photo by: Kim North

Photo by Kim North Wheeling Park’s Jack Lowe works towards a reversal against Huntington’s Jesiah Winters during their 126-pound semifinal Friday night inside Mountain Health Arena in Huntington.

HUNTINGTON — When Wheeling Park wrestling coach Brian Leggett puts together his team’s schedule from year to year, he always loads it with strong competition.

Those tough matches are coming to fruition as the Patriots won six of nine semifinal matches Friday night to strengthen their hold on the top spot in the Class AAA portion of the 75th edition of the West Virginia state tournament inside Mountain Health Arena.

Leggett’s battle-tested squad has 170.5 points to lead fellow OVAC powers University and Parkersburg South who are a point apart at 137-136, respectively.

“This is a special group of guys that have worked their tails off all year,” Leggett said. “We wrestle a strong schedule and I kept telling the guys all year that that schedule will pay off in the end.

“To watch them go out there and compete as they have, it’s been special,” he added. “But we’re not done yet.”

Leading the half-a-dozen finalists is junior two-time state champ Erick Brothers Jr. (220). The junior recorded a pin and a 4-0 decision in his two bouts Friday.

Looking for a second title is senior Nate Shelek (132) who took down Parkersburg South’s Ryan Martin, 15-5, in a re-match of the OVAC finals, also won by Shelek who claimed a title as a freshman.

Lowe and Lucas drew praise from their head coach.

“I told you at the Park Duals that he is a special kid,” Leggett said. “He works hard every day and it pays off.

“We love Bradyn. He’s a loveable kid,” Leggett said of Lucas, who suffered a broken ankle last year and missed qualifying.

“He’s in a tough weight class but he is battling with the best.”

Other Patriots seeking championships are freshman Noah White (106), classmate Jack Lowe (126), sophomore Bradyn Lucas (138) and senior Gabe Carman (160).

White earned a 3-0 decision in his semi, while Lowe won 12-9. Lucas defeated Parkersburg South’s Trent Jones and Gabe Carman scored just before the buzzer to win 4-3.

Dropping semifinal matches but still earning a spot on the awards podium were Adam Carman (113), Quinton Velas (152) and Hunter Nixon (182).

John Marshall’s Carl Cochran (132) also advanced to the finals with a pin in 3:20.

The Monarchs senior will meet Shelek for the title in a re-match of the Region I title tilt, which Shelek won 10-0.

“They’ve been wrestling ever since they were young,” John Marshall head coach Ryan Asbury said. “They know each other pretty well, but I’m so proud of Carl for all that he has accomplished.

“He’s overcome a lot of obstacles in his life because he is a hard worker,” Asbury said. “He’ll give it his all tonight.”

John Marshall also placed freshman Klypsan Wallace (182), who lost in the semifinals, and

Senior Ben McCardle (170).

Brooke sophomore Tyler Wise (195) also earned a spot on the podium.

Action resumes today at 10:30 with semifinal and championship consolation bouts. The state finals begin at 6 p.m.