缅北禁地

May 5, 2026 By Jonathan Guth 5 min read

John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is played following every home victory at West Virginia University.

The country folk song that was penned in 1971 is a symbol of the Mountain State and an official state anthem.

The tune’s title has been condensed to “Country Roads,” and the song brings unity to everyone in attendance, regardless of the venue.

Denver’s anthem will always be played in Morgantown, but country music star Charles Wesley Godwin, who attended WVU, released a song entitled, “Cue Country Roads,” which represents Denver’s hit, has been added to the playlist for all athletes at West Virginia.

Connellsville junior wrestler Tommy Gretz is still a year-and-a-half from competing in Morgantown and hearing both songs, which gives him plenty of time to learn the lyrics like the back of his hand.

Gretz announced his decision on Instagram with a post on April 27.

The statement read: “I am excited to announce my commitment to the University of West Virginia to further my academic and athletic career. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the continuous support from my family, friends, and coaching staff. Go Mountaineers!!!”

Gretz’s accomplishments are already worthy of competing at the next level, as he is a two-time state medalist in Class 3A following a sixth-place showing at 107 pounds as a sophomore and a runner-up finish this past March at 121, but he still has one box to check off for his high school career. Gretz has a career record of 105-32.

“It was great to wrestle in the state finals, especially after beating DuBois’ Mateo Gallegos in the semifinals, but I want to stand on the top of the podium next year in Hershey,” Gretz said. “It was really nice to get the better of him (Gallegos) because I think the last time I beat him was in middle school.”

Gretz has been training in Morgantown, and after visiting the campus on an unofficial visit last summer, he took an official trip several weeks before he made his decision.

He will also be reunited with another Connellsville grappler in Lonzy Vielma. The hometown feel of the program was another point of interest for Gretz.

“The biggest thing for me was that I wanted to stay close to home,” Gretz said. “I am familiar with the place. I really didn’t want to go somewhere brand new.

“I have been going to their practices on Sundays, and I have gotten to know the guys and coaches, and I am friends with all of them. I have felt a good vibe every time I went down there for training, which helped out a lot. It is also nice to have Lonzy (Vielma) there and some other guys that I have been teammates with in club wrestling.”

Gretz believes he will wrestle at 125 or 133 in college, but his doctor recently informed him that he is still growing.

Gretz stated the campus and area is suited for him. He has thought of studying education, but isn’t 100% on what he will select as a major. Gretz is pleased to have made his decision, and now he can focus on improving his wrestling and enjoying his senior year.

“It is a relief knowing that the decision has been made,” Gretz said. “It has been a goal of mine for a while to wrestle at the next level. I didn’t say too much about competing at West Virginia, but it was always there.

“I know that I have to get better at pretty much everything that comes with wrestling. I need to focus on hand fighting, top, bottom and neutral wrestling, and I also need to get stronger because that is something I’ve noticed when I wrestle with college guys. They are all really strong.

“Not sure if that’s because they are bigger than me, or just used to it, but that is something that stands out. All in all, I just need to get better.”

Gretz will train throughout the summer, but his focus will be on folkstyle. He had intentions to compete in freestyle, but shifted to training to get ready for his final high school season.

The Falcons will welcome back four state qualifiers in Gretz, Luke Lilley, Nolan Rice, Daniel Smith and Kai Vielma.

Vielma, who won his first state title at 145, is a Stanford commit, and Rice committed to Fairmont State this past Friday. Lilley and Smith will be juniors next season, Rice and Vielma are returning seniors.

“We have a solid team coming back,” Gretz said. “We don’t really have an offseason at Connellsville. You just have to train throughout the year if you want to be the best because there are so many other guys doing it. The state of Pennsylvania is too tough to succeed if you don’t put in the extra work.”