PARKERSBURG — Attending a Divison I program has been the goal for Parkersburg South wrestler Josh Humphreys from the day he stepped foot on the mat in middle school. The realization of what he was capable of stuck with him through three high schools and four state-championship winning seasons. As if he needed further proof he belonged with the big boys, Humphreys was named the 2018 Robert Dutton Award winner, given to the best high school wrestler in the Mountain State. Humphreys’ vision for himself came into full focus Tuesday as he signed on the dotted line as the newest member of the Lehigh University grappling team inside the Rod Oldham Athletic Center. “I want to be the best I can be,” said Humphreys after selecting the top division in college wrestling. “Wrestling has always been the biggest part of my life. It is what I do …. I wrestle.” While he is aware of the pressure at the D-I level, making adjustments is something he has had some practice at in the past. Humphreys attended Huntington High his freshman season, St. Albans his sophomore and junior years, and Parkersburg South his senior year. “It has been kind of obscure,” said Humphreys of his journey to his special moment. “But it has always been the best-case scenario… I had to adjust three times so one more time won’t be a big deal.” What was a big deal was the first impression Mountain Hawk grappling coach Pat Santoro had on Humphreys in the decision-making process. The Lehigh leader’s sell had to be spot on as his target received offers from 2018 National Champion Penn State and national runner-up Ohio State. Fourth-place North Carolina State along with Virginia were also in the cards after Humphreys visited both of them. Santoro ultimately succeeded with his presentation. “I was so impressed by the coaching staff and everything they told me,” said Humphreys. “They contacted me a little over a year ago and I knew from the start coach Santoro was a really great guy.” The only thing left was a visit to the campus. If Humphreys liked what he saw the deal was done. He enjoyed his visit and the rest fell into place. “He is 100 percent prepared for this moment,” said Parkersburg South wrestling head coach Shaun Smith. “If he stays on track with what he is doing, and I think he will, he is going to be an outstanding college wrestler. He has every ability to be an all-american and one day even be a national champion. That would be really awesome to see because he is such a great kid. “He’s been such an outstanding wrestler and represents the state so well. Watching him as a freshman to this moment and how he has been progressing each and every year has been awesome to see. You could see this kid was something special.” During his time at the Bethlehem, Penn.-based school Humphreys will study business. “My dad is self-employed and I want to go in that direction too,” he added.