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Mumford's Smith Caps Career as Detroit PSL's 1st Finals Champ
By
Paul Costanzo
Special for MHSAA.com
March 5, 2022
DETROIT – Ja'Marcus Smith felt an immense sense of pride Saturday after becoming the first wrestler from a Detroit Public School to win an Individual Wrestling Finals title.
But he doesn’t plan to be the last to do it.
“It means so much to me,” the Detroit Mumford senior said. “Everything I worked for my freshman year, my 10th-grade year, my 11th-grade year, it’s finally paying off. There’s going to be more than me. There’s going to be a whole ’nother generation.”
Smith defeated Lowell freshman Carter Cichocki (32-5) by pinfall in the 103-pound Division 2 final at Ford Field. Smith was leading 10-1 before getting the pin with two seconds remaining in the third period.
As the referee's hand slapped the mat, the crowd roared. Suddenly, a collection of wrestling fans from all parts of the state joined together in cheering the achievement.
Smith placed fifth at 112 pounds a year ago, and admitted that he felt some pressure to accomplish the feat for his school and city.
“Everybody was on my back about it,” Smith said with a laugh.
112
Champion: Jackson Blum, Lowell, Fr. (37-3)
Fall, 3:02 over Connor Greer, Bay City John Glenn, Fr. (40-1)
Blum was dominant before finishing off his freshman year with a pinfall victory.
“I don’t think I surprised myself,” Blum said. “Obviously, he’s a really good wrestler, undefeated this year and only a freshman. But, just the way that we’ve trained all year and our schedule, I’ve been the most prepared I’ve ever been for this match.”
Blum attacked early and often in the match, and had amassed enough points for the technical fall prior to getting the pin.
119
Champion: Nolan Wertanen, St. Joseph, Sr. (53-0)
Decision, 7-3, over Tee Ward, Fremont, Soph. (49-3)
It took a couple shots to the nose, and a wrap that covered most of his face to get it done, but Wertanen left Ford Field as a three-time champion.
“Going into this match, I knew I was going to have a tough match, as always. It’s the state finals,” Wertanen said. “I wanted to make a point that I’m dominant. Unfortunately, I’ve never wrestled not being able to breathe entirely, so that was tough. But I got the job done.”
Wertanen won at 112 pounds in 2021 and 103 in 2020.
“If you would have told me a long time ago when I would get in every MYWA tournament, when I would get pinned and I was hiding under the bleachers, that I would be a three-time state champion, I would have been stoked,” he said.
125
Champion: Owen Segorski, Lowell, Fr. (28-11)
Decision, 6-1, over Bryce Shingleton, Linden, Jr. (45-3)
Despite wrestling in his first Individual Finals and falling behind, Segorski was unfazed.
“I felt good the whole time,” Segorski said. “I was never scared. I knew he was going to back up and keep diving in, so I just wanted to keep going forward and stay in my stance.”
He trailed 1-0 heading into the third period, but an escape, takedown and nearfall secured the victory and an individual title to go along with Lowell’s team championship won last weekend.
130
Champion: Louden Stradling, Gaylord, Jr. (24-1)
Decision, 3-2 (2OT), over Ramsy Mutschler, Lowell, Sr. (31-6)
Stradling avenged a loss from the week before, and needed to hold on into the final seconds of the second ultimate tiebreaker period.
“Last week I wrestled Ramsy, and it was a really close one,” Stradling said. “I couldn’t open up on him because his defense is amazing. This week, I took it slow, I focused on how to get out on bottom from him, and me getting out on bottom changed the match.”
Mutschler scored an escape early in the first ultimate tiebreaker period, and entered the second with a 2-1 lead. Stradling scored a reversal midway through the second, and held on for his first title.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” Stradling said. “I plan on doing it again, but this year meant a lot to me.”
135
Champion: Aaron Lucio, Stevensville Lakeshore, Jr. (54-0)
Decision, 7-4, over James Link, Lowell, Sr. (38-6)
A year after finishing second in the Finals, Lucio broke through, finishing off an unbeaten season with his first title.
“It means a lot,” Lucio said. “I knew I put the work in. I knew I could get it done. I knew that my coaches told me to stay tough in close matches, and if that would happen, I would win.”
Lucio scored an early takedown in the match, and never trailed, but he used a three-point third period to give himself some space before Link scored an escape in the final minute.
“More points were on the board than I thought,” Lucio said. “But as I opened up and I got to feel him and he could feel me, I knew I could get to his legs a lot easier.”
140
Champion: Jacob Brya, St. Johns, Sr. (42-0)
Decision, 1-0, over Carsen Richards, Goodrich, Sr. (45-3)
After a positive COVID-19 test ended his junior season and a potential run at four individual titles, Brya came into his senior season with something to prove – after a nudge from his dad.
“I was sitting around for a while, then my dad started yelling at me,” Brya said. “Ever since then I’ve been doing two-a-days and lifting all the time. I just feel like I have more motivation than I’ve ever had.”
Brya won at 112 pounds in 2020 and 103 in 2019. He held a slim 1-0 advantage in Saturday’s final, but rode Richards out to get the victory.
