Top-ranked University wrestling set for 2026 WV Dual Team State Championship

UHS wrestling team enters the weekend as the No. 1-ranked team in the state with 12 wrestlers ranked in the top 10 of their respective weight classes.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 9:31am

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The University High School (UHS) wrestling team is set to compete in the 2026 West Virginia Dual Team State Championship this weekend at the WV State Fairgrounds. UHS enters the tournament as the top-ranked team in the state and is coming off a team title win at the annual WSAZ Invitational last week.

Why it matters

UHS has a strong wrestling program with a history of success, having won more state team titles than any other program in West Virginia. The Dual Team State Championship is a highly anticipated event that showcases the top high school wrestling talent in the state.

The details

UHS head coach Ken Maisel believes his team has the depth and talent to win the championship, with 12 wrestlers ranked in the top 10 of their respective weight classes. The team will face a tough challenge in the opening round against Parkersburg South, a perennial power in West Virginia high school wrestling.

  • The 2026 West Virginia Dual Team State Championship is set for February 6-7, 2026.
  • UHS captured the team title at the annual WSAZ Invitational last week.

The players

University High School (UHS)

A high school wrestling program in West Virginia that has won more state team titles than any other program in the state.

Ken Maisel

The head coach of the UHS wrestling team, who believes his team has the depth and talent to win the 2026 West Virginia Dual Team State Championship.

Parkersburg South

A perennial power in West Virginia high school wrestling, and the first-round opponent for UHS in the 2026 West Virginia Dual Team State Championship.

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What they’re saying

“I think our room and all the wrestlers that are available at any time give us what we need for the meet. Everywhere you turn, there is someone tough to wrestle with, and I think we have more depth top to bottom than these other teams.”

— Ken Maisel, UHS Head Coach

“Duals can be tricky, and everyone is gunning for u,s so we have to be ready and take it as a challenge. We did not like the feeling of leaving state duals last year with the 2nd place trophy. We've got to be ready right away, as we have No. 3 right out of the gate.”

— Ken Maisel, UHS Head Coach

“They are a perennial power and have won more team state titles than anyone. They expect to win no matter what because there is an S on their singlet. We have to do the same and expect to win because there is a U on ours.”

— Ken Maisel, UHS Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of the UHS vs. Parkersburg South matchup will advance to the semifinals of the 2026 West Virginia Dual Team State Championship.

The takeaway

The 2026 West Virginia Dual Team State Championship promises to be an exciting event, with the top-ranked UHS wrestling team looking to defend its reputation as one of the most dominant programs in the state and capture another state title.