Dec 14, 2024
Peyton Hall
NEW MANCHESTER — It will be a homecoming for one of the Ohio Valley’s top high school wrestlers this weekend.
Oak Glen has been an OVAC and West Virginia power in wrestling for quite some time. Many standout grapplers have come through the Golden Bears program, but none have gone on to have outstanding college careers like Peyton Hall.
The four-time Mountain State champion took his talents to West Virginia University and hasn’t slowed down a bit. The 165-pound fifth-year senior is currently ranked No. 4 in the nation and won the prestigious Cliff Keen Invitational last weekend in Las Vegas.
Sunday, the Mountaineers and Oak Glen will team up for a tribute to Hall, a team captain this season. West Virginia will open its Big 12 schedule by hosting California Baptist inside the Bears Den at Oak Glen. The first match is set for 4 p.m. Doors will open at 2:30.
“We just wanted to give Peyton one last opportunity to wrestle in the gymnasium,” Oak Glen head wrestling coach Josh Cornell said. “It’s going to be super exciting.”
Oak Glen Principal Frank Crain, a former standout matman for the Golden Bears, has worked with WVU to make this happen.
“Having the opportunity to host a Division I wrestling match from the Big 12 with Peyton wrestling in our gym one last time means a lot to the community. Oak Glen has had a long and rich wrestling history from its inception,” Crain said.
“There will be many fans from all decades there to be part of a celebration for Peyton. WVU has been fantastic in making this a possibility,” Crain stressed. “Peyton is more than just a great wrestler and Oak Glen alumnus, he is a great person who represents our community at its finest.
“(Hancock County Schools Superintendent Dan) Enich and (Assistant Superintendent Dave) Smith both were eager to see the event come to fruition. Unfortunately, we will not be able to sell tickets at the door due to limited capacity, but we do anticipate an excited atmosphere.”
Hall is currently 8-0 this season and 108-24 for his career. The Chester native is a three-time NCAA Tournament qualifier and two-time placer. He was seventh last year and also placed fourth in the Big 12 Tournament.
He won state titles at 120, 132, 138 and 152 in high school, and was voted the Class A/AA Most Outstanding Wrestler twice.
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