University High captures 2026 WV State Dual Championship
· Yahoo Sports
Feb. 11---- Copy Link — Facebook — LinkedIn — Share on X The University High wrestling team added another trophy to the case on Saturday, capturing the Division I championship at the 2026 WV State Duals at the WV State Fairgrounds.
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The Hawks defeated perennial power Parkersburg South in the opening round, 61-13. In the second round, UHS defeated Riverside 74-6.
Finally, UHS claimed the title with a 40-31 win over No. 2 Parkersburg, coincidentally the same score the Hawks defeated PHS by a few weeks ago on Baker's Ridge.
Jude Benson (120), Colton Gillespie (132), Nico Maisel (144), Jason Walker (150), Emerson Murphy (190), Ryder Hastings (215), and Ethan Koloski (285) each won all three of their matches on Saturday to help lift the Hawks to the championship that alluded them a year ago.
Benson and Maisel both defeated the 2025 state champions in their respective weight classes, and Koloski was voted as the Most Outstanding Wrestler for the Hawks.
UHS head coach Ken Maisel said Saturday was "truly a team effort ", with the depth of his team being the difference in the championship match against Parkersburg.
Despite multiple injuries to starting wrestlers this season, the Hawks haven't missed a beat and continue to dominate their competition. The only loss UHS has suffered came at the hands of WPIAL power Connellsville (Pa.).
UHS will have its final dual against Huntington this week before looking ahead to the Region I Tournament coming up on February 20 and 21.