Lowell's Boone Adds To Successful Run

March 3, 2018

By Jeff Chaney
Special for Second Half

DETROIT – Austin Boone doesn't know too much about losing during the winter sports season.

Wrestling for Lowell, it's easy to understand why.

A week after being part of the Red Arrows’ fifth straight Division 2 team championship, Boone, a sophomore, won his second straight individual championship with a 6-4 win over Killion Southworth of DeWitt in their 145-pound title match Saturday at the MHSAA Individual Finals at Ford Field.

"Our goal coming in here was to do the best we can and get as many names on the wall," Boone said. "For me, this is part of the plan. Two more to go."

The Red Arrows put 11 more names on the wall in their practice room, as 11 Lowell wrestlers came home with all-state medals, led by Boone, the lone champion.

"That breaks our record of nine, and I think it ties a Division 2 record," said Boone, who ended his season with a 44-1 record. Southworth was 53-4.

103

Champion: Riley Bettich, Stevensville Lakeshore, Soph. (43-2)
Technical Fall, 15-0, over Nick Korhorn, Lowell, Soph. (33-10)

Sometimes heartbreak can be the best motivator.

That's what happened to Bettich, who suffered a gut-wrenching one-point loss in overtime to Gaylord's Chayse LaJoie in the 103-pound Final last year.

This year there would be no overtime, as he won by technical fall.

"I have worked so hard for this," Bettich said. "Last year I fell short in the Finals, so it feels great this year to win it.

"(Korhorn) is a very good scrambler, and I had to make sure my legs didn't get caught up in his."

112

Champion: Chayse LaJoie, Gaylord, Soph. (49-4)
Decision, 4-1, over Vincent Perez, Tecumseh, Jr. (53-1)

Last week at the MHSAA Team Finals, LaJoie helped his to the title match, where it lost to Lowell.

LaJoie got a little redemption Saturday at Ford Field when he won his second straight individual title.

"This feels really rewarding for all the work I put in during the offseason and on-season," LaJoie said. "And to come back and with this week after last week, I hope it helps with some of the morale on our team, because we all work hard."

119

Champion: Austin Franco, Niles, Sr. (44-0)
Decision, 10-8, over Caleb Teague, Goodrich, Jr. (42-5)

Wrestling takes a lot of work. And most of that work is geared to win a high school state title.

Franco has been working toward that goal since his youth wrestling days.

After a successful youth career, he placed at the Finals all four years of high school – with two MHSAA runner-up finishes heading into this weekend. 

That made finally achieving his goal that much more meaningful. 

"This is pretty much all I have ever worked for," Franco said. "Coming up short twice, and finally getting it done my senior year, that is the biggest accomplishment of my life."

125

Champion: Derek Giallombardo, Gaylord, Sr. (55-3)
Decision, 10-8, over, Brendan Zelenka, St. Johns, Sr. (28-8)

The big stage didn't bother Giallombardo. He's been here before. 

The four-time Finals qualifier, and two-time placer taking fourth the past two seasons, Giallombardo finally made his way to the top of the podium with a close decision over Zelenka. 

"I have been working for this since my freshman year," Giallombardo said. "Freshman year I only qualified, and my sophomore and junior years I took fourth, so this year coming into this, I knew this was my last chance. I knew I had to make it happen, and I did that."

130

Champion: Branson Proudlock, Gibraltar Carlson, Sr. (46-1)
Decision, 8-2, over Matt Tomsett, Madison Heights Lamphere, Jr. (49-4)

Proudlock wasn't about to rest on his laurels. And he sure wasn't going to run away from the pressure of being a returning champion. 

He knew that everyone who wrestled him this year would be gunning for him. That was his motivation.

"I knew the pressure was definitely on me this year," Proudlock said. "But that gave me more motivation, to do it a second time. 

"My gameplan this year was to get up early and try and score on top. I knew he was pretty tough, so I just tried to score as many points as possible."

135

Champion: Corbyn Munson, Chelsea, Sr. (54-0)
Decision, 11-6, over Avry Mutschler, Lowell, Jr. (40-6)

Most wrestlers who are successful at the state tournament will tell you that what makes them successful is to wrestle their match at their pace and not let their opponent dictate tempo.

That's exactly what Munson did all weekend, and especially in the Final.

"I wanted to get to my stuff and do the things that I like to do," Munson said. "Try not to get into positions he likes. But if I did, just try and out-work him. I pretty much did that."

140

Champion: James Whitaker, St. Johns, Jr. (39-1)
Decision, 6-4, over Caleb Fish, Eaton Rapids, Soph. (48-3)

Wrestling with a bum knee, Whitaker knew the importance of a good start.

And that's exactly what he made happen in winning the 140-pound title.

"I had a really good first period," Whitaker said. "I got that takedown, and then I rode him hard and put him on his back. That really opened it up for me."

And that was a good thing as his cranky knee acted up again during the match, but his lead was enough to carry him through the final whistle.

152

Champion: Alec Rees, Sparta, Jr. (48-0)
Fall, 3:52, over Doug Ferrier, Marysville, Sr. (54-2)

It didn't matter to Rees that the MHSAA Finals moved from The Palace of Auburn Hills to Ford Field this year. 

To him it's just wrestling on a mat.

What was more important to him is that he wasn't going to lose in overtime like he did last year, no matter where the venue. 

