WESTON -- Grafton had five champions and four runners-up to slip past Lewis County at the Big 10 Conference Wrestling Meet Saturday at Lewis County High School.
In addition to claiming the team title, the Bearcats' Rod Auvil claimed coach of the year honors and 140-pound senior Chris Leach wrestler of the year honors.
Lewis County had five champions and two runner-ups for its second place finish, while Robert C. Byrd had three champions and a pair of runner-ups to finish third.
"I think our balance was the key," Auvil said. "The kids have put in a lot of hard work, and it paid off today."
In addition to Leach, other winners for the Bearcats were Bobby Rawls (103 pounds), Corey Auvil (119 pounds), Adam Leach (135 pounds) and Trampas Efaw (160 pounds).
Lewis County champions included Josh Glass (145 pounds), Darren Post (152 pounds), Scott Bennett (185 pounds), A.J. Freda (215 pounds) and Fred Persinger (heavyweight).
Robert C. Byrd winners included Michael Madia (125 pounds), Jeff Mayer (130 pounds) and Marshall Zinn (171 pounds).
Zinn's victory was somewhat of a surprise, considering he hasn't wrestled much this season.
"It was a little surprising, but then again maybe not," said RCB coach Steve Daniels. "I know he has the ability, but I wasn't sure he was in wrestling shape yet.
"We had some kids who did real well and then a few who didn't do as well as I expected. But overall, I'm pleased with our effort."
Philip Barbour's Adam Weaver was the other winner, grabbing the 112-pound title.
Liberty placed fourth in the competition, thanks to runner up finishes by Chris Matheny (119 pounds), Dustin Mutschelkaus (125 pounds), Matt Gibbs (130 pounds) and Dennis Quinn (185 pounds).
Philip Barbour finished fifth behind Weaver and runner up finishes by Iaaac Tingh (145 pounds) and Frank Krizner (160 pounds).
Grafton's second place finishers included Isaac Bland (152 pounds), Eric Drain (171 pounds), Mike Keener (215 pounds) and Ken Hollenback (heavyweight).
Lewis County's Bobby Brown (135 pounds) and Matt Lamb (140 pounds) were also runners up.
South Harrison, without 160-pound Drew Toth, finished sixth. Toth did not compete because of an injured ankle incurred during a pickup basketball game.
Sports writer Greg Talkington can be reached at 626-1444 or by e-mail at gtalkington@exponent-telegram.com.
