WVU Wrestling Begins Season with Four Champions at Southeast Open

The WVU wrestling team made a powerful statement at the 2024 Southeast Open, capturing four individual titles in their season opener on Saturday.

West Virginia was led by fifth-year senior Peyton Hall (165 lbs) and sophomore All-American Ty Watters (149), who together achieved an undefeated 9-0 record and each securing a championship title. Watters tallied back-to-back pins in the initial rounds, followed by a decisive 5-2 victory over North Dakota State’s Gavin Drexler in the semifinals. He clinched the title with a 4-1 sudden victory against No. 7 Lachlan McNeil from North Carolina.

Hall overcame Virginia Tech’s Mac Church in a nail-biting 1-0 decision in the finals. The two-time All-American delivered consistent 8-1 wins over Roundtree Ness’ Dominic Bambinelli and North Carolina’s Nicholas Fea.

#3 Ty Watters of @WVUWrestling wins the scramble in sudden victory to defeat #7 Lachlan McNeil to persevere in this early season top-ten matchup in the Southeast Open finals! pic.twitter.com/6TEHnl4X6d

— FloWrestling (@FloWrestling) November 2, 2024

Redshirt sophomore Ian Bush (184) completed a flawless 4-0 run, including a significant win against No. 19 Gavin Kane of North Carolina and a dominant 12-0 major decision over North Dakota State’s Aidan Brenot to secure the Mountaineers’ third title.

Sasha Gavronsky (157) excelled in the freshman/sophomore division, claiming a 4-2 victory over Virginia Tech’s Matt Henrich to capture the championship.

In total, eight more Mountaineers placed in the top six of their respective weight classes, including senior Jett Strickenberger (125) and freshman Hoke Hogan (184 – freshman/sophomore division), who both finished runner-up, and a third place finish from redshirt junior Jace Schafer (125).

The WVU wrestling team opens the dual meet season against Glenville State at 7 p.m. Wednesday inside the WVU Coliseum.