Barnesville’s 57th Doan Ford Wrestling Invitational Set
Press Release
By Clint Abbott
One of the longest-running and most respected wrestling events in the region returns this month as Barnesville High School hosts the 57 Annual Doan Ford–Barnesville Wrestling Invitational on Dec. 19–20. Founded in 1968, the tournament stands as one of the Tri-State area’s original wrestling invitationals and continues to draw top-tier competitors and powerhouse programs from across Ohio.
This year’s field includes 22 teams, bringing with them several of the state’s highest-ranked wrestlers. With deep brackets and multiple state contenders, fans can expect two days of high-intensity wrestling inside the Barnesville High School Gymnasium.
Top Wrestlers to Watch
The tournament features standout athletes across all three divisions, including:
- Jarreau Walker (Streetsboro) — Division II No.1 at 113 lbs, the highest-ranked wrestler entering the tournament.
- Hines Ford (Barnesville) — Division III No. 2 at 175 lbs, headlining the host team’s roster.
- Logan McClellan (Tri Valley) — Division II No. 3 at 215 lbs.
- Knox McKibben (Harrison Central) — Division III No. 3 at 215 lbs.
- Kaden Lawson (Tuslaw) — Division III No. 4 at 132 lbs.
- Peter Graham (Teays Valley) — Division I No. 5 at 190 lbs.
Several weight classes are especially deep this season, with some rankings extending into the Top 35, an indication of both parity and talent at this year’s event.
Tuslaw High School also enters with strong momentum, projected 10th overall in the Division III team rankings.
Host Team Spotlight: Barnesville Shamrocks
The Shamrocks bring a competitive lineup, including multiple ranked wrestlers such as:
- Easton Stephen (106 lbs, D3) – No. 12
- Hoyt Hartshorn (113 lbs, D3) – No. 13
- Jaxson Aberegg (120 lbs, D3) – No. 13
- Bentley Stephen (126 lbs, D3) – No. 11
- Colt Carpenter (144 lbs, D3) – No. 7
- Brayden Trigg (150 lbs D3) – No. 20
- Hines Ford (175 lbs, D3) – No. 2
- Christien Hannahs (215 lbs, D3) – No. 17
With several wrestlers poised for deep bracket runs, Barnesville expects to make a strong showing on its home mat.
Event Schedule
Friday, Dec. 19
- Weigh-Ins: 2:30 PM
- Wrestling Begins: 4:30 PM
- Action continues through multiple championship and consolation rounds until approximately 8:30 PM.
Saturday, Dec. 20
- Weigh-Ins (if needed): 7:45–8:15 AM
- Quarterfinals: 9:00 AM
- Semifinals: 11:30 AM
- Consolation Rounds: 10:30 AM–2:45 PM
- Finals (1st–6th place): 4:30–7:00 PM
The event follows a true double-elimination format, guaranteeing every wrestler at least two matches.
Awards & Sponsorship
Trophies, sponsored by Doan Ford, will be presented to the top two teams, with plaques awarded to the top six individuals in each weight class. Additional honors include Most Outstanding Wrestler and Most Pins in Least Time.
Tickets
Tickets are available online through the Barnesville Schools ticketing page.
- Adults: $7 per session
- Students: $5 per session
- Saturday All-Sessions Pass: Adults $12, Students $10
Fan Information
Concessions will be available throughout the event, courtesy of Barnesville wrestling parents.
Tournament Contact: Tournament Director: Clint Abbott by email at clinton.abbott@bevsd.org
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Clint Abbott is a member of the Barnesville School District administrative team, volunteer wrestling coach and the Doan Ford Invitational
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