"I did have some butterflies," Rees admitted. "It was a new place this year, but the same feeling as last year. I just wanted it more this year. I lost in the Finals last year, and now this (title) is mine forever."

160

Champion: Austin O'Hearon, Eaton Rapids, Sr. (47-1)
Decision, 3-1, over Dustin Gross, Dearborn Heights Annapolis, Sr. (58-1)

Some wrestlers never waiver from their preparations and rituals – no matter if they are at the Finals at Ford Field. 

So after O'Hearon won his second title with a 3-1 win over Gross, he took off sprinting on the Ford Field turf. 

"That is a ritual I do after every match, no matter where I am," O'Hearon said. "I just can't stop putting in the hard work."

And hard work is what it took to give Gross his first loss of the season.

"I went in to try and wear him out and beat him in the end," O'Hearon said. "Now this feels great."

171

Champion: Ryan Ringler, Cedar Springs, Jr. (53-1)
Decision, 9-4, over Cade Dallwitz, Holly, Jr. (54-4)

Wrestling can be a serious sport. The work, the blood and the pain can become stressful. 

But Ringler loves the sport too much to stress out about it. And he wrestled that way this past weekend.

"There is nothing like it," Ringler said. "I was out there having fun. I love wrestling. This is what I have done my whole life. I just love doing it, and I love competing."

189

Champion: Drake Pauwels, New Boston Huron, Sr. (50-0)
Major Decision, 10-0, over Dave Kruse, Lowell, Sr. (39-4)

Sometimes you have to admit to yourself that you are not living up to your own expectations.

That's what Pauwels did this year, and it helped him become an MHSAA champion.

"My mindset had not been the best the last couple of years," Pauwels said. "This year something just clicked for me. I think wrestling is 90 percent mental and 10 percent physical, and I think you need to train your mind just as much as your body."

That philosophy worked, as Pauwels ended his senior year 50-0.

215

Champion: Hunter Krueger, Adrian, Sr. (45-1)
Decision, 2-1 OT, over Joel Radvansky, Warren Woods Tower, Jr. (43-5)

Krueger admitted he has been training for this moment ever since he was able to walk. 

So when the time came to finally achieve his longtime goal, he had a detailed plan coming in and worked it to perfection.

"I wanted a lot more offense, but knew I needed to keep my elbows in and have good shot defense," Krueger said. "I wanted to ride tough on top, which I did. I just wanted to beat him in every aspect of the match, and I think I did that."

285

Champion: Riley Smith, Mason, Sr., (48-1)
Fall, 4:35, over Tyler Hill, Stevensville Lakeshore, Sr. (38-3)

An emotional heavyweight, Smith stood in tears after winning his first title with a pin.

"I feel really relieved for this," Smith said. "It's been two years of me chasing this, and now that I am here, I can't believe it. I did it."

Click for full results.

PHOTO: Lowell’s Austin Boone has his arm raised after winning his second Division 2 title Saturday. (Click for more from HighSchoolSportsScene.com.)

Flashback 100: Legendary Actor Played Multiple Sports Roles at Country Day

April 30, 2025

Robin Williams’ iconic performances in films such as "Good Will Hunting," "Good Morning, Vietnam," "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Dead Poets Society," and the television series "Mork & Mindy" earned him widespread acclaim. Over the course of his career, he received numerous prestigious awards, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, six Golden Globe Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and five Grammy Awards for his stand-up comedy.

Williams graduated from Redwood High School in Larkspur, Calif., and briefly attended Claremont Men’s College before deciding to pursue a career in acting. Prior to moving to California at age 16 — following his father’s retirement — he lived in Michigan, where he attended Detroit Country Day High School. There, he served as class president and was a member of both the wrestling and junior varsity football teams.

Born in Chicago in 1951, Williams spent his early childhood in Illinois before relocating to Bloomfield Hills at the age of 12. His early involvement in sports later echoed in his film roles, including his portrayal of former high school quarterback Jack Dundee in "The Best of Times," and wrestling coach T.S. Garp in "The World According to Garp."

Williams died in 2014 at the age of 63, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and immense creative talent

Previous "Flashback 100" Features

April 23: Legacy Program Provided Start for Pioneering NBA Official Schroeder - Read
April 11: 
Rice's Championship-Winning Ways Started at Flint Northwestern - Read
March 28:
 Youngquist's Times Still Among MHSAA's Fastest - Read
March 18: After 40 Years, Coles' Shot Remains Among Century's Most Famous - Read
March 7: 
Walled Lake Northern's Hellebuyck Reigns as NHL's Elite Netminder - Read
Feb. 27: Zeerip's Mat Stats Remain Rarely-Challenged Chart Toppers - Read
Feb. 21: Before TV Stardom, Kerwin Excelled as All-State Skier - Read
Feb. 14: Detroit Central Star Voted into Pro Football Hall of Fame - Read
Feb. 6: Multi-Sport Star Look Becomes Super Bowl Officiating Legend - Read
Jan. 31: Johnson Family Put Magical Stamp on Michigan High School Hoops - Read
Jan. 24: Future Hall of Famers Face Off First in MHSAA Class A Final - Read
Jan. 17: First-Ever WNBA Draft Pick Rocked at Salem, Won Titles at Tennessee - Read
