By GREG CHRAPEK                                                                                                        

Defending state champion Dametrius Castillo led a group of 10 Alma wrestlers that began the 2019 MHSAA individual state wrestling tournament by placing in the top four at the individual district and advancing on to next week’s individual regional.

Castillo was one of four Panthers that came away with individual district championships at the Alma district. Castillo improved his record to 29-4 for the season as he won the 119-pound championship.

Solomon Rosales won the 125-pound district title as he improved to 23-10 for the season. Jarrett Ferman improved to 30-3 for the season as he won the 135-pound district title. Justin VanBlaricum captured the 152-pound crown and upped his record to 26-8 for the season.

Dominic Anguanio reached the finals and placed second at 112 pounds. Anguanio improved his record to 24-6 for the season. Josiah Baltierra placed third at 130 pounds as he improved to 24-17 for the season.

Rounding out the Alma wrestlers that qualified for next week’s individual regional were freshman Harrison Seeley (119 pounds), Adam Garcia (135), Jacob Munger (145) and Norman Davis (189) who all placed fourth. Seeley improved to 23-9 for the season while Garcia improved to 23-16, Munger upped his record to 24-17 and Davis improved to 20-13.