Jeff Chaney
Sports Scene
MIDDLEVILLE – It was a bittersweet day for Rachel McFarland at the Division 2 individual wrestling regional at Thornapple Kellogg High School Saturday.
On the one hand, the DeWitt senior 112-pounder realized her dream of advancing to the Michigan High School Athletic Association state finals.
But on the other hand, she was one point away from being a regional champion, losing a tough 8-7 decision to Lowell sophomore Bailey Jack, who earned all-state status last year by placing seventh at 103 pounds.
“It is bittersweet, but it’s really cool to make the finals, but I wish I could have won today,” said McFarland, who heads to the state finals with a 43-9 record. “It took four years to make it, and I’m thrilled to achieve that goal.”
Now she has another goal.
“I just wrestled the fifth-ranked kid in the state [Jack], and it showed me what I need to work on before state,” McFarland said. “Fifth is my goal at state.”
DeWitt coach Brian Byars tells people they shouldn’t bet against her.
“She is very focused and driven right now,” Byars said. “She almost felt like it was her destiny to make it to state because she has put so much time into that. She has been working really hard for all of this.”
McFarland was one of three Panthers to qualify for state. The others are Nick Baker (3rd at 135), Mark Bozzo (4th at 135), and Nate Knauf (3rd at 189).