By DAVID COOK
DIVISION 2
Projected champion: Lowell
Final eight in state: Lowell, St. Johns, Niles, Lincoln, Bay City Western, Kearsley, Sparta, Tecumseh
Outlook:
Defending Division 2 state champion Lowell is the overwhelming favorite to win Division 2. The Red Arrows have tremendous scoring potential up and down the lineup and have faced an array of powerhouse teams this season, defeating teams from Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. They are more than prepared to go out and capture another Division 2 tournament. The Red Arrows easily outpaced Brighton, Detroit Catholic Central, and Grand Rapids Catholic Central at the Detroit Catholic Central Invitational and went 3-0 at Mat Mayhem in Fort Wayne. They also defeated Davison 45-20 in a dual meet. The Red Arrows are not invincible, however, as Hartland demonstrated when it defeated them 28-26 in the finals of the Gary Rivers Memorial at Lowell.
Returning state champions Max Dean (189 pounds), Josh Colegrove (215), and Lucas Hall (119) lead the way along with highly-ranked wrestlers like Zeth Dean (130), Jordan Hall (145), and Sam Russell (103). The lineup also includes state-ranked wrestlers Kyle Washburn (112), David Kruse (145), Dan Kruse (160), and Logan Wilcox (285).
St. Johns is again the prime challenger to Lowell. St. Johns captured the Goodrich Tournament of Champions this season and has plenty of firepower of its own, led by seniors Logan Massa (160) and Ty Wildmo (215) and junior Ian Parker (125), who are all ranked No. 1 in the state. Freshman Brendan Zelenka (103) and sophomores Emilio Sanchez (112) and Trent Lashuay (119) give the Redwings plenty of point potential in the lower weights. Sophomores Lucas McFarland (140) and Bret Fedewa (152) are ranked in the middle weights, while senior Nic Sturgis and junior Jacob Gnegy are a pair of solid upper weights.
Eaton Rapids will pose a major hurdle to St. Johns in its quest to return to Battle Creek. The two teams are on a collision course to meet at the DeWitt regional. Eaton Rapids is ranked fifth in the state in Division 2 and has its best team in years. Senior Jaedin Sklapsky is one of the top 135-pounders in the state, while junior Lane McVicker is ranked second at 145. The Greyhounds have plenty of talent up and down the roster, with freshman Austin O’Hearon (112), senior Austin Eldred (125), senior Caleb Norris (152), senior Blake Millheim (160), and sophomore Clayton Higelmire (215) also being ranked in the state.
Eaton Rapids will be challenged by DeWitt when it hosts its district. DeWitt boasts a solid one-two punch in senior Drew Wixson (160) and junior Austin Melton (140).
The toughest Division 2 regional in the state will be the Mt. Pleasant regional, which will have three of the top eight teams in the state in fourth-ranked Bay City Western, sixth-ranked Gaylord, and seventh-ranked Clio.
Bay City Western is led by sophomore Chris Schoenherr, who is ranked No. 1 at 145 pounds. Senior Tom Schoenherr is ranked fourth at 135 pounds, while sophomore Noah Schoenherr is ranked seventh at 119. The Warriors also have state-ranked junior Blake Jackson (130) and senior Cody Okes (189).
Clio is poised to make its first-ever trip to Battle Creek. Senior Mason Smith is the top 125-pounder in the state. Sophomore Kane Williams (171) comes in ranked number four. The Mustangs have outstanding depth, with sophomore Chase Beecher (103), sophomore Drew Hutchinson (112), junior Chase Smith (152), and senior Jacob Hardaker (215) also being ranked.
One of the most competitive districts in the state will be at Greenville. The host Yellowjackets will be tested by a state-ranked Sparta team and by Cedar Springs. The winner of this district will be favored at the Coopersville regional. Greenville’s Cole Antcliff is one of the top heavyweights in the state this season and leads the way for the Yellowjackets.
Sparta boasts a lineup of several state-ranked wrestlers and may be the team to beat. Joel Rees (152) and Dylan Wilkens (112) are among the top in the state, while seniors Kyle May (145) and Jason Ferrell (171) are also state-ranked.
Cedar Springs is led by senior Zach Wamser (171) and sophomore Jordan Ringler (103).
The Linden regional looks up for grabs. Linden, Goodrich, and Holly will battle it out at the Fenton district, with the winner to be a favorite at the Linden regional. Brandon will also be a team to watch at the Linden regional.
Kearsley is a team very capable of winning the Linden regional. It has posted wins against Linden, Holly, Rochester Adams, and Bay City Western this season. Seniors James Davis (171) and Jakob Chapman (119) are highly ranked, while the Hornets have also been receiving strong efforts from Andy Ruhstorfer (103), Zach Elizondo (112), Travis Wildfong (135), and Marcus Moss (215).