Lucas, Landen Thomas All-T L wrestling champs

By Ed Banks

Harrison News-Herald Staff Writer

CADIZ - The Ohio Valley is gifted with athletes in every sport. Whether it be in boys or girls’ competition, the best gradually rise to the top. That was evident during the 2023 wrestling’s regular season. When it became State qualifying time, only 15 of the valley’s best wrestlers were left standing and waiting for that next chapter. On the local front, for their hard work on the mats, they were honored by being named to the 2023 All - Times Leader’s Wrestling Team.

Of the five schools entering wrestlers in the State Competition, three

School

had multiple wrestlers crack the 2023 T-L lineup. Barnesville had seven wrestlers selected, Harrison Central had two, and Martins Ferry had three. Also, both River and Union Local were represented by a qualifying wrestler. For Harrison Central, the two grapplers making the squad were not only school teammates but carried a more personal relationship between them. Lucas and Landen Thomas are longtime wresting buddies and brothers. Their talent and experience in the sport have made them well known throughout Buckeye 8, the OVAC, District, Regionally, and the State level.

Lucas, now a junior at Harrison Central, put up an outstanding campaign this season. He finished with a personal record of 48 and 4. That record includes his State performance that netted him a Division III runner-up at 215 lbs. His grappling resume includes a personal career record of 117 and 9. He was the Sectional and District Champion, and also captured the Buckeye 8 title. Not only was he an OVAC second-place finisher, he wrestled his way through the competition at the West Jefferson

Invitational as the top grappler in his class. He was also second at both Garaway and the Wayne Invitational.

“Lucas has the passion and desire to succeed,” said Harrison Central Head Wrestling Coach Bill Bryant. “He is one of the most committed wrestlers in our program over the last 20 years. He deserves everything he’s earned. He came so close to reaching his goal this season, and I believe next year he will get it done.”

Landen, a sophomore at Harrison Central, just as his brother, wrestled to new heights in 2023. His record over the year turned in an almost identical win percentage as his big brother, chronologically, that is. His lifetime personal record reflects 73 wins and 10 losses. The season saw him earn fifth place in the State Tournament’s Division III at a weight of 285 lbs. His resume contains both a Sectional Title and a runner up in the District. He also became sixth in the OVAC. He, like his brother, won at West Jefferson.

“Landen is such a pleasure to coach because he leaves it all on the mat,” said Bryant. “He’s very athletic for a big guy, even though he is an undersized heavyweight. He’s strong though, which I think helps him with the bigger opponents.”