After making his second trip to the state wrestling tournament and coming within striking distance of a state title, Bo Hertenstein will move up to the next level next season.
The St. Marys senior committed to NCAA Division II Wheeling University on Wednesday, joining a program on the road back after being shut down for the 2019-20 season for one season.
"A big reason is I would have no (college) debt," said Hertenstein, who will look to major in business. "One of the most important reasons (for choosing Wheeling) was my mom approved of the school."
The Cardinals, members of the Mountain East Conference are looking to improve after restarting the program after taking a season off. Wheeling, formerly known as Wheeling Jesuit, won its first dual match since 2022 earlier this week.
"I love the coaches. I'm ready to bring back the program when I get there," said Hertenstein. "I think I can do well."
Hertenstein is a two-time state qualifier. After winning the Western Buckeye League 144-pound title in 2023, Hertenstein won his opening match at state before dropping two straight to finish 23-12.
Last season, Hertenstein finished second at 159 pounds at WBL, then dropped back to 152 for the postseason, reaching state again and advancing to the state title match in Division II, where he lost 13-9 to Steubenville's Brody Saccoccia in the championship match to finish the season 40-4.
"If I wasn't at home, I was at a wrestling tournament or practice," said Hertenstein. "When I was at home, I was lifting. I went to some tough tournaments. I went to tournaments to prepare to wrestle better competition. Now, my focus is to keep honing what I need to hone in on and wait until the season starts to show everybody that I can get a state title."