The New Martinsville Middle School wrestling team will take to the mat this season looking to improve on their 11th place team finish in the giant Mason Dixon Conference Championships in January.

Beginning his third season on the Blue Eagle mat is team leader Paden McConaughey who will attempt to improve on his fourth place finish from last season. Returning for a second season is seventh grader Riley Nice, who also sported a fourth place showing in the conference meet. Another returning seventh grader, Caleb Nice, earned a sixth place medal in the tournament last season.

The Eagles return a bit of experience at several weight classes, a rarity through the seven years the NMS wrestling program has been in place. Eighth grader Doug Riter has the capability to accomplish a lot at the 90 pound class after gaining valuable varsity experience throughout the 2010-2011 season. Also returning for another season are eighth graders J.T. Stillwagoner and Joseph Layman who intend to make their own marks in the record books.

Newcomers for the 2011-12 season show a lot of promise. The smallest of the bunch is 78-pounder Jack Booth, who has shown his abilities in the practice room and is learning fast.

Clay Adams and Michael Smith begin their first season trying to earn a starting spot, as do Bennie Hall, Henry Parra, Kaleb Simpkins, River Riggenbach, and Brennan Petin.

The Blue Eagles will open with a scrimmage at North Marion High School on Nov. 26, then will start their season at the Beallsville Invitational Dec. 3.

A home triangular match will be held Dec. 6 while hosting teams from Clay Battelle and Tyler Consolidated.

The New Martinsville Middle School Blue Eagle Wrestling Team is self-supporting and receives no monetary help from the school or from Wetzel County Schools.

A Longaberger Basket Bingo will be held on Dec. 11 in St. Vincent de Paul’s Klug Hall from 1-4 p.m.

Proceeds will help defray costs for officials, safety equipment, and tournament entries.