Warm Springs second in Jason Eades Memorial Tournament; crown three champions

January 2, 2007

The Warm Springs Middle School wrestling team traveled across the state to participate in the 11-team Jason Eades Memorial Tournament, held on December 22 and 23 in Point Pleasant.

The trip was a success, with the Wolves finishing second in a field that included six of the top ten middle school teams in the state, according to wvmat.com. Point Pleasant, the top ranked team, won the event with 141 points. Warm Springs placed second with 102 followed by Spencer 96, Milton 78, Independence 70, Calhoun County 58, Cammack 49, Shady Springs 45, Western Greenbrier 44, East Fairmont 38 and Wahama 6.

Leading the way for the Wolves were Damen Capper (110), Zach Risinger (116) and Hobert Delph (285), each of whom finished the tournament with perfect 8-0 records to claim championships in their respective weight classes.

Both Ryan Diehl (78) and Cody Gaither (123) completed the two-day tournament with 7-1 records, finishing second in their respective weight classifications. Tory Bennett finished the tournament with a 6-2 record and the only third place finish for the Wolves.

Placing fourth in their respective weight classes were Isaac Reed (84), Cohen Hovermale (90) and Dylan Mason (155). Hovermale carded six wins against two losses, while both Mason and Reed finished with identical records of 5 -3.

Loguen McKee placed fifth in the 84 pound weight class, wrestling for Warm Springs-B.

Kyle Haffarth, Tommy Davis, Ricky Michael, Nick Kidwell, Matt Parkinson, C.J. Gosey and Kyle Shambaugh also wrestled for Warm Springs. Parkinson won four matches, Gosey and Kidwell three each, Davis and Michael two apiece, while Shambaugh finished with a record of 1-1.

"The kids did an outstanding job," said Warm Springs coach Shawn Diehl. "This was a strong field and the kids acquitted themselves well. They also did a good job of representing their school and community. It was a nice early Christmas present for me."

Warm Springs will be off until January 5, when they travel to Fairmont for the East Fairmont Duals.