Ben Logan’s Pool to wrestle for Dernlan at Ashland University

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As one of the most decorated wrestlers in Benjamin Logan High School history, Hunter Pool had not given much thought to continuing his career in college.

However, the Raider standout recently decided to wrestle at the Ashland University, an NCAA Division II program.

“I didn’t consider going to college until this past school year,” said Pool. “I didn’t prepare myself well in the college process. I thought about the military, but I started thinking I’d never wrestle again.”

Pool was also sought out and recruited by West Liberty-Salem product, and current head coach of the Eagles, Tim Dernlan.

“Of course, Tim was a big reason for me going there,” said Pool. “I have gone to his camps and know him pretty well. I really like his style. I also went up and visited the campus. They have a lot of new buildings there and it is just a really nice campus.”

Pool is one of the best talents to come out of the Raider wrestling program. He placed fifth at the state meet as a junior and finished third as a senior. Pool fell in overtime to both the eventual state champ and state runner-up in 2008.

Ben Logan head coach Tony Grant was excited for Pool to not only wrestle, but see him continue his academic career at the college level.

“I think it is great that wrestling has given him this opportunity,” said Grant. “Hunter wasn’t sure if he was going to go to school, but now he’s working hard and knows what he has to do to get there.

“Wrestling was his only opportunity. I don’t think he would have wanted to go if he didn’t have this opportunity. This shows what athletics can do for you academically.”

Grant and Dernlan have high expectations for Pool at the Division II level.

“We talked several times about Hunter and to Tim it wasn’t a question of whether Hunter would be an All-American, but how many times,” said Grant. “That says how much confidence he has in Hunter’s ability.”

“My goal is what everyone’s goal is,” said Pool. “That is to be an All-American and national champion. You just have to keep wrestling and really work at it.

“I just want to work hard in my classes and maybe go into early childhood education and become a teacher and coach. I really like helping kids and making them better.”

Pool and Grant are also excited about where the Eagles’ program is headed under the direction of Dernlan.

“I think that Ashland is a good fit for Hunter because Tim will be a great person to work under,” said Grant. “He knows what kind of kid Hunter is and what it’s like to come from a small town. I was really happy to see Tim get that job and then to be interested in Hunter makes it even better.”

“I think Ashland could grow into a great program,” said Pool. “They were nearly in the top 10 at nationals last season and Tim feels they can be in the top three or five next season.”

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