Taking down challengers

Grapplers took over Herm Wilkinson Classic in Howell placing in ten weight classes on Saturday.
The team took second place behind Saginaw Swan Valley. Howell finished third and Durand rounded off the top four.
Jeff Sloney (130) went undefeated in his four matches and took first place.
Raymond Wilkie (103) stood out for during the tournament taking second place and winning two and losing one for the day.
‘He had his best performance of his career, so far,? said Clarkston Varsity Wrestling Head Coach Joe DeGain. ‘He defeated some very good wrestlers and wrestled very smart.?
Also, finishing in second was Zac Roberson (119) and Matt Dietz (140). Other placers include Ty Foltz (135) in third; Kyle Broughton (145), Evan King (160), Matt Vandermeer (189) in fourth; Scott Devos (285) in fifth; and Nick Vandermeer (125) in sixth.
The boys started the week on Wednesday taking on Lake Orion and Rochester at the Avondale Duals. They beat the Dragons, 38-31, and the Falcons, 40-30.
‘It was a great win for us to beat Lake Orion and Rochester,? said DeGain. ‘I was very proud of the wrestlers. We have a lot of work to do, but the wrestlers are fighting with everything they have.?
DeGain noticed Nick Vandermeer had a good night, especially finishing the meet with Lake Orion by major decision, 5-2, to take the win from the Dragons.
‘He had a fantastic night and defeating a very established Lake Orion wrestler,? said DeGain.
Sloney got the meet going winning, 11-3. Foltz (140) and Dietz (145) made pins to aid the win and Broughton (152), King, Matt Vandermeer and Roberson won by scoring more points than their competitors.
Nick Vandermeer was the first to score against Rochester. Sloney, Dietz and Roberson aided to the win scoring six points each with pins.
The Wolves head into the Oakland County Meet this Friday and Saturday.
‘The county meet is always a lot of fun,? said DeGain. ‘The guys take a lot of pride in being a front runner for the tournament. We are all excited to get out there and wrestle.?
The meet begins at 4 p.m. on Friday and continues at 10 a.m. the next day at Oxford Middle School.
‘We are finally starting to settle into a lineup and it should be interesting to see how this strengthens our performance.?