New Lexington wrestlers lament missed chances at state duals

Panthers finish fourth, but coach David Ratliff felt his team could have done better

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The New Lexington wrestling team produced its highest finish ever at the Division II state duals, placing fourth. However, coach David Ratliff felt his team missed opportunities to do even better, losing close matches against top programs like Columbus DeSales and Millersburg West Holmes. The Panthers' top wrestlers performed well, but Ratliff was frustrated by the performance of the supporting cast, which he felt let some winnable matches slip away.

Why it matters

New Lexington's fourth-place finish at the state duals represents the program's best-ever result at the event. While it's an impressive accomplishment, the team and coach Ratliff believe they left some wins on the table against elite competition, which could have resulted in an even higher finish. This provides valuable lessons and motivation as the Panthers look ahead to the individual postseason.

The details

After starting with a 38-33 win against Chesterland West Geauga, New Lexington lost 48-19 to perennial power Columbus DeSales. That dropped the Panthers into the third-place match against Millersburg West Holmes, where they fell 34-33 in a close defeat. New Lexington's top wrestlers, including Brody McNabb, Danny Waite, Tyson Spicer, Harrison Ratliff and Chase Shriner, combined to go 13-2. But coach Ratliff was frustrated by some missed opportunities from the supporting cast, such as a surprise loss by Bo Heavener at 190 pounds against West Holmes.

  • The state duals tournament took place on February 14, 2026.
  • New Lexington had previously defeated Columbus DeSales in a dual match earlier this season at home.

The players

New Lexington

A high school wrestling program that produced its highest finish ever at the Division II state duals tournament.

David Ratliff

The veteran head coach of the New Lexington wrestling team who was frustrated by his team's missed opportunities at the state duals.

Harrison Ratliff

A top wrestler for New Lexington, ranked fifth at 150 pounds, who said the pressure was on him in the final match against West Holmes.

Brody McNabb

New Lexington's 106-pound wrestler who was ranked second in the state but suffered a 19-2 technical fall loss to Columbus DeSales' Mark Mobley.

West Holmes

The Millersburg, Ohio high school wrestling program that defeated New Lexington 34-33 in the third-place match at the state duals.

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What they’re saying

“We didn't maximize and minimize when we needed to. We've got guys that should be winning matches. ... Overall, this is the highest-finishing place that we've had at the state duals, but we left a little on the table.”

— David Ratliff, Head Coach, New Lexington Wrestling (Zanesville Times Recorder)

“All of the pressure is on me. I give props to that kid, man. He fought his butt off. You don't see a kid like that who puts the pressure on himself and he's sitting there crying thinking it's all his fault, but it's not. Collectively, as a team, we didn't wrestle well.”

— Harrison Ratliff, Top Wrestler, New Lexington (Zanesville Times Recorder)

“It's about peaking at the right time. Our coaches know what they are doing. We are practicing hard. We're going to do what we have got to do. It's all about little details.”

— Harrison Ratliff, Top Wrestler, New Lexington (Zanesville Times Recorder)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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