Returning from their holiday layoff in impressive fashion, Clarkston’s wrestling team picked up two wins in a dual meet hosted by Auburn Hills Avondale on Jan. 4.
The Wolves defeated West Bloomfield 36-28 and worked over Waterford Mott 68-12.
‘It was a pretty important dual for us. We had to depend on some of our younger guys step in for us,? said Clarkston Coach Joe DeGain.
Clarkston was without Steve Smiley, Mitch Miller, Josh Booker and Steve Cooper. Four wrestlers who helped the Wolves to their fifth straight Oakland County Tournament championship on Dec.17.
Against West Bloomfield, Tyler Schneider (125 pounds), Eric Butterfield (140) and Tommy Ellsworth (160) each won by pin. Mike Maguire (119), Colton Tweed (145), Bryant Craft (152), Josh McAllister (171) and Steve Herron (275) all picked up wins against the Lakers as well.
The Wolves picked up 30 of their 68 points due to five voids in Mott lineup. Mike Maguire (119), Alex Popp (130), Spencer Karrick (135), Anthony Herron (140), McAllister and Craft all won by pin. Ellsworth and Schneider were also victorious against Mott.
DeGain was especially pleased with young wrestlers such as Karrick and Popp as they helped plug the holes in the Wolves? lineup.
Next up for Clarkston is a dual meet at home against Lapeer West on Jan. 11 followed by a trip to the Michigan duals at Bay City Western on Jan 14.
‘We are still going to be a little banged up, but it’s the time of year where everyone is banged up,? DeGain said.
Clarkston is now 3-1 in dual matches this season and opens the league season at 2-0.