University's Max Fortier captures 172 title at Powerade Wrestling Tournament

Jan. 1—MORGANTOWN — University High wrestler Max Fortier is generating some massive momentum at a crucial time of the season on the mat.

After splitting his four matches at the Ironman Tournament a few weeks ago, the 172-pounder, seeded sixth in the bracket, swept his matches at the Powerade Tournament all the way to winning the title at 172 pounds.

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Fortier defeated top-seeded Gage Wentzel of Montoursville (Pa.) by a decision of 4-1 in the finals to capture the title.

"I had a pretty tough few weeks coming into the Powerade Tournament, but I was fairly confident in myself entering the week, " Fortier said. "Every match I went into I just had the mindset that I was better than the guy across from me and found a way to win."

One thing Max credits for his ability to finish the tournament strong is the way he builds momentum as he stacks wins.

"That's something my dad talks about all the time ; I'll wrestle a decent match for my first, but every match after that I seem to get better and better, " he said. "Not only does my confidence grow each match, but I think I wrestle more loosely the more matches I wrestle."

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Fortier only saw one opponent he was familiar with during the Powerade, who happened to be his semifinal opponent, whom he had wrestled a month prior, and he won that match as well.

As mentioned, Fortier hadn't had the ideal start he wanted to the beginning of the season and in the Ironman, but has turned the tide in his favor recently.

Surprisingly, his wrestling ability wasn't the first thing he mentioned as what helped him change his fortune.

"I've always had the ability as far as wrestling, I think for me it's been more mental, " Fortier said. "Believing that I could win and having that mindset that nothing can stop me has been an enormous boost for me. It goes a long way in wrestling. I would say wrestling is 40 % mental when it comes down to it. You have to be strong and physical, but being mentally stable is a true talent as well."

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With some newly-gained momentum behind him, Fortier says the goals he has both individually and as a part of the UHS team are there for the taking.

"As a team, we want to win every single duel we have and honestly, every tournament we compete at too, " he said. "Personally, the Powerade was a goal for me coming into the season and it felt good to check that box. I hope to continue competing in the OVAC, regional, and state championships as well."