofyourdreams.com
comments: Hey! Yeah, it's me again. I'm sure everyone's tired of reading the hundred messages
that have been posted by me, but you know what, too bad! This year has been the first year
I've ever actually watch wrestling or attended any matches, and I actually like it, suprisingly
enough. Congrats to all my Braxton guys who went to States, and on their 3rd consecutive
Regional victory...Way to be Fellas!
*I'd still like to congratulate anyone who placed at States...you obviously worked hard, and
you deserve the recognition.
*I'm also still sending out MAD props to Erica Dye...Girl, I don't even know you, but you're
AWESOME!! Congrats on placing at States!
~No Brad, I didn't forget about ya. You went to States your first year of wrestling
ever...that deserves a little praise. But don't get a big head about it...*LOL*
March 2, 2001
From: Witheld
comments: To DOC, Thanks for your intrest and true love of the sport. Wiothout your service
and this forum where would we the wrestling fans be. You have been very impartial, especially
during the mess of the last week. I as a Jefferson Fan apologize to everyone at Huntington
last week, especially South..........
March 2, 2001
comments: Devin Abshire:
Thanks Devin for giving us, your family. 13 wonderful years of
wrestling memories. I have watched you grow up on the Mat, from a scrawney little kid to a
fine young man. You may have never made it to the top of that podium but you accomplished many
things throughout your wrestling career. We have wrestled from Fargo to N.Y. to Alabama and
never once were you not a sportsman. You won like a Champ and lost like a Champ. Your records
at Jefferson and Charles Town will be around for some time, most wins, 120 wins (3 year high
school), 3 time state place winner (only 3rd kid in history of school to do so). I will miss
the summer's of preperation and winters of wrestling, watching you do your thing. I know that
because of Wrestling you are prepaired for the future and will succeed in what ever you face.
A coach, a friend and most of all Your Dad.
. March 2, 2001
From: Wants to know
I was wondering when the Jefferson Junior Wrestling Association (JJWA) XXI Classic tournament, held at Jefferson High School WV,
will be held this year in March. I have gone the pass several years and havent recieved any information. I always seem to get the
form a week or two before the tourney. I wanted to know sooner if possible. If anyone knows if it will be held this year let me know
so I can enter other tournaments.
March 2, 2001
From: Doug "Psycho" Sillex (165) (Harpers Ferry)
email: PsychoSillex@aol.com
comments: The NHSCA State Qualifier...A nice tournament indeed. Last year I took 1st there and
went to the NHSCA natonals....this year however I'm in the 9th grade this year and They
consider me a freshman. However I'm only in jr high. Personally I dont think its right
but...I'll live with it. However, High School or not I still plan on taking this tournament. I
don't plan on taking this tournament with any fancy moves because I learned at the NHSCA
Natonals that fancy moves will get you no where with good wrestlers. Basics is all I will ever
need, I dont care what anyone says. I'll stick to what my wonderful coachs Malcome Ater, and
Jim Lawson taught me best. Basics. By the way coachs its been a wonderful 3 years and I enjoyed
every min of it. I thank both of you for making me the man I am today. I'll never forget you
guys. Thanks a million.
Doug "Psycho" Sillex (25-0)(Harpers Ferry)(165)
PsychoSillex@aol.com
Note to Editor- Ever consider making a diffrent forum for jr high... it would make it a lot
eaiser on the readers...
March 2, 2001
From: Steve Pittman
email: raptors@widomaker.com
comments: We are putting together 2 teams to wrestle in the AAU Elementary National Duals in
Kingsport, TN on March 17-18, 2001. We are currently looking for 4 wrestlers in the states of
West Virginia, North Carolina or Maryland for the following weight classes:
40lb, 119lb, 132lb, and 148 lb.
They must be in grades 1st through 5th grade and be born in 1988 or after. We are looking for
tough wrestlers with experience if possible. Last year we took 1 team and placed 5th in the
nation the best Virginia had done in a national AAU event. Please call Steve Pittman @
757-596-7554 or Randy Hill @ 757-880-0155 ASAP.
March 2, 2001
From: wrestling fan
comments: Can some body tell me the most number of matches wrestled in one high school
season,by one wrestler.Also great job Nic Duncan for placing 6th in the state.