Who will win Division 4?
Jeff Chaney: Hudson coach Scott Marry told me in an interview last week that he loves it when his team is called ‘tough’ by its opponents and fans. Who am I to argue with the three-time champion Tigers; the boys leave it on the mat. Joel Varney, Devan Marry, Cole Weaver – those are three studs who have led a pretty young lineup all year and who are now in position to win the school’s fourth straight team title. But Hudson is going to have some tough competition this year to fight off to do that. Tradition-rich New Lothrop, led by state champion Austin Severn, is solid as usual. And there may be a new face in the crowd that could make some noise this year. Shelby had the toughest district draw of any team in all divisions this year, having to wrestle last year’s runner-up Hesperia. Shelby won and cruised through regionals to get to Battle Creek. I think this division is a three-horse race, and the new one on the track just might do it. But it’s hard to go against tough.
PREDICTION: Hudson over Shelby in the finals
Randy Miniard: It is weird picking in Division 4 without Coach Baird and Coach Zeerip in the conversation, what the heck? Congrats to coach Felt and his team from Shelby after dropping to D4 this year and knocking off Hesperia in the district final to win it all. I remember a few times when coaching at Ithaca and Hesperia was in the way, and they were too much to handle, even though I know a couple times we had one of the best eight teams in D4. I am sure Hesperia is top 8, but so the story goes. Coach Lamb from Rogers City is back once again, and I know he has some studs, and I look forward to watching them compete. A former teammate of mine at MSU was from Rogers City – a shout out to John Przbylla. Manchester, Decatur, and Constantine (home of the 2011 D6 runners up in football, who fell to my son Garrett’s mighty Ithaca Yellow Jackets in the finals) all seem to be making a consistent run to Battle Creek, great programs by far! Congrats to Holton for making your first trip to Battle Creek. I know Shelby and coach Felt are tough and will be a tough out, but I have to go with New Lothrop and Hudson, and these two programs exemplify the prestige of wrestling communities. Coach Scott Marry and I also go back to the days of Michigan State and beyond. Great job Scooter; I’m proud of you and wish you and Hudson all the best. With that, I have said that New Lothrop has been a community of wrestling excellence for as long as I can remember, and I am 44 years old…..so that’s saying something.
PREDICTION: Coach Cambell has done a great job resurrecting the Hornets and for that reason I am picking New Lothrop to upset Hudson. Sorry Scooter, I still love ya!