The Magnolia Blue Eagles sent eight wrestlers to the OVAC tournament at WesBanco Arena last week, where they were much improved from last season.

They finished with 24.5 points for 28th place – nine places better than last season’s 36th.

Those competing were Devon Phillips, who went 2-2; Zach Stoneking, who went 1-2 losing the last match due to injury; Eric Estep, 2-2; Joey Ingold, 1-2; Stephen Heslop, who went 2-2; Cody Nelson, at 0-2; Seth Pay, 1-2; and Jason Long at 2-2.

*****

On Jan. 17, Magnolia finished second at the Beallsville Tournament. Placing first were Devon Phillips at 125 and Eric Estep at 135. Placing second for Magnolia were Stephen Heslop at 152 and Jason Long at 189. Zach Stoneking placed third at 135. Placing fourth were Seth Pay and Michael O’Neil at 171, and 215, respectively. There were 14 teams at the tournament, including Weir and River.

The Blue Eagles competed Jan. 10 at the Cameron Invitational, finishing fifth out of nine teams for 84 points. Seven out of nine wrestlers placed at the tournament, including second place winners Devon Phillips at 125, and Seth Pay at 171.

The following wrestlers placed third: Kyle Anderson at 130; Eric Estep at 135; Stephen Heslop, 152; Karim Mahrous, 171; and Jason Long at 189. The Eagles placed seven out of nine wrestlers at the tournament.

Magnolia wrestled at home against River Jan. 7 and lost by a substantial margin thanks to several forfeits. However, of the varsity matches that were actually wrestled, Magnolia went 3-3 and 1-0 in exhibition matches.

Gaining victories for the Blue Eagles were Devon Phillips at 125, Kyle Anderson at 130, Eric Estep at 135 and Zach Stoneking at 130 in exhibition.