COLUMN: Having slightly enjoyable | Information, Sports activities, Jobs

That Fred Persinger man is sort of the cat.

I used to be listening to the WVMetroNews radio broadcast Wednesday night with Fred on the decision and Dave Wilson supplying the colour.

Everything has been a whole whirlwind the final couple weeks with the state wrestling match and now preparing for our spring tab particular part, not to mention the actual fact it’s March Madness time.

Anyway, towards the tip of one of many video games Wilson talked about it was the fiftieth women state hoops match and that he knew of somebody who had been to all of them.

Persinger responded by reminding listeners, or maybe informing them for the primary time, that again within the days of yesteryear women basketball was performed within the fall somewhat than the winter.

The better part was when Fred added “and I used to do them all by myself” and the way he was glad to have some assist. Wilson quipped one thing like “I don’t know how much help I am,” and Persinger was like “any help is better than no help.”

The Parkersburg Big Red wrestling program simply wanted slightly bit extra assist final weekend and the trophy case would’ve added one other championship as a substitute of the Division I runner-up {hardware}.

Big Red junior Dominic Way cashed in on his second state crown, however like the remainder of his teammates they needed the massive prize.

It’s not like there will probably be a scarcity of motivation going into the 2026-27 marketing campaign for head coach Matt Littleton’s troops, however Way was disheartened with the ultimate general outcome.

“It felt great. You know that was my goal coming through this,” Way mentioned. “Pin the primary three children. Same purpose for the fourth it doesn’t matter what the stage is. No matter how many individuals are watching. Same factor. I belief my coaching. I do know I’m higher. I do know I’m the most effective so I simply go on the market and execute. Like I mentioned earlier than. You have a look at it I pinned my approach by way of the bracket, however I really feel like I may’ve completed extra for my workforce.

“I feel a little disappointed. Our 113-pounder Austin Carrodus, I feel like, you know, I could’ve been there for him a little more. I feel like we could’ve gotten through that. Same thing with Colston Skeen. You know I love that man. I love both of them. I love my whole team. It really breaks me to see them go out like that and know that I could’ve done more.”

On the opposite aspect of the spectrum, nobody was extra elated to see Parkersburg South senior Justice Anthony seize her fourth profession state crown than father and coach Dustin.

The elder Anthony didn’t mince phrases when requested concerning the challenges of the father-daughter-coach relationship

“It’s very, very hard,” admitted the coach. “Anybody that’s ever coached considered one of their children has discovered that it’s actually, actually exhausting to be the individual that must push them previous their breaking level, but additionally be the individual that consoles them on the opposite aspect. It’s been very tough. Been very lucky with Justice in that facet.

“I have other kids that play sports that have not been as successful in that aspect, but with her I’ve been very fortunate that I’ve been able to take that hat off and be the supportive dad, and also be the motivator and the pusher and the coach that really gets her to see her goals and gets her to her goals.”

Coach Anthony added “the future is very bright for South wrestling. Girls and boys. We got a great incoming freshmen class for the boys as well next year. Can’t count us out ever. We’ll always be in the mix.”

As for Way, he’s making an attempt to take issues in stride the most effective he can.

“I just want to savor it,” burdened the Big Red. “Some days you want it to go a little faster, but in the long run, yeah, definitely slow it down a little bit. Have fun.”

Contact Jay Bennett at [email protected]