The Clare varsity wrestling team lost 44-24 Wednesday in Jack Pine Conference action to Sanford Meridian.
The first match of the evening took place at 119 pounds featuring Michael Evers of Clare and Matt Hoffman of the Mustangs who pulled out a 12-6 minor decision over Evers, which was followed by another 12 points for Meridian by voids from Clare, making the match score, 21-0 .
Zach Betzer wrestled tough at 140 pounds but Devon Posey of Meridian got a tech fall, and 5 more team points. Dominik Herkel picked up Clare’s first points of the night when Meridian voided his weight class, making it 26-6. Eric Litke went out and fought hard at 152 pounds for Clare against Seger Jackson, but was pinned late in the match.
Logan Emery of Clare pinned Jeremy Wenzlick in the first period to draw the Pioneers, 32-12. Junior Brandon Ayris pinned Jacob McGraw of Meridian in the first period to earn six more for Clare. Brenden Hensley got a pin in the first period to bring the score, 32-24. That was the end of the night for the Pioneers as Eric Fader and Kane Sturgen of the Mustangs pinned Tyler Orwig and Bob Green to clinch the Meridian win.