By BUTCH HARMON
The Hartland wrestling team delivered the stunner of the season when it traveled to Lowell and defeated the host Red Arrows, 28-26, in the finals of the Gary Rivers Memorial Invitational. Hartland wrestlers won eight matches, with Nick DiNobile (135 pounds) winning by pin and Garnet Potter (112) by major decision. Noah Lopez (103), Reece Hughes (130), Logan Vish (152), Lucas LaForge (160), Jacob Gorial (171), and Jake Economou (285) won by decisions.
The Brighton wrestling team solidified its spot as the premier team in Division 1 when it defeated Harrtland 38-18 in a league dual four days after Hartland’s upset of Lowell. Brighton also won the championship at the 53rd annual Jim Mooney Williamston Classic. Jackson Denicker (125), Nick Brish (171), Luke Ready (215), and Eric Conquest (285) all won titles at Williamston.
St. Johns captured the championship at the Hudson Super 16 tournament, placing ahead of Dundee and Richmond. Ian Parker (125), Logan Massa (171), and Ty Wildmo (189) all finished first as individuals while Lucas McFarland (140) placed second.
Birch Run captured the title at the Saginaw County tournament. The Panthers crowned four champions, including Jerry Fenner (125), Malachi Breece (145), Logan Bovee (160), and George Lahar (215). Mason Breece (119), Adam Grim (130), Ian Taylor (140), Tyler Childs (152), Steven Williams (171), and Colin Slavik (285) all placed second.
Grand Ledge has broken into the top-ten team rankings in Division 1. The Comets turned in a big effort in winning the West Ottawa Invitational. Jack Snauko (119), Dylan Steward (140), and Patrick Powers (145) all won titles at West Ottawa, while Cole Janes (103), Andrew Castaneda (125), and Joe Davis (135) placed second.
Chippewa Hills took second place at Williamston. Jaycob Sharp (140) was an individual champion, while Mike Felix (125) took second and Mason Dey (152), Kevin Brisco (160), and Brendon Barry (189) placed fourth for the Warriors.
Chesaning crowned a pair of champions, and Chesaning head coach Jeremy Reiber was named outstanding coach at the Saginaw County meet. Senior Justin Sloan became a two-time champion, as he won the 171-pound title and also won the Coaches’ Award. Jacob Wright, who came in seeded fourth, won the 189-pound title. Sophomore Trevor Patterson was a finalist at 145 pounds, while Kolin McAlpine (130) and Brett Helvie (285) both placed third.
Corunna wrestlers have been turning in some big efforts. Jarrett Trombley (112) won a title at New Lothrop and was second at Williamston. Dylan Briggs (145) won a title at New Lothrop and was third at Williamston, while Tristan Serbus (119) was second at New Lothrop. Dylan Wibert (135) placed fourth at Williamston.
Swan Valley wrestlers took second place at the Saginaw County meet. A total of five Swan Valley wrestlers won individual titles, including Edwin Hernandez (112), KJ Suitor (119), Matt Santos (130), Collin Dole (140), and Sam McQueen (152). Gavin Evans (103) and Jose Hernandez (125) both placed second.
Lakewood wrestlers won the Hastings Invitational. Cash Thompson (171) and David McCarren (189) both won individual titles. The Vikings went 4-1 at the Fowlerville Invitational, with Cole Jackson (103), Austin Kietzman (135), and McCarren all going 4-0.
Eaton Rapids placed third at Williamston. Austin Eldred (125) and Jaedin Sklapsky (135) both placed second, while Lane McVicker (145), Blaine Milheim (152), and Triston Warner (285) all took thirds.
Holt finished fifth at a team at the Williamston invitational. Senior Bennie Gomez led the way for Holt with a first-place finish at 119. Also placing for Holt were Adam Hall (3rd, 140), Kolin Leyrer (2nd, 152), Mike Shaw (4th, 145), and Tim Fisher (4th, 215).
Cedar Springs earned a huge dual win when it defeated Sparta, 39-37. The win was the first in four years for the Red Hawks against their long-time rivals, whom they will see again at the Greenville team district.
Greenville finished second as a team at the West Ottawa Invitational. Heavyweight Cole Antcliff took first place as an individual, while Tren Bartrum (112), Steven Hilliker (119), and Joey Burger (171) all placed second.