An annual Goodrich sporting event will draw some of the top wrestling teams in the state just before the new year.
The Goodrich Wrestling Tournament of Champions, scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 30, 2004, will feature 17 teams, including host Goodrich, from across the state vying for wrestling supremacy. (Results were not available as of press time, but will be featured in next week’s issue of The Citizen).
Goodrich athletic director Al Martus said the tournament began about 15 years ago, when former Goodrich wrestling coach Dennis Storrs came up with the idea for a ‘meet of champions,? which would include between 16-18 teams in the state that had won a championship.
Since that time, the meet has been held in Goodrich each year as a way to keep the Martians, and other teams competing in the tournament, in shape during the holidays, Martus said.
‘There are quality teams competing in the tournament each year,? he said.
Medals are awarded to the top six placers in each weight class, and those wrestlers who finish in the top six in their respective weight class will earn points for their schools.
Team awards will be given to the top three teams, and outstanding wrestler awards for the tournament will be given in two different categories: 103-140 lbs., and 145 lbs.-heavyweight.
Last year, Dundee won the tournament with 200 points, while Lapeer West finished second with 175 points and Springport third with 153. Goodrich placed 14th with 39 points.
Goodrich had three individuals among the top seven in their respective weight classes last season: Barrett Johnson (who has since graduated), Jason Fischer and Andy Bohlen (both of whom are on this year’s team).