It was the third time the two had wrestled this season, and while each match was close, Brya was able to win the battle while on top, giving him the confidence to do it again.
145
Champion: Zamuel Thompson, Stevensville Lakeshore, Sr. (51-3)
Decision, 8-6, over Timmy Simons, Gibraltar Carlson, Jr. (37-4)
Thompson joined his sister, Sydney, of Eaton Rapids in winning a Finals title (110 pounds), becoming the first brother-sister combination to win MHSAA wrestling titles in the same season.
“It’s amazing,” Zamuel Thompson said. “I didn’t even know she was going to do it until three or four weeks ago. That made my day.”
In his own match, Thompson needed a third-period takedown to hold off Simons.
“I knew I shouldn’t have let him take me down in the first place,” Thompson said. “I was wrestling sloppy. Just conditioning we’re doing, I knew that in the end I would get him, there was no doubt in my mind. It was just a matter of when.”
152
Champion: Micah Hanau, Stevensville Lakeshore, Sr. (52-2)
Decision, 3-2, over Julius Polk, Pontiac, Sr. (36-2)
Hanau felt he was too reckless his junior season, which didn’t allow him to repeat as an individual champion.
But he was well under control Saturday as he was able to wrap up a second title.
“I feel great,” Hanau said. “I wrestled the match I wanted to. Last year, I didn’t do how I wanted because of how (out-of-control) my wrestling style was. I took time to control that, and I feel like I won the match I planned on winning.”
Hanau was the champion at 130 pounds in 2020.
160
Champion: Jacob Gonzales, Holly, Sr. (49-0)
Decision, 7-3, over William Bradley, Paw Paw, Sr. (51-2)
Gonzales became a three-time individual champion with his victory. The Holly senior won at 152 pounds in 2021 and 2020.
“It’s everything I wanted,” Gonzales said. “I wanted four, I had to settle for three, but history isn’t easy.”
Gonzales was in control for most of the match, but Bradley was able to put a little scare into the Holly fans near the end. Gonzales was less scared.
“I knew he was a funky wrestler,” Gonzales said. “I knew I was going to have to be flexible and ready for everything he threw at me, and I was.”
171
Champion: Brayden Gatreau, Gaylord, Jr. (42-1)
Major decision, 10-2, over Derek Badgley, Mason, Soph. (49-3)
Gatreau turned up the heat in the third period, making what was a tight match a major decision.
“I felt great,” he said. “I worked towards my cardio all season. I knew that, no matter what, I’m working harder than anybody else. At the end of the day, it comes down to who wants it more, and I want it more than anyone else in this state. No matter what time, I’m going to close out the match and I’m going to win it.”
Gatreau scored six points in the third period, including a takedown and nearfall during the final 20 seconds.
189
Champion: Adam Haselius, Jackson Northwest, Jr. (45-1)
Decision, 7-2, over Kael Wisler, New Boston Huron, Sr. (54-2)
Haselius won the match on his feet, getting three takedowns to Wisler’s zero. And as the match was ending, he was still pushing for a pin, despite having it wrapped up.
“Can’t let up, that’s letting the other guy into the match,” Haselius said. “I have to keep grinding no matter what the score is. It’s the feeling of accomplishment.
“This right here is what you work for. It feels so good to finally complete that goal. To finally reach that high point. I just wrestled my match; it’s a great feeling.”
215
Champion: Carter Blough, Lowell, Sr. (37-2)
Decision, 4-0, over James Campbell, Mattawan, Sr. (36-1)
As Blough walked off the mat following his first individual title, he was mobbed by his family.
“That’s crazy,” he said. “I’ve been waiting for this since I was like 6. It couldn’t be any better. This is what I’ve been wanting since I started wrestling. This is the best moment of my life right here.”
Blough got an early takedown in the first period, and while there wasn’t much scoring afterward, he appeared to be in control throughout.
“I just had to be careful, cautious,” Blough said. “I was just being stingy on top. Just keeping my hips up so he couldn’t hit any big moves, and I knew the match was mine.”
285
Champion: Ira Jenkins, Whitehall, Sr. (51-0)
Fall 0:38, over Joshua Cook, Ferndale, Sr. (52-1)
Jenkins had a dominant run through the tournament, pinning each of his opponents, including the final three in the opening minute.
“I just knew I had to go out there and do what I do,” Jenkins said. “I was just taking it one thing at a time, and I guess that’s what it ended up being.”
It was the second-straight individual title for Jenkins, who pinned through the 285-pound bracket in Division 3 a year ago.
“Being able to pin through the state tournament two years in a row, that’s pretty cool, I think,” Jenkins said.
PHOTOS (Top) Detroit Mumford’s Jamarcus Smith works toward a pin in his 103-pound championship match Saturday at Ford Field. (Middle) St. Johns’ Jacob Brya maintains a hold on his way to winning at 140. (Click for more from HighSchoolSportsScene.com.)
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Team Finals: 32 Contenders, at a Glance
February 23, 2012
Headed to Battle Creek this weekend? So are 32 wrestling teams competing for one of four MHSAA team championships beginning with Friday's Quarterfinals at Battle Creek.
