By BUTCH HARMON
It was billed as one of the best wrestling tournaments of the regular season and the results did not disappoint as two of the state’s and nation’s premier high school team’s met in the finals of the 42nd Annual Tim Horn’s Windmill City Wrestling Classic in Holland.
Detroit Catholic Central, ranked No.1 in the state in Division 1, came from behind to edge Division 2’s top-ranked team, St. Johns, 33-31.
St. Johns built an early lead but Catholic Central stormed back late to take the lead and in the final match of the evening Catholic Central’s Myles Amine gave up only three points in a loss to Zac Hall of St. Johns to hold on to the victory.
“Our guys really came together,” Detroit Catholic Central coach Mitch Hancock said. “St. Johns has an incredible team. They have seven Division 1 people in their lineup. They are loaded with talent but we are loaded with heart. Our guys do whatever it takes to win. I can’t say enough about Myles, he put aside his individual goals for the goals of the team. He put the team ahead of himself and did a great job in that final match.”
Catholic Central turned in a dominant performance at the tournament as it defeated East Kentwood (74-6), Allegan, the No. 4-ranked team in Division 2 (54-16) and Hartland, the No. 4-ranked team in Division 1 (55-15) in the semifinals.
St. Johns was equally as impressive in reaching the title match. The Redwings defeated Fremont (72-11), Greenville, ranked No. 8 in Division 2 (57-15) and Clarkston (58-12), ranked No. 10 in Division 1.
“I felt our kids wrestled tough and worked hard,” St. Johns coach Derek Phillips. “We just need to find a way to win the close matches.”
The Redwings had a number of undefeated wrestlers on the day led by Ben Whitford who was also voted the tournament’s outstanding wrestler. Ian Parker, Zach Hall, Jacob Schmitt, Logan Massa, Josh Pennell and Payne Hayden all finished the day unbeaten as well.
Hartland took third place as the Eagles defeated Clarkston 45-18.