It was a busy weekend for local grapplers, as four Ohio Valley Publishing wrestling teams took part in three different events this past Saturday throughout the tri-county region.

Gallia Academy placed sixth at 2012 Miami Trace Invitational, while Meigs and River Valley respectively finished seventh and 23rd overall at the 2012 Jimmy Wood Invitational at New Lexington High School. Wahama also finished ninth overall at the Bob Zide Rumble at Williamstown High School.

The Blue Devils tallied 185.5 points at the 19-team event in Miami Trace High School and also had seven wrestlers finish in the top-eight of their respective divisions. Washington Court House (245.5) won the team title, while Sheridan (230) and Athens (208) rounded out the top-three team spots.

Brandon Taylor was the lone GAHS grappler to come away with an individual title after winning the 170-pound weight class, while Mark Allen (160) and Zack Tackett (182) both placed third in their divisions.

Briggs Shoemaker (195) and John Byus (220) both finished fourth in their respective weight classes, while Aaron Guisinger (285) and Cole Tawney (120) added placements of fifth and seventh in their divisions.

The Marauders totaled 133 points at the 23-team Jimmy Wood Invitational and also had four grapplers finish in the top-six of each weight class. St. Paris Graham won the team title with 423.5 points, while St. Edward (228) and New Lexington (212) rounded out the top-three team spots.

Chris Lester had the best individual effort for MHS, placing second overall in the 132-pound division. Nick Hudson (160), Daylen Neece (195) and Blake Crow (220) all finished fourth in their respective weight classes as well. RVHS, which finished last with 12 team points, did not have a grappler place in the top-six of any division.

The White Falcons scored 42 points at the Bob Zide Rumble and had two grapplers finish in the top-four spots of their respective divisions at the 19-team event. Independence won the team crown with 185 points, while Wirt County (183) and East Fairmont (144.5) rounded out the top-three team spots.

Kane Roush was the lone WHS wrestler to win an individual title after clinching the 152-pound weight class championship. Josh Haddox also placed third for Wahama in the 182-pound division.

Complete results of the Jimmy Wood Invitational and the Miami Trace McDonald’s Invitational are available on the web at baumspage.com

Complete results of the Bob Zide Rumble are available on the web at wvmat.com