University High Wrestling Claims Third Straight State Championship, Parkersburg Falls Short

HUNTINGTON, WV – University High School secured its third consecutive West Virginia Division I state wrestling championship on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the 79th annual state tournament held in Huntington. The Hawks finished with 246 points, narrowly defeating Parkersburg High School, which finished as the runner-up with 235 points.

Adams Achieves Historic Four-Time Championship

Parkersburg South’s Jesse Adams made history, becoming the 28th four-time state champion in West Virginia wrestling history. Adams, wrestling at 190 pounds, defeated University’s Emerson Murphy by major decision, 11-2. Adams previously won titles while competing at Independence High School.

Parkersburg’s Individual Successes

Parkersburg High School saw four wrestlers claim individual state titles. Aiden Linko won the 106-pound championship, defeating Bryson Simmons of Cabell Midland 4-0. Seth Drennen secured the 120-pound title with a 4-1 decision over Reed Davis of Cabell Midland, earning his second career state championship. Stephen Myers, a junior, won the 138-pound title, defeating Bridgeport’s Tyler Mason by fall in 2:56, achieving his 50th career win and 150th overall. Dominic Way too became a two-time state champion, winning the 157-pound title with a pin of University’s Max Vitale in 3:08.

University’s Dominance

University qualified 11 wrestlers for the finals and ultimately secured the team championship. The Hawks’ success was bolstered by two transfers who, according to Parkersburg head coach Matt Littleton, were the deciding factor in their victory. Littleton noted that a score of 235 points would typically be enough to win the state title, but University’s additions proved to be the difference.

Other Notable Results

Austin Carrodus of Parkersburg finished as the runner-up at 113 pounds, losing to Huntington’s Sawyer Bond 5-4. Colston Skeen of Parkersburg also finished second at 144 pounds, falling to University’s Nico Maisel 8-6. Parkersburg South also had several wrestlers place, including Jordan Dearth (3rd at 120), Aaydin King (3rd at 138), Asa Yost (3rd at 150), and Nathan Murphy (3rd at 165).

Team Standings (Top 10)

• University: 246
• Parkersburg: 235
• Cabell Midland: 168.5
• Huntington: 146.5
• Parkersburg South: 134.5
• Bridgeport: 126.5
• Washington: 75.5
• John Marshall: 73
• Martinsburg: 67
• Wheeling Park: 62.5

Looking Ahead

Despite falling short of the team title, Parkersburg High School head coach Matt Littleton expressed pride in his team’s performance and is already looking ahead to next year. Training is scheduled to begin Monday, with a focus on preparing for national competitions and the 2027 state tournament.