Check out our division-by-division primers with information on every team competing this weekend, including their championship histories and MHSAA Individual Finals qualifiers this winter.
Click for a schedule of all matches through Saturday's Finals, plus results as matches are complete. Teams are listed below by Quarterfinal seed.
Division 1
#1 DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL
Record/rank: 22-3, No. 1
League finish: First in Detroit Catholic High School League
Coach: Mitch Hancock, fifth season (103-25)
Championship history: Eight MHSAA championships (most recently in 2010), two runner-up finishes
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Trevor Zdebski (fr.) 31-5, 112 Myles Amine (fr.) 33-12, 125 T.J. Fagan (sr.) 21-3, 130 Ken Bade (soph.) 43-1, 135 Malik Amine (soph.) 32-8, 152 Alec Mooradian (sr.) 41-2, 160 Nick Mason (sr.) 38-9, 171 Drew Garcia (soph.) 39-3, 189 Kevin Beazley (sr.) 41-1, 285 Bob Coe (jr.) 35-6,
Outlook: The Shamrocks are among favorites again and lost by just a point to Oxford in last season’s Final. DCC has given up just 20 points through four matches so far in the tournament, and shut out two opponents. A line-up with 10 individual Finals qualifiers is headed by Mooradian, who is hoping for his fourth MHSAA individual championship next week. Garcia and Beazley were individual runners-up in 2011.
#2 BRIGHTON
Record/rank: 39-0, No. 3
League finish: First in Kensington Lakes Activities Association
Coach: Sam Amine, sixth season (212-23)
Championship history: Has never appeared in an MHSAA championship match.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 119 Jordan Amine (jr.) 46-6, 130 C.J. Brish (sr.) 49-3, 135 Evan Hoshaw (sr.) 49-3, 140 Ryan Foley (jr.) 39-6, 145 Nick Brish (fr.) 43-9, 152 Aaron Calderon (jr.) 52-2, 160 Jordan Maschke (sr.) 48-4, 171 Andy White (sr.) 48-6.
Outlook: Sam Amine has Brighton on the cusp of its first MHSAA team championship, and led Warren Lincoln to the 1994 Class A championship. His career record of 549-76 places him eighth in MHSAA wrestling history for coaching wins. The Bulldogs might be the most senior-heavy team in the tournament, with 10 expected in the starting lineup.
#3 DAVISON
Record/rank: 19-4, No. 2
Coach: Roy Hall, 15th season (378-64-1)
Championship history: Eight MHSAA championships (most recently 2006), one runner-up finish.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Jacob Madrigal (soph.) 32-12, 103 Lincoln Olson (fr.) 41-0, 119 Justin Oliver (soph.) 39-2, 125 Dominic Russ (soph.) 35-9, 130 Matthew Miller (soph.) 26-4, 135 Carter Stoddard (jr.) 31-11, 140 Thomas Garty (soph.) 31-10, 145 Patrick Rooker (jr.) 22-10, 160 Jordan Cooks (soph.) 30-2.
Outlook: Davison is back in the Quarterfinals for the first time in four seasons and after winning its 14th consecutive league title. Davison had one of the MHSAA’s most dominant runs ever under Hall, with five straight championships from 2002-06, and six total in seven seasons. Oliver is the reigning MHSAA individual champion at 112, and one of six sophomores in a starting line-up that also features just one senior.
#4 TEMPERANCE BEDFORD
Record/rank: 20-3, No. 4
League finish: First in Southeastern Conference
Coach: Kevin Vogel, first season (20-3)
Championship history: 11 MHSAA championships (most recently 2011), seven runner-up finishes.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 112 Mitch Rogaliner (jr.) 41-2, 119 Mitch Pawlak (jr.) 39-10, 140 Al Regnier (sr.) 38-11, 189 Brandon Sunday (jr.) 44-5, 215 Bryan Smith (sr.) 40-1, 285 Logan Rimmer (sr.) 43-1.
Outlook: Vogel, a two-time individual champion for Temperance Bedford, in 1986 and 1987, starts 10 wrestlers with at least 30 wins this season, including 2011 individual runners-up up Rogaliner and Rimmer. The Kicking Mules eliminated No. 10 Westland John Glenn on the way to Kellogg Arena.
#5 HARTLAND
Record/rank: 29-3, No. 5
League finish: Second in Kensington Lakes Activities Association
Coach: Todd Cheney, 20th season (529-86-2)
Championship history: Four MHSAA runner-up finishes (most recently in 2007)
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Nate Hughes (soph.) 45-7, 112 Jacob Gorial (fr.) 46-8, 119 Austin Eicher (soph.) 47-6, 125 Justin Rollins (soph.) 29-16, 140 Anthony Colaianne (soph.) 41-12, 152 Mitchell Thomas (jr.) 44-10, 160 Chad Maks (jr.) 24-12, 171 Justin Charneski (sr.) 42-12, 189 Matt Ostermiller (sr.) 45-8, 215 Brian Braun (jr.) 44-8.
