BY ED DAVIS
Clarkston News Sports Writer
Clarkston varsity coach Joe DeGain knows how close his team is to doing something truly special. For the first time since 1997, only one year removed since DeGain wrestled under his father Mike, the Wolves will compete at the Michigan High School state wrestling finals tournament.
‘You guys are only three matches away,? DeGain told his team at a recent practice. ‘You guys have impressed a lot of people that have watched us wrestle.?
The Wolves most recently impressed a crowd at Rochester High School when Clarkston was crowned regional champion by beating Troy in the semifinal and then beating West Bloomfield in the final. The wins put the Wolves in the final eight in Division I tournament which kicks off this weekend. One of the teams the Wolves might face is defending state Champion Davidson, who knocked the Wolves out of the regional last year 36-33.
But the Wolves appear stronger this year and put on a solid showing by defeating both the Lakers and Colts by a combined score of 83-43. The Wolves could not have gotten off to a better start in the regional final against the Lakers when they won the first seven matches including wins from Matt Herron, Josh Hensel, Elliot May, Kyle Turner, Tony Lajoie, Braden L’Amoreaux and Josh McCallister. Herron and L’Amoreaux won their matches by pinfall.
DeGain said the Wolves could not have had a better draw with matches starting at the 112 pound weight class.
‘They drew right in the heart of our lineup,? he said. ‘Winning the first seven matches really gave us a lot of momentum. The kids were really fired up and I think that was a big help during the course of the meet.?
However, before the Wolves could begin dismantling the Lakers they had to get past the Colts of Troy. One of the big reasons the Wolves were able to beat their rival was because of the effort put forth by 189 pounder senior Bryan Klein. He defeated Justin Hundich, who Klien had lost to two times earlier this season.
‘For Bryan to win that match was huge for us,? DeGain said.
‘I think it was a big turnaround from what normally happens. It was something that I think really fired up the rest of the guys, Klein said.
Another standout performer from last week’s regional was Tom Ellsworth, who won his opening match against Troy 5-3. DeGain said the freshman has really stepped up a lot this season.
‘He’s only a ninth grader and he’s competing at an upper classman weight class. His matches sure were exciting. I just hope he continues to improve as much as he has.?
The Wolves now set their sights on the ultimate prize ? a state title. For the seniors, this weekend is something they truly appreciate and have worked for during their last four years, Klein said.
‘Ever since I’ve been wrestling for Clarkston each year has been a good, solid group,? he said. ‘This is the furthest we’ve ever gone. It’s great. It’s a lot of fun. But we just have to continue one match at a time. I don’t think we’re really focused strictly on Davison and what happened last year with them.?
However, being a senior, this trip to Battle Creek for the final tournament holds a special meaning for Klein.
‘I think they (the underclassmen) know it’s big,? he said. ‘But I don’t know if they realize how big it is to the seniors.?
He added that he figured the Wolves would come out of the regional, but what lies ahead remains to be seen.
‘I definitely think we were the favorite going in,? Klein said. ‘I knew we’d come out intense and get the job done, but I wasn’t sure how good we’d do.?
Nobody knows for sure how the Wolves will fare this weekend in Battle Creek, but Degain said he’ll take his team’s chances against anyone.
‘The kids are real excited, but at the same time they’re very mature. These kids have enough experience and the seniors, I know, can lead our underclassmen. It’s indescribable (getting to the finals),? DeGain said. ‘To be with the best wrestlers in the state, it’s something special. The atmosphere is like nothing else. They don’t know really what they’re in store for, but I think they’re mature enough to handle it.?