2013 MAT TALK OVAC WRESTLERS OF THE YEAR
by Dr. Bill Welker
Today, I have the extreme pleasure of announcing Wheeling News-Register's 26th Annual "OVAC Ohio and West Virginia Wrestlers of the Year."
The honorees are determined by a committee of five Ohio Valley wrestling enthusiasts, which includes and is chaired by yours truly. As always, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bill Hinegardner (1984 Mr. Mat), Ron Mauck (1986 Mr. Mat), Dan Doyle (2005 Mr. Mat), and Dick Wolf for graciously volunteering to serve on this selection board. I have never worked with a more sincere and honorable group of men.
The recipients must be seniors and are chosen on the basis of personal wrestling accomplishments over their entire scholastic careers. This year's winners are Parkersburg South's Lance Hill and Alex Quinn of Shadyside.
LANCE HILL
* West Virginia AAA State Champion (2012)
* Three-Time West Virginia State Placewinner (2011-12-13)
* Three-Time West Virginia AAA Region I Champion
(2011-12-13)
* Three-Time Ron Mauck OVAC Champion (2011-12-13)
* Career Record: 158-22
* Senior Record: 34-4 (19 pins)
* Grade Point Average: 2.75
* College Aspirations: Lance plans to pursue a career in education and coach wrestling.
* Head Coach: Donna Dixon
* Assistant Coaches: Gary Porter, Kevin Dixon, Chris Hill, David Jeffrey, Jeremy Layner, Jason Marks, Dean Moore, Chad Porter, John Price, Kenney Richards, and Shaun Smith.
ALEX QUINN
* 2013 Ohio Division III State Champion
* Two-Time Ohio Division III State Placewinner (2012-2013)
* Two-Time OVAC Champion (2012-2013)
* Two-Time Ohio District Champion (2012to 2013)
* Career Record: 127-6
* Senior Record: 45-0
* Career Plans: Alex is undecided at this time.
* Head Coach: Scott Kinemond
* Assistant Coach: Kurt Glasser
Mat Salute
Special "kudos" are addressed to the following 2013 OVAC individual state champion - Shadyside's Alex Quinn.
Coaching Honors
Congratulations to Steubenville's Coach Mike Blackburn, his staff, and the "Big Red" wrestling team for winning the 2013 Ron Mauck OVAC Over-All Team Title.
Official's Corner
This year four OVAC referees were selected to officiate the West Virginia and Ohio state wrestling tournaments. They are Jim Copney, Ray Marling, and Ken McWilliams in the Mountain State, along with former area official Chris Diserio.
Many congratulations are extended to all four of these fine OVAC officials.
Larry Deaton, the dean of Ohio Valley wrestling officials, served as supervisor of the score table officials at the West Virginia State Championships.
Mat Message
"Talent is God-Given; Be Humble.
Fame is Man-Given; Be Grateful.
Conceit is Self-Given; Be Careful."
- John Wooden