Third Time The Charm For 5A Duals Champion Steubenville Big Red
Kim North Trending
MOUNDSVILLE - Steubenville was tired of finishing as the bridesmaid in the last two OVAC Bill Hinegardner Class 5A Dual Meet Championships.
The third time was a charm as top-seeded Big Red ousted No. 4 and defending champion Wheeling Park, 42-30, in the semifinals before doubling up No. 3 John Marshall, 48-24, in the title tilt Thursday night inside the John Marshall Field House.
"This is nice to be bringing home the title," Steubenville head coach Lucas Huffman. "We came up a little short the last two years, but I'm really pleased with how the kids competed tonight."
John Marshall took a 6-0 lead when Caleb Yates (285) posted a pin in the first match. A forfeit win by Frank Guntrum (106) and pin by his sister, Talea (113), gave Big Red a 12-6 advantage, but the Monarchs came right back with a decision by Gabe Chaplin (120) and a pin by Zander Ward (126) for a 15-12 edge.
However, all season Steubenville's strength has been its middleweight. Last night was no exception.
Behind pins by Charlie Abbott (132), Cal Beadling (138), Cooper Smith (144) and Brody Saccoccia (150) and a decision by Savier Faulks (157), Big Red ran away to a 39-15 margin and never looked back.
"We've got some horses through the middle of our lineup," Huffman noted. "But I think everyone contributed tonight. I'm proud of each and every one of them."
Brook Harrison (165) and Maverick Lemasters (190) had late victories for John Marshall, as did Steubenville's Ladyn Babel (175).
"Hopefully, this is something we can build off of heading into Saturday's action," Huffman said.
Big Red returns to action Saturday at Indian Valley in the Ohio Division II Eastern District team duals against West Holmes. The winner meets the winner of the New Philadelphia-Indian Valley dual for the title and a berth in the state tournament.
This is Steubenville's 10th championship since 2013, with some coming in Class 4A, according to the OVAC website.
Wheeling Park bounced back with a 42-39 win over Brooke for third place.