West Jefferson wrestlers shine in Nelsonville

Wrestling

West Jeff has

outstanding week

NELSONVILLE — It was a good week for the West Jefferson wrestling team.

On Saturday, the Roughriders finished second at the Nelsonville York Invitational behind Division II River Valley, but just ahead of state-ranked and host Nelsonville York.

Jonathan Alder was fourth.

Earlier last week, West Jeff beat Bishop Hartley, ranked second among Division II Central District teams.

“We wrestled extremely well this week,” West Jefferson coach Mike Branham said. “On Monday in our team meeting, we discussed that this could be our signature week. We knew this was the week we had an opportunity to gage ourselves.”

West Jeff sophomore Ricky Ratcliff won the tournament at 145 pounds by defeating two-time state qualifier and senior Dakota Hook of Nelsonville 7-1.

“Ricky is wrestling very well right now,” his coach said.

Also for West Jeff, sophomore Hayden Fulton finished second at 132; sophomore Carter Harris was third at 195; freshman Cody Dingess was third at 113; junior Cory Ginn was third at 220; junior Handley Sayre was fifth at 138; sophomore Josh Rowland placed fourth at 170 and senior Chaney Fulton was sixth at 182.

“As you can see, of our nine placers in this tournament, only one was a senior,” Branham said, “Our young team is maturing quick.

“I am extremely please with the progress this team is making.”

For the Pioneers, senior Mitch Ridder won the championship at 220; senior Justin Kuhlwein was the champion at 285 and senior Connor Blacka was second at 126.