WHEELING - With the fall sports season finished for most schools, Ohio Valley Athletic Conference wrestling officials wasted little time in starting prepartions for the winter.

Conference officials and coaches gathered for their annual preseason press conference Monday night at WesBanco Arena, with the main topics being health and college recruiting.

''This sets the tone for the season,'' said Dan Doyle, director of the OVAC wrestling tournament and president of the conference.

''I, for one, always believe if nobody has any questions, you're good to go.''

The first matches of the 2009-10 season don't begin for another month. But one of the goals of the get-together is to make sure that, when the season does start, there are no lingering issues requiring attention.

Many topics were discussed during the meeting. But prior to the formal sit down, coaches and league officials took part in two workshops.

''We started that several years ago,'' Doyle said. ''We meet with (coach) representatives in the spring and they basically share with us what they would like us to bring to them.

''(Monday) they wanted to get information on health concerns and college recruiting.''

With the H1N1 virus dominating the news, as well as MRSA, coaches felt it was important to gain input on the issues.

''My understanding is that it spreads through bodily fluids,'' Doyle said. ''Wrestling is a contact sport and it can be passed on.

''We feel if we can give the coaches things they can do to help athletes from getting (viruses) or from passing them on, it makes for a better situation.''

West Liberty and former Ohio Valley prep wrestling coach Brian Davis spoke to coaches about college recruiting.

The 57th season of OVAC wrestling action begins with a full slate of dual matches and tournaments the weekend of Dec. 3-5.

The annual OVAC Wrestling Championships are slated for Jan. 21-23 at WesBanco Arena.

Harrison Central was the overall and Class AAA champion last season. Huskies coach Todd Dunlap was recognized Monday night as the Class AAA Coach of the Year as voted on by his peers.

Other winners recognized with plaques also led their teams to crowns at last season's OVAC tournament - Wheeling Park's Sean Doyle (Class AAAA), Caldwell's Dustin Robeson (Class AA) and Cameron's Ron Trowbridge (Class A).

Toronto is returning to the OVAC ranks this season and West Virginia powerhouse Parkersburg South will be competing for the first time this winter. The coaches of the Red Knights and Patriots - John Parker and Paul Jackson - were recognized.