Outlook: An MHSAA team championship could be a crowning achievement for Cheney, who led Hartland to runner-up finishes four straight seasons from 2004-07. The Eagles have made 11 straight Quarterfinals. And that streak should continue for at least a few more winters – Charneski, Ostermiller and Braun are the only seniors in the regular starting line-up, which features seven wrestlers with at least 40 wins this season.
#6 OXFORD
Record/rank: 18-5, No. 7
League finish: Tied for first in Oakland Activities Association Red
Coach: Brandon Rank, first season (18-5)
Championship history: One MHSAA championship (2011), one runner-up finish.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Dan Curtis (jr.) 40-12, 112 Edwin Schlickenmeyer (soph.) 31-7, 125 Kyle Hill (sr.) 46-5, 130 Mike Willits (soph.) 41-9, 135 Noah Cantara (sr.) 36-16, 140 Rocco Borg (jr.) 42-8, 145 Wes Maskill (soph.) 34-14, 152 Jacob Peasley (sr.) 32-2, 160 Marty Giannola (jr.) 41-14, 171 Liam Logan (jr.) 23-20, 215 Prescott Line (sr.) 42-0.
Outlook: Oxford emerged from arguably the most competitive region in any division, downing No. 9 Fair Haven Anchor Bay and No. 6 Rochester to return to Battle Creek and continue its title defense. Rank took over the program this season after five as an assistant and inherited a reigning individual MHSAA champion in Line and six more starters from last season’s championship team.
#7 GRAND HAVEN
Record/rank: 21-7, unranked
League finish: First in O-K Red
Coach: James Richardson, 13th season (226-74)
Championship history: Has never appeared in an MHSAA championship match.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Camden Bertucci (fr.) 42-3, 125 John Juchartz (sr.) 26-14, 135 Allen Torres (sr.) 38-8, 152 Dakota Juarez (soph.) 36-5, 171 Connor Moynihan (jr.) 43-2, 189 Dakota Smith (sr.) 12-1, 215 Matt Mulcahy (jr.) 30-16, 215 Garrett Kelly (sr.) 36-9, 285 Ian Raddle (sr.) 32-12.
Outlook: Although the Buccaneers had won 12 districts in Richardson’s 13 seasons, this is their first time going a step further under the former Eaton Rapids and Michigan State standout. And they could be one of the most dangerous underdogs this weekend, coming off a win over No. 8 Rockford in the Regional and with seven wrestlers boasting at least 30 wins.
#8 ROSEVILLE
Record/rank: 13-15, unranked
League finish: Third in Macomb Area Conference Red
Coach: Davon Gray, second season (22-31)
Championship history: Has never appeared in an MHSAA championship match.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 112 Doug Zundel (sr.) 38-5, 140 Kirk Wawrzyniak (sr.) 45-3, 189 John Potestato (sr.) 28-19.
Outlook: For the second straight season, Roseville posted a sub-.500 match record but has advanced to the MHSAA Quarterfinals. Gray won individual MHSAA championships for Roseville in 1993 and 1994. Seven of his starters have won at least 20 matches this season.
Division 2
#1 ST. JOHNS
Record/rank: 22-1, No. 1
League finish: First in Capital Area Activities Conference Red
Coach: Zane Ballard, 10th season (208-85)
Championship history: Two MHSAA championships (most recently 2011)
Individual Finals qualifiers: 112 Zac Hall (soph.) 34-1, 119 Logan Massa (fr.) 36-1, 125 Jacob Schmitt (jr.) 37-2, 130 Rory Bender (sr.) 28-7, 135 Brant Schafer (jr.) 33-1, 135 Cameron Bender (sr.) 26-5, 140 Ben Whitford (jr.) 33-0, 145 Josh Pennell (jr.) 36-2, 152 Travis Curley (sr.) 36-3, 160 Jordan Wohlfert (sr.) 37-1, 171 Taylor Massa (sr.) 35-0, 215 Conrado Dominguez (sr.) 14-5, 215 Payne Hayden (jr.) 36-5.
Outlook: The Redwings return 10 starters from last season’s championship team, including reigning individual MHSAA champs Hall, Taylor Massa and Wohlfert and runners-up Schmitt and Schafer. St. Johns also won Division 2 in 2010. That lone defeat this winter came against Lakewood St. Edward of Ohio, the Redwings first loss since 2009-10. Still, St. Johns is considered arguably the top team in any division this weekend.
#2 LOWELL
Record/rank: 24-1, No. 2
League finish: First in O-K White
Coach: David Dean, seventh season (194-31)
Championship history: Three MHSAA championships (most recently 2009), four runner-up finishes.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Derek Krajewski (soph.) 32-8, 112 Bailey Jack (soph.) 33-4, 119 Jordan Hall (fr.) 27-7, 125 Kalvin Meyer (sr.) 23-15, 125 Nate Limmex (fr.) 32-6, 140 Gabe Morse (sr.) 35-0, 145 Angus Arthur (fr.) 32-8, 152 Kanon Dean (soph.) 23-10, Andrew Morse (sr.) 30-0, 171 Garrett Stehley (soph.) 31-3, Gabe Dean (sr.) 27-3, 215 Josh Colegrove (fr.) 28-0.
