Winning matches and awards has become a habit for Ryan Muldrew of John Marshall High School.
The 125-pound wrestler will receive another accolade May 4 when he is presented with the Robert Dutton Award, honoring him as the top high school wrestler in the state.
Muldrew was unbeaten in 40 matches this year and was voted the Outstanding Class AAA wrestler in the state tournament by the AAA coaches after winning his second straight state title.
The award, named for the former Parkersburg High wrestling coach, will be given at the annual West Virginia Sports Writers Association's Victory Awards dinner at Marshall's Student Center in Huntington.
Others considered for the award this year were state champions DeWitt Stanley of Brooke and Jason Johnson of Parkersburg South.
"There are a number of factors that make Ryan an outstanding wrestler," said John Marshall coach Ed Dugas. "Among them are strong fundamentals, mental preparation and staying focused while on the mat.
"We knew we were getting an outstanding wrestler three years ago as Ryan was 88-0 in three years of junior high wrestling," he said. "But he's continued to get better each year since coming here, and this year was exceptional.
"When you go unbeaten you have to be exceptional."
Muldrew received All-American honors at a national tournament two weeks ago in Pittsburgh, where he finished fifth among 59 in his weight class. And he was voted outstanding wrestler at the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference Tournament.
He finished his high school career with a 91-8 mark, with five of those losses coming in his sophomore year.
Muldrew remains undecided on his plans for colllege, where he wants to continue wrestling. He is considering West Virginia, Kent State and Capital University in Columbus, Ohio.
Thanks to Jenny Sullivan
Updated April 21, 1997