Rick Orna was the first state champion in the history of Wheeling High School. Rick competed in the sport of boys’ gymnastics from 1965-1968. In 1965, Rick was the sophomore conference champion on the still rings. In 1967 he finished fourth at the varsity conference meet. Rick was the varsity conference champion on the still rings in 1968. At the I.H.S.A. state level, Rick finished third in the still rings in 1967. Rick became the first state champion from Wheeling High School in 1968 when he won the I.H.S.A. championship in the still rings. Rick’s individual efforts at the 1968 state meet helped Wheeling’s team finish fifth in the state. Also in 1968, Rick was named the Wheeling High School Athlete of the Year. Rick’s achievements helped set the groundwork for many future successes in Wheeling gymnastics.