By David Walsh
HUNTINGTON — University put on a strong showing to win the Class AAA Region I championship April 10.
The Hawks continued with their quality work Monday on the first day of the 74th West Virginia State High School Wrestling Tournament at Mountain Health Arena.
Luca Felix, at 132 pounds, Dom Parker, at 138, Elijah Wellings-Osha, at 160, and Dakota Hagedorn, at 170, each won two matches to get to today’s semifinal round.
“Good day. Won some good ones, lost some tough ones,” University coach Ken Maisel said.
Felix won by technical fall over Caitlynn Ash, of St. Albans, in the opening round and then pinned Luke Miller, of Ripley, at 2:42 in the quarterfinals. He faces Nicholas Cruickshank, of Hurricane, in the semifinals.
“Great day. Got to keep it up,” Maisel said of Felix. “He got a good draw (beat two former champions in Region I tournament).”
Parker won by pin over Dalton Martinez, of Jefferson, in his first match, then beat Colton Spradling of St. Albans by major decision, 13-4. He faces Kaleb Ramirez of Riverside in the semifinals.
“His goal is to win the state,” Maisel said of Parker, who was third a year ago. “He’s tough a tough semi. Lost to that kid last year. But he’s where he needs to be.”
Wellings-Osha started with a pin against Charlie Thomas, of Washington, and followed with a tight 2-1 decision over Zachery Holstion, of Riverside. He’s got a date with Patrick Jackson, of Region II champion Spring Mills, in the semifinals.
“He’s got to wrestle better,” Maisel said. “Mentally, it’s got to be better. He was physical enough to keep him in each match.”
Hagedorn posted a pin over Gage Bailey, of Hurricane, and then a 15-0 technical fall decision over Jay Jones, of Woodrow Wilson. That sets up a semifinal against Austin Dempsey, of Huntington.
“Haven’t seen him, but you know what they can do,” Maisel said.
Still alive for University are Trip Ryan, at 106, Mason Pauley, at 145, Matt Bakos, at 152, Hezekiah Taylor, at 182, and Corbin Turney, at 285.
Morgantown’s Garret Spohn, at 106, Broderick Washington, at 160, and Caden Biser, at 220, as well as Preston’s Ayden Bishoff at 220, are still in the tournament.
Out with two losses are Chandler Britt, Morgantown, 113; Gavin Garlits, Preston, 120; Timmy Cargill, University, 126; Owen Klimas, Preston, 138; Curtis Shreve, Preston, 170; and Turner McKenzie, University, 195.
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