Patriots lead way at Division 4 wrestling
By Journal Sports Staff
MUNISING — Led by seven champions, 26 area wrestlers advanced to regionals after competing at the MHSAA Division 4 individual wrestling district tournament held in Munising on Saturday.
Twelve schools, including six from the area, took part in the tourney. Wrestlers had to finish in the top four to advance to Saturday’s regional at Charlevoix.
Westwood led the way with 11 regional qualifiers and three district champions.
The Patriots’ Sam Gilles defeated Darren Castello of Munising 14-4 in the championship match at 189 pounds to win his district.
Teammate Joe Derocha took out Bradley Hall of Rudyard 16-0 at 103 for his title, as did Nathan Brewer in defeating Larry Laponsie of Rudyard 10-2 at 112.
Other Westwood qualifiers were Jackson Vidlund, second at 171; Josh Bartle, second at 285; Wyatt Carlson, third at 119; Alana Nuorala, third at 125; Tyler Lindholm, fourth at 130; Elliott Lemire, fourth at 135; Carter Guidebeck, fourth at 152; and Rocco Carlson, fourth at 160.
The host Mustangs had five qualifiers — Nick Miles, second at 140; Christian Cole, second at 160; Castello, second at 189; Devin Moore, third at 145; and Trevor Johnson, third at 152.
Ishpeming had four wrestlers advance, led by district champion Alaric Martin at 171, who downed Vidlund 21-8 in the finale.
The Hematites’ Bailey Cadeau was third at 189, Christian Carello fourth at 112 and Andre Walsh fourth at 215. Carello lost matches that went to overtime and double OT, too.
Newberry also had four regional qualifiers, led by district champ Cameron Symonds at 152, who pinned Coty Ionetz of Onaway at 5:59 in his title match; and champ Alex Henry at 160, who edged Cole 4-3 in his final.
The Indians’ Nathan Magnusson was second at 135 and Noah Gielecki fourth at 125.
Gwinn’s lone regional representative is also a district champion. Daniel Johnson defeated Bartle 10-5 in his finale at 285.
Manistique’s regional qualifier is James Schroeder, was was second at 119.
Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.