Outlook: Although Lowell fell to St. Johns by 23 earlier this season, it is considered the favorite if any team is going to hand the Redwings their first in-state loss in two seasons. The Red Arrows are back at Kellogg for the second straight season under Dean, a former assistant at Michigan State, and gave up a combined 18 points in four matches during the postseason. Gabe Morse, Andrew Morse and Gabe Dean all are reigning Division 2 individual champions.
#3 ALLEGAN
Record/rank: 32-3, No. 4
League finish: First in Wolverine Conference
Coach: Murray Rose, 25th season (623-135-2)
Championship history: Two MHSAA championships (most recently 2007), two runner-up finishes.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 119 Austin Kelley (jr.) 54-3, 130 Kyle Simaz (soph.) 55-2, 145 Taylor Simaz (sr.) 53-1, 152 Drew Huff (jr.) 41-15, 160 Andrew Kelley (sr.) 53-3, 215 Devyn Hinds (sr.) 16-8.
Outlook: Rose is one of just a handful of coaches in MHSAA wrestling history with more than 600 wins, and has led his team to league championships 17 of the last 19 seasons. Allegan beat No. 8 Byron Center by 27 in the Regional and gave up an average of just 10.5 points in four matches to get to Battle Creek. Kyle Simaz was an individual runner-up at 119 pounds last season, and Taylor Simaz won the 125-pound championship in 2010.
#4 TECUMSEH
Record/rank: 29-4, No. 3
League finish: First in Southeastern Conference
Coach: Tony Greathouse, first season (29-4)
Championship history: Has never appeared in an MHSAA championship match.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Ricky Azelton (soph.) 37-17, 112 Chase Lewis (sr.) 33-6, 135 Ronnie Bechtol (sr.) 41-9, 140 Anthony Lesko (jr.) 39-7, 152 Christian Shelby (sr.) 42-13, 171 Cole Amstutz (jr.) 39-12, 285 Joe Rebottaro (jr.) 40-14.
Outlook: Greathouse, a former Mason High and Michigan State University standout, has Tecumseh contending for its first MHSAA championship in his first season after serving as an assistant in 2010-11. While individual Finals qualifiers make up half the starting line-up, balance makes the Indians even tougher – nine starters have won at least 30 matches this season.
#5 GREENVILLE
Record/rank: 26-7, No. 5
League finish: Second in O-K White
Coach: Paul Johnson, 23rd season (508-110-3)
Championship history: One MHSAA championship (2008), one runner-up finish.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Mike Schmidt (fr.) 42-10, 125 Alec Ward (soph.) 40-12, 140 Devon Lehman (sr.) 34-9, 160 Luke Gilmore (sr.) 38-4, 189 Jordan Thomas (sr.) 41-0, 215 Carter Magirl (jr.) 26-17.
Outlook: Greenville finished runner-up to St. Johns last season and is making its third straight trip to Kellogg after winning its seventh straight District championship. Eight starters from last season’s championship match are expected to start this weekend as well, including Thomas – who will wrestle for his third straight individual championship next weekend and finished among runners-up as a freshman.
#6 STEVENSVILLE LAKESHORE
Record/rank: 22-9, No. 7
League finish: First in Southwest Michigan Athletic Conference
Coach: Bruce Bittenbender, 42nd season (809-201-2)
Championship history: Two MHSAA runner-up finishes (most recently 1994)
Individual Finals qualifiers: 112 Aaron Ward (fr.) 35-15, 119 Noah Hanau (fr.) 33-18, 125 Patrick Blommel (soph.) 26-21, 140 Travis Dragomer (sr.) 42-5, 160 J.P. McDougall (jr.) 32-13, 215 Kyle Spear (sr.) 31-3, 285 Kyle Carlson (sr.) 41-3.
Outlook: Bittenbender entered this season second nationally in career wins among wrestling coaches, and has his team in Battle Creek for the fifth straight season. His line-up has at least three wrestlers from every grade – and seven with 30 or more victories this season.
#7 HOLLY
Record/rank: 29-5, No. 6
League finish: First in Flint Metro League
Coach: Don Pluta, 29th season (531-236)
Championship history: Has never appeared in an MHSAA championship match.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 119 Tyler Gibson (sr.) 45-6, 125 Mason Cleaver (jr.) 47-1, 130 Anthony Gonzales (jr.) 43-3, 145 Andrew Scott (soph.) 39-6, 215 Shawn Scott (sr.) 47-0.
Outlook: Shawn Scott, a Division 2 individual runner-up at 171 last season, is best-known of the Bronchos. But the team’s strength might be from 119-135 – Gibson, Cleaver and Gonzales have a combined nine losses, and junior Zach Jones is 24-2 holding down 135. Pluta is another member of the 500-win coaching club and has led Holly to five District championships in six seasons.
