Chase Cooper

The Tyler Consolidated High School varsity wrestling team traveled to Fairmont on Feb. 21-22 to participate in the Region I Regional at the Armory.

Individuals representing 13 schools competed in 14 weight classes at the tournament, each hoping to place in the top four of their divisions in order to advance to the state tournament next week. Teams also gained points in the team competition with Oak Glen placing first overall with 253.50 points and placing 13 wrestlers on the podium. North Marion placed second in the team competition with 212.50 points followed in order by East Fairmont High, East Fairmont Senior; St. Marys, Magnolia, Cameron, Ritchie County, Clay-Battelle, Madonna, Tyler Consolidated, Doddridge County and Weir.

The Silver Knights had two wrestlers make the podium, but not high enough to advance to the state tournament in Chase Cooper and Brandon Keys. Cooper placed fifth in the 132 weight class and Keys took sixth in the 195.

This is only the second time in the history of the wrestling program at Tyler Consolidated that a Silver Knight wrestler has not advanced to state.

“We did have a few wrestlers secure some points,” said head wrestling coach, Chad Snider. “Tyler Johnson, Chase Cooper and Brandon Keys were all able to get a win by pin at the tournament.”

Brandon Keys

“I would like to thank every athlete who gave their best effort this season for the Knight’s wrestling team,” he continued.

“At the end, we had eleven wrestlers left injury free: Ben Pratt, Tyler Johnson, Chase Cooper, Doug Wagner, Bobby Dennis, William Chapman, Josh Ruble, Gabe Clegg, Brandon Keys, Nathan Eddy, and Austin Spencer.”

“I hope these young men stay motivated through the off season and remember what they are working to achieve. This marks the end of the ‘competitive’ season for the wrestlers, but a true athlete is never ‘out of season’ completely.”

“Train hard and don’t forget the goals you have set.”