by Jamie Harris
The Berkeley Springs Indians and Lady Indians wrestling teams are set to compete at the 2026 WVSSAC Division 1 State Wrestling Championships this week inside the Mountain Health Arena in Huntington. The tournament opens Thursday, March 5, with the first round beginning at 6:30 p.m., the only session scheduled for opening night.
The Indians will send seven qualifiers to the mats Thursday evening, each looking to capture a first‑round victory and advance to the championship quarterfinals on Friday morning.
Boys First‑Round Matchups
Thursday, March 5
113 lbs: Eligah Parsell (31–7) vs. Tylique Marshall (28–9, Wheeling Central).
126 lbs: Vaughn Taylor (34–8) vs. Gunner Trimble (30–10, Gilmer County).
144 lbs: Kowen Proctor (28–8) vs. Mason Philyaw (33–13, Ripley).
150 lbs: Jacob Morgan (40–6) vs. Gideon Winfrey (25–5, Tyler Consolidated).
157 lbs: Kaiden Proctor (37–4) vs. Christian Smith (32–10, Shady Spring).
165 lbs: Trenton Fox (38–10) vs. Seth Boseman (22–10, Mingo Central).
175 lbs: Garrin Place (29–17) vs. Ethan Deel (26–21, Herbert Hoover).
Lady Indians
Saturday, March 7
Opening Round
138 lbs: Willow Rhoten (31–7) vs. Kaydee Martin (15–15, Gilmer County).
235 lbs: Natalie Koontz (14–15) vs. Sienna Breedlove (9–5, Lincoln).
With nine total qualifiers between the boys and girls teams, Berkeley Springs is poised for a strong showing as championship weekend gets underway in Huntington. The Indians and Lady Indians will look to build momentum early as they begin their quests for positions on the state podium.
Garrin Place and Jacob Morgan will lay it all on the mat one last time later this week at the WV State Wrestling Tournament. submitted photo
