John Raffel
Sports Scene
Mitch Greenacre is anxious to get back on the mat for the Clare Pioneers. But it’s a matter of time for the junior wrestler, a potential state placer who is nursing an injury to get ready for the season.
He’s also an all-conference standout for the Clare football team. Greenacre sustained a right elbow injury in the football playoffs and was hoping to start his wrestling season at the Christmas break.
“Right after it happened, I thought I broke it,” he said, noting that it happened in the first round against Meridian but that he still played in the district title game against Morley Stanwood. “I had it wrapped up [against Morley Stanwood].”
Greenacre is confident he can get in the groove right away and get caught up by the time districts come in February.
“I think I’ll be fine,” he said. “The conditioning is what I have to work on.”
Greenacre was at 189 and 215 last year. The Pioneers didn’t win the Jack Pine overall title but did take the league tournament.
“I’m hoping to take top four at regional and district and be a state qualifier,” he said. “It will be up to my determination.”
Takedowns are a strength for Greenacre. He wants to improve on his bottom work.
Clare won another title in the Jack Pine for football.
“I’ll miss the seniors we had, that’s for sure,” Greenacre said. “The bond we had was so special. We had a good season.”