University, Ripley out to early leads at state wrestling

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — The 78th West Virginia High School State Wrestling Tournament opened Thursday night at Mountain Health Network Arena with the two favorites staking early claims to their respective division titles. University, chasing a third consecutive large-school championship, sits atop Division I with 47 points, while Ripley, in only its second year in Division II, leads with 38.

Division I’s opening round unfolded largely to form, as top seeds rolled through the bottom seeds and pins dominated the scoreboard. The Hawks, who entered the tournament without two projected starters—one failed to make weight and last year’s state champion at 150 is still recovering from a football injury—still found separation in the heavier classes to distance themselves from the field. Parkersburg, last year’s runner-up, is second with 39.5 points, followed by Cabell Midland (37.5) and host Huntington (32.5).

Maximus Fortier, a junior transfer from Fairmont Senior, has quickly become a focal point for University. Fortier won a state title as a freshman at 144 and now competes at 165, where he improved to 36-2 after a first-round pin. “Come down, support the team and try to win,” he said of his approach. “Wrestle the way we know how.”

Fortier’s résumé this season includes a 2-2 showing at the prestigious Ironman Tournament and a championship at the Powerade event, which draws many of the nation’s elite programs. “Wasn’t ready,” he said of Ironman, “but I did my thing at Powerade. It was big.” Fortier and the Hawks also captured the Ron Mauck OVAC title, the WSAZ Invitational and the West Virginia Duals.

Ripley’s transition to Division II has been swift. After placing sixth a year ago, the Vikings arrived in Huntington as Region 4 champions with 11 qualifiers—nine region champions and two runners-up. All 11 advanced with either pins or major decisions, pushing Ripley to 38 points. Independence trails with 27, Keyser is third with 25.5, and Cameron paces Division III with 16.

The Vikings’ regular-season ledger includes the West Virginia Duals crown and dual-meet victories over Herbert Hoover (twice), Point Pleasant, Parkersburg South and Huntington.

Competition resumes Friday with sessions at 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday’s slate begins with the girls state tournament at 8 a.m., followed by the boys consolation and semifinal rounds at 10:30. Championship finals for all divisions are slated for 6:30 p.m.