ST. CLAIRSVILLE — It’s certainly nice to have options.

As it pertained to his collegiate future, St. Clairsville’s Reese Skaggs had plenty.

Actually, Skaggs’ options weren’t just which school. One of the first choices he had to make was which sport.

In the end, Skaggs decided that football — and not wrestling — would be the path for him.

“I definitely considered wrestling, but after (the 2020) season, I just really felt like I wanted to play football for four more years,” Skaggs said.

With that part of the equation determined, Skaggs made Concord University in Athens, W.Va. the answer as to where he would play when he formally signed his National Letter of Intent earlier this month.

“It definitely feels good to have a school picked out and have the pressure (of the decision) off and I can enjoy the rest of my senior year,” Skaggs said.

Concord, which is a Division II school and member of the Mountain East Conference, is upwards of a four-hour drive from St. Clairsville and the Ohio Valley. That actually played in the school’s favor in its recruitment of Skaggs.

“It’s far enough away where I can get out on my own a little bit, but it’s close enough to home, too,” Skaggs said.

Skaggs, who put forth a brilliant senior season for the Red Devils en route to earning First-Team All-Ohio acclaim, simply felt like he “belonged” during his visits to Concord.

“It felt like a family,” Skaggs said.

Concord recruited Skaggs as a defensive end, which is where he played for the Red Devils.

Skaggs was more than impressive in helping the Red Devils to the OVAC Class 4A championship as well as an appearance in the Division IV, Region 15 championship game. He was charted for 60 tackles and an astounding 10 sacks. He also had seven quarterback hurries, while forcing and recovering a fumble.

“I have no regrets on my high school career,” Skaggs said. “I am grateful that we were able to have the season we did in terms of playing 10 games, playing in the regional final and winning the OVAC. I wouldn’t take any of it back. I loved it all.”

Skaggs’ impressive season didn’t go unnoticed. On top of being named to the All-Ohio squad, he was also awarded the Division IV Defensive Player of the Year in the Eastern District. He was All-OVAC and All-Buckeye 8.

In wrestling, Skaggs won the OVAC title in 2020 and qualified for the state tournament before it was called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He’s enjoying another strong campaign on the mat and the postseason begins later this month.

Once the wrestling season is completed, Skaggs plans to immediately get into the weight room and begin his preparations for the transition to NCAA Division II football.

“I have to put more size on,” Skaggs said. “I want to get to 230 (pounds).”

On top of the weight training, Skaggs is also going to tinker with long snapping because the Mountain Lions coaching staff has told him he is likely to get a look at that spot, too.

“I have no experience in that, but I am definitely willing to learn and try it,” Skaggs admitted.

Skaggs’ talents go beyond athletics. He’s a member of the Sweet Harmony where he plays guitar. He’s also had roles in the school musical.

Reese, who plans to major in business with hopes to go into marketing and finance, is the son of Dr. Walt and Denise Skaggs.