By Mike London
mike.london@salisburypost.com

MOUNT ULLA —  West Rowan senior Kevin O’Brien wrapped his career with a 3A state championship at 138 pounds, a 45-0 season and a monumental career record of 182-16.

O’Brien was on the podium at state tournaments four straight seasons, as he was state runner-up at 138 last season, third at 132 in 2023 and sixth at 120 pounds in 2022.

O’Brien’s legacy as one of Rowan’s all-time greats is secure as he topped the county record for victories set by East’s Danny Misenheimer back in 2000. Wrestling for legendary coach Barry Justus, Misenheimer was 173-13.

In one of those life-is-a-circle moments, Misenheimer put in long hours helping coach the dedicated kid who broke his long-standing record.

“Kevin was special because he was a grinder,” said West head coach John Brown, who won a state title wrestling for Justus in 1992. “Kevin put in the work in the wrestling room and he put in the work in the off-season. He dedicated his time to the sport. He dedicated his life to the sport. He is the hardest worker I ever have coached.”

O’Brien ripped through the field at this year’s state tournament until the got to the final. That was a scrap with Dudley’s Shawn Bass, who entered the match with a 50-1 record. O’Brown won a dramatic 9-8 decision to finish his high school career on top.

O’Brien has signed with Lander University.

O’Brien led West Rowan to a 10th-place finish in the team scoring at the state tournament.

West’s Stetson Collins (132) and Dakota Athey placed sixth.

The Falcons, 3A Midwest Regional champs, had eight state qualifiers — with Bryson Wilhelm (113), Drew Taylor (144), Hunter Ingram (175), Robert Coleman (190) and Bryson Ellis (285) also making it to Greensboro.

Rowan County had 16 qualifiers for state tournaments

The Post’s coaches of the year: John Brown, West and Tre Jackson, South

The Post’s wrestlers of the year: West’s Kevin O’Brien (45-0) and South’s Mateo Diaz (44-0)

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Rowan wrestling coaches will name the official Rowan County Wrestler of the Year. He’ll be presented with the Dutch Meyer Award.