The West Virginia Dual Team State Championship, now in its seventh year, promises two full days of high-stakes wrestling, hometown pride, and unforgettable memories for athletes and fans alike. Endorsed by the WVSSAC and sponsored by the West Virginia Wrestling Coaches Association, this premier event brings together the top 16 teams from across the state, including eight in Division 1 and eight in Division 2, for a weekend of intense competition, camaraderie, and celebration of the sport.
Creating Unforgettable Moments
Event Coordinator Brian Miluk says the championships are about more than just wins and losses. “You can’t have great memories without great moments,” he notes, underscoring the festival-like atmosphere he creates each year. From the Parade of Champions and Senior Salute to the Breakfast for Champions with a guest speaker, Miluk aims to give every wrestler, coach, and family member experiences they’ll remember long after the final whistle.
In his words:
“We feed all 250 wrestlers, coaches, referees, and everything. We have a guest speaker, most of the time it’s a wrestling Hall of Fame member or a pretty big dignitary. Then we have trivia for the kids, prizes from sponsors, and a lot of cheering, they all get excited, and it’s good for the sport. And each year we add something a little different, like the senior salute and tokens for memories.”
Competition and Community
With over 300 wrestlers competing and more than 1,000 visitors expected to flood Greenbrier County, the championships have become a highlight of the winter sports season. Past participants include state champions, high school All-Americans, future college All-Americans, and Wrestling Hall of Fame coaches, all of whom contribute to a high-energy, competitive, and supportive atmosphere.
“It’s team against team, so it’s exciting. You root for the whole team. Long story short, it’s a pretty big to-do. There’s a lot of good things happening,” Miluk says. “We have state champions and high school All-Americans, and currently have over twenty wrestlers competing in college, many of them wrestling in NCAA Division I.”
College coaches often attend, scouting talent, while live broadcasts, highlight films, and social media coverage help share the excitement with wrestling fans near and far.
Event Logistics
The 2026 championships will be hosted at the West Virginia State Fairgrounds, with Division 2 matches on Friday, February 6, and Division 1 on Saturday, February 7. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., with matches starting at noon each day. When the doors open, fans are greeted by the parade of champions, team pictures, warm-ups, and the senior salute, while music plays as each team is introduced and the crowd cheers for their athletes. From the parade of champions to the National Anthem presented by the JROTC, every detail is designed to make the wrestlers’ experience memorable. Awards and recognitions will close out the day around 5 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at the door, and local lodging and restaurants are supporting the influx of fans.
“People travel from throughout the whole state to follow their teams. The hotels give a discounted rate. The communities have been great supporting us with sponsors. It’s working out pretty well,” Miluk says.
Highlighting Athletes and Coaches
From the mat to the classroom, these championships help student wrestlers build memories and opportunities, including scholarships at renowned colleges, reflecting the dedication and heart they bring to the sport.
Each year, the winning coaches receive the Archer Award, a crystal trophy honoring their leadership and commitment. Wrestlers are recognized with Most Outstanding Wrestler awards and special tokens to commemorate their participation, helping build lifelong memories.
“It’s about giving every wrestler, coach, and fan a moment they’ll remember. Whether it’s a hard-fought match, a shared victory, or cheering on the Parade of Champions, we deliver great moments that create great memories,” Miluk says.
Looking Ahead
Even as the championships have grown from eight teams in the inaugural year at The Greenbrier Resort to 16 teams today at the Fairgrounds, Miluk continues to add unique touches that elevate the event, including trivia, guest speakers, senior salutes, highlight films, and personal extras for coaches and athletes alike.
“We stress that you can’t have great memories without great moments. We’re giving these kids a moment to have lifetime memories,” he says.
From the roar of the crowd to the cheers of teammates after a big win, the West Virginia Dual Team State Championships are more than an athletic competition; they are a celebration of dedication, skill, and community.
Contact & More Information
For tickets, event updates, and more information about the West Virginia Dual Team State Wrestling Championships, fans can visit:
Twitter (X): @WVStateDuals
Instagram: WVStateDuals
Facebook: West Virginia Wrestling Dual Team State Championships
Website: WVMAT.com
Or contact Event Coordinator Brian Miluk directly:
Email: bmiluk2000@yahoo.com
Phone: 304-667-7296
