By BUTCH HARMON
The St. Johns wrestling team is rounding into tournament form as they claimed a pair of impressive back-to-back tournament championships.
During the week between Christmas and New Years the Redwings took first place at the Goodrich Tournament of Champions. The Redwings dominated the tournament by winning six weight classes and totaling 221 points. Dundee took second with 158 ½ points while Whitehall was third with 125 points.
Jacob Schmitt (135 pounds) and Logan Massa (140) turned in dominant performances as they both won all four of their matches by pin enroute to titles. Ian Parker (103), Zac Hall (130), Angus Arthur (171) and Payne Hayden (189) also won titles.
The Redwings rung in 2013 in a big way as they took first place at the New Lothrop Invitational. St. Johns totaled 262 points while New Lothrop was second with 157 and Birch Run third with 136.
Individual champions for St. Johns included Ian Parker (103), Zac Hall (125), Jacob Schmitt (130), Logan Massa (140), Ben Whitford (145), Josh Pennell (152), Brant Schafer (160) and Payne Hayden (189). Taking second place for the Redwings were Mark Bozzo (135) and Blake Cooper (215).
The Redwings will face their biggest challenge to date this Saturday when they travel to Detroit Catholic Central for the Detroit Catholic Central Super Duals. The Redwings, who are ranked No. 12 in the United States, are slated to face Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward’s, ranked No. 2 in the nation, Montini (Illinois) Catholic, ranked No. 7 in the nation, Davison, ranked No. 2 in the state in Division 1, and Solon (Ohio).