#8 MASON
Record/rank: 35-4, No. 10
League finish: First in Capital Area Activities Conference Gold
Coach: Brian Martel, ninth season (274-55)
Championship history: Three MHSAA championships (most recently 2006), one runner-up finish.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 140 Rylen Droscha (soph.) 38-7, 145 Sean Houghton (jr.) 38-12, 152 Nick Starzec (sr.) 44-1, 160 Thomas Beebe (sr.) 35-10, 171 Austin Droscha (jr.) 35-11, 189 Bobby Albert (sr.) 39-11, 285 Adam Robinson (sr.) 42-4.
Outlook: Mason is a regular at Kellogg, and won three championships over four seasons from 2003-06. The Bulldogs have increased their team win total each of the last three seasons and should give St. Johns a good battle boasting eight wrestlers with at least 30 wins. Starzec is a reigning MHSAA individual runner-up, and Robinson is considered a contender at heavyweight next weekend.
Division 3
#1 RICHMOND
Record/rank: 26-5, No. 1
League finish: Tied for first in Blue Water Area Conference
Co-coaches: Brandon Day, eighth season (277-59); George T. Hamblin, 20th season (545-162-1)
Championship history: Five MHSAA championships (most recently 2011), three runner-up finishes.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 112 Austin Vannatter (fr.) 30-14, 119 Stephen Ireland (sr.) 18-3, 119 Nick Burg (soph.) 32-11, 125 Dustin Pitcel (sr.) 41-5, 125 Austin Cattera (jr.) 38-10, 135 Devin Skatzka (fr.) 40-8, 135 Nate Henke (jr.) 35-9, 140 Garrett Edwards (sr.) 44-6, 160 Scott Gulette (sr.) 34-17, 171 John Gaffney (sr.) 39-13, 189 Eric Boyd (sr.) 40-13, 215 Greg Sebastian (sr.) 38-6, 285 Josh Younk (sr.) 38-14.
Outlook: Richmond has won the last two Division 3 team championships and yielded only nine points in four postseason matches so far this winter. Pitcel is the reigning individual runner-up at 119 pounds last season and is among 13 state qualifiers; all 14 starters have winning records this season.
#2 DUNDEE
Record/rank: 15-7, No. 2
League finish: Tied for first in Lenawee County Athletic Association
Coach: Tim Roberts, 13th season (364-51-1)
Championship history: Six MHSAA championships (most recently 2007), four runner-up finishes.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Jalen Torres (soph.) 30-22, 130 Doug Rojem (soph.) 45-3, 130 Brandon Atchley (sr.) 35-12, 140 Sean Marogen (soph.) 21-10, 140 Brody Whitman (jr.) 37-12, 145 Liam Grantham (jr.) 29-5, 152 Todd Olson (jr.) 31-10, Zach Newhouse (sr.) 44-8, 171 Teddy Warren (soph.) 40-8, 215 Jay Sroufe (jr.) 33-9, 285 Josh Marogen (jr.) 30-5.
Outlook: All six of Dundee’s individual finalists from last season moved on, but no matter. The Vikings are in the Quarterfinals for the 10th consecutive season and hoping for their first championship berth since finishing runner-up for the third straight year in 2010.
#3 REMUS CHIPPEWA HILLS
Record/rank: 36-4, No. 3
League finish: Tied for first in Central State Activities Association
Coach: Nate Ethridge, 12th season (355-74)
Championship history: Has never appeared in an MHSAA championship match.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Zach King (soph.) 39-8, 112 Zack Cooper (jr.) 55-2, 119 Nathan Weckesser (soph.) 48-12, 119 James Leiter (sr.) 54-5, 135 John Wernette (jr.) 53-7, 140 Jason Peacock (jr.) 40-1, 145 Latear Dukes (jr.) 41-18, 189 Damien Curtice (sr.) 47-14, 215 Quentin Moody (sr.) 41-17.
Outlook: Ethridge has led Chippewa Hills to five Quarterfinals over the last seven seasons, and this could be the tournament the Warriors break through. All but two wrestlers have at least 30 wins this season, and two more not in the probable lineup for this weekend have won at least 25 matches apiece. Cooper is the reigning individual champion at 103.
#4 BIRCH RUN
Record/rank: 22-3, No. 4
League finish: First in Tri-Valley Conference East
Coach: Bart Bennett, fourth season (110-18)
Championship history: Has never appeared in an MHSAA championship match.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Jerry Fenner (fr.) 47-4, 112 Adam Bishop (jr.) 42-9, 130 Lake Bennett (jr.) 50-4, 135 Damian Johnson (jr.) 43-8, 152 Caleb Slavik (sr.) 40-5.
Outlook: Birch Run has won three straight Districts under Bart Bennett, a 2001 individual champion for the Panthers, and finished ahead of three other ranked teams to claim the overall TVC championship earlier this season. Birch Run has 12 wrestlers with at least 30 wins, and gave up only 27 points total in four postseason matches.
#5 OTSEGO
Record/rank: 28-2, No. 7
League finish: Second in Wolverine Conference
Coach: Brian Sparks, fourth season (121-35)
Championship history: One MHSAA championship (2001)
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Holden Dunklee (jr.) 43-10, 112 Matt Chavez (sr.) 31-9, 119 Kody Hukill (jr.) 43-8, 125 Johnny Johnson (jr.) 38-10, 130 Alberto Lopez (sr.) 46-2, 140 Eric Dennis (sr.) 46-5, 171 Cory Livingston (jr.) 44-7.
