BY ED DAVIS
Clarkston News Sports Writer
The Clarkston varsity wrestling team capped off a great season at the state final tournament last weekend in Battle Creek, but six members of that team still have business to attend to.
As a team, the Wolves finished as one of the top four teams in Division I after beating Lansing Eastern in the tournament’s first round 39-33. The Wolves then advanced to take on Heartland, but fell 43-18. Heartland then went on to take on Davison, who repeated as state champions.
‘It was a good season overall,? Clarkston coach Joe DeGain said. ‘Any time you make it to the final four I think that’s a pretty good thing. I told them (the seniors) they did a heck of a good job. And I told them not to let the underclassmen forget that feeling.?
Highlighting the weekend for the Wolves were performances by Tyler Schneider (103), who won his match against Lansing Eastern and Matt Herron (112) who won against Heartland. Sean Turner (160) won his match against Lansing Eastern, while Steve Smiley (171) picked up a pair of wins over the weekend.
‘Steve’s only a sophomore and now he’s starting to step up into his own style,? DeGain said. ‘If he can put it all together, he can really do some damage at the Palace. He’s got quite a bit of strength, but now he’s using more technique. When he learns to match his technique with his muscle, he’ll have a great chance.?
Joining Smiley at the Palace this weekend for the individual state wrestling finals will be Elliot May (125) and Tony Lajoie (130) who were also undefeated on the weekend. Also qualifying is Braden L’Amoreaux, who is now 47-0 on the season. Turner, who is 41-7 this year and Herron, who comes in with a record of 45-6 also qualified.
Herron, May, Lajoie and Turner are all seniors. Herron is a returning state qualifier from last year while May was only one match away from qualifying in his junior year. DeGain said May will have his sights set on one specific opponent, Zak Burns from Davison, who has gotten the best of Herron in the past.
‘He’s been closing the gap against him for some time now. We’re hoping he can ax that curse right now,? DeGain said.