Outlook: Otsego finished second in its league to only Division 2 Quarterfinalist Allegan, and is back in the Division 3 Quarterfinals for the second straight season. Although junior Devin Barker didn’t qualify for the Individual Finals, he’s 37-7 and further strengthens a solid group that anchors to lower part of the lineup.
#6 WHITEHALL
Record/rank: 24-6, No. 5
League finish: Second in West Michigan Conference
Coach: Cliff Sandee, fifth season (123-25)
Championship history: One MHSAA runner-up finish (1984).
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Logan Irey (jr.) 44-5, 119 Nate Manthei (jr.) 38-13, 125 Alex Whitener (soph.) 29-18, 130 Josh Couturier (sr.) 35-16, 145 Dillon McCarthy (sr.) 42-6, 152 Steven Sika (jr.) 43-8, 160 Cameron Lewis (sr.) 27-14, 171 Joe Sika (jr.) 42-9, 189 Logan Potter (sr.) 46-5, 285 Logan Morningstar (jr.) 41-8.
Outlook: Whitehall set a program record with 10 individual qualifiers this season. That doesn’t include junior Casey Robinson, who also has 30 wins this season, at 119. The Vikings nearly doubled up No. 6 Allendale in the Regional Final.
#7 CARO
Record/rank: 27-2, No. 8
League finish: Second in TVC East
Co-coaches: Steve Ley, 31st season (436-114-1); Bob Suranye, 27th season (409-96-2)
Championship history: One MHSAA championship (2003), two runner-up finishes.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Shane Herrman (jr.) 45-5, 112 Cody Hall (sr.) 46-5, 160 Trevor Jaster (jr.) 40-5, 171 Jeremy Decker (sr.) 45-9, 189 Kendall Betteridge (soph.) 48-5.
Outlook: Caro is back in the Quarterfinals for the first time since finishing up a five-year run in 2007. Jaster is a two-time individual Finals runner-up and one of six Tigers with at least 40 wins this season. And this could be the start of another streak. Of eight Caro wrestlers who have at least 30 wins, only two are seniors.
#8 ROSCOMMON
Record/rank: 24-5, unranked
League finish: First in Jack Pine Conference
Coach: Ron Noreyko, first season (24-5)
Championship history: One MHSAA runner-up finish (2006)
Individual Finals qualifiers: 119 Dustin Noreyko (sr.) 24-2, 125 Caleb Jernigan (soph.) 39-8, 140 Drake Lewandowski (jr.) 36-9.
Outlook: Roscommon may have just three individual Finals qualifiers, but is strong through the low and middle weights. Damien Lewandowski (15-9), Marcus Kelley (38-5) and Matt Morley (37-9) mix with the team’s qualifiers to fill six straight weights through the middle of the lineup.
Division 4
#1 HUDSON
Record/rank: 24-2, No. 1
League finish: First in Lenawee County Athletic Association
Coach: Scott Marry, 24th season (627-135)
Championship history: Three MHSAA championships (most recently 2011).
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Roddy Hamdam (fr.) 34-10, 103 Isaac Dusseau (soph.) 33-9, 112 Tyler Roberts (fr.) 33-12, 119 Cole Weaver (soph.) 44-0, 125 J.D. Waters (soph.) 36-12, 135 Luke Sparapani (sr.) 33-12, 152 Joel Varney (sr.) 43-2, 160 Devan Marry (sr.) 43-2, 189 Cody Walden (sr.) 25-20, 189 James Herron (sr.) 38-7, 285 Zach Rieger (jr.) 41-4.
Outlook: The Tigers’ run over the last four seasons is nothing short of dominant. Hudson is seeking a fourth straight MHSAA team championship, and Scott Marry also is one of only a few in MHSAA history who have won 600 matches. Varney is the reigning Division 4 individual champion at 145 pounds and Weaver and Devan Marry were runners-up in 2011.
#2 NEW LOTHROP
Record/rank: 26-2, No. 2
League finish: First in Genesee Area Conference
Coach: Jeff Campbell, 11th season (275-57)
Championship history: 12 MHSAA championships (most recently 2004), four runner-up finishes.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 125 Josh Wendling (soph.) 39-7, 130 Jacob Perrin (jr.) 46-3, 135 Taylor Krupp (soph.) 50-5, 140 Clayton Simons (jr.) 29-5, 145 Aaron Bauman (soph.) 43-9, 152 Dakota Clark (soph.) 17-14, 160 Cody Symons (soph.) 39-12, 171 Wade Earhardt (sr.) 49-1, 189 Spencer Gross (sr.) 26-6, 189 Austin Severn (sr.) 51-2, 285 Owen Wilson (soph.) 31-16.
Outlook: Simons and Severn are reigning individual champions and top a group of 11 individual qualifiers – but there are just three seniors in that bunch and four total in the starting lineup. Perrin, Krupp, Simons and Bauman give the Hornets four straight weights with wrestlers who have either won at least 40 matches or an MHSAA championship. New Lothrop has advanced to at least the Quarterfinals in all 11 of Campbell's seasons running the program, and last finished runner-up in 2007.
#3 SHELBY
Record/rank: 31-2, No. 4
League finish: First in West Michigan Conference
Coach: Ed Felt, 16th season (411-84)
Championship history: Two MHSAA championships (most recently 1972)
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Austin Felt (jr.) 48-6, 119 Will Foster (sr.) 52-5, 125 David Guerra (soph.) 35-8, 135 Jordan White (sr.) 22-7, 140 Trevor Dezwaan (sr.) 43-12, 152 Forrest Courtright (soph.) 37-20, 171 Mason Courtright (sr.) 52-4, 215 Dillion Ankney (jr.) 42-6.
Outlook: Despite Shelby’s long absence from an MHSAA championship match, the Tigers are headed to the Quarterfinals for the third time under Felt and competed in Division 3 until moving into Division 4 this winter. Shelby has won 12 league titles over the last 13 seasons, this season one spot ahead of Division 3 Quarterfinalist Whitehall.
#4 MANCHESTER
Record/rank: 27-2 , No. 9
League finish: Tied for first in Cascades Conference
Coach: Steve Vleck, 21st season (401-171)
Championship history: One MHSAA runner-up finish (2008)
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Brock Vleck (103) 36-11, 130 Tom Conway (sr.) 28-9, 130 Case Kittel (sr.) 30-15, 135 Eric Coval (soph.) 37-13, 171 Cody Render (sr.) 35-4, 215 Austin Hamilton (sr.) 44-4.
Outlook: Manchester is making its fifth Quarterfinal appearance in six seasons and also has won eight straight District titles. All 14 starters plus five subs have winning records this season – and although only Hamilton has more than 40 wins, 13 others have at least 19 victories.
#5 CONSTANTINE
Record/rank: 32-2, unranked
League finish: First in Kalamazoo Valley Association
Coach: Steve Wilson, sixth season (170-39)
Championship history: One MHSAA championship (1993), one runner-up finish.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 152 Ben Mallo (jr.) 39-5, 160 Jeremiah Waterman (jr.) 42-7, 171 Dominick Rogers (jr.) 38-10, 285 Andrew Turner (jr.) 28-13.
Outlook: Constantine is making its third straight Quarterfinal appearance and is a combined 111-10 over those three seasons. All but one starter has a winning record, and four subs are over .500 as well. Six have at least 30 wins, and 12 at least 20.
#6 DECATUR
Record/rank: 26-2, No. 6
League finish: Second in Southwestern Athletic Conference
Coach: Brian Southworth, 28th season (567-198-3)
Championship history: Has never appeared in a championship match.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Hunter Bell (fr.) 45-4, 112 Luke Bell (sr.) 49-1, 125 Ryan Smit (sr.) 45-8, 285 Zack Kennedy (sr.) 39-8.
Outlook: Decatur is making its second straight Quarterfinal appearance, and despite just a handful of individual qualifiers is solid throughout the line-up. All 14 starters have winning records – 11 have 30 or more wins – plus five subs are better than .500 this season. Sophomore Jason Nash didn’t advance to the Individual Finals, but is one of four with more than 40 wins.
#7 ROGERS CITY
Record/rank: 26-10, unranked
League finish: Second in Straits Area Conference
Coach: Pat Lamb, 14th season (342-99)
Championship history: One MHSAA runner-up finish (2005)
Individual Finals qualifiers: 119 Joe Sobeck (sr.) 32-7, 125 Evan Lamb (jr.) 50-5, 189 Caleb Pommerenke (jr.) 37-8.
Outlook: This is Rogers City’s first Quarterfinal appearance since 2008, but the Hurons have reached this round seven times under Pat Lamb. Freshmen Cameron Urban and Jacob Sobeck also have topped 40 wins this season and wrestle at 103 and 119, respectively. Joe Sobeck is one of only three seniors on the team, which could mean this is just the first of repeat trips to Kellogg.
#8 HOLTON
Record/rank: 24-8, unranked
League finish: Third in Central State Activities Association
Coach: Kevin Gue, fourth season (record N/A)
Championship history: Has never appeared in an MHSAA championship match.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Jordan Whitener (fr.) 35-14, 112 Garrett Martin (fr.) 45-7, 119 Grant Younts (soph.) 33-18, 145 Jacob Moreen (jr.) 37-12, 152 Sheldon Cregg (sr.) 28-23, 215 Chet Atkins (sr.) 48-6.
Outlook: Holton is one of two Quarterfinalists from the CSAA, joining Division 3 qualifier Remus Chippewa Hills, and despite voiding at 171 pounds. Although freshman Hayden Cregg (125) and senior Derek Sova (189) will not be joining their teammates at the Individual Finals, both have 41 wins this season and further augment the lineup.
PHOTO, from last season's Hudson/Manchester Semifinal, courtesy of Mid-Michigan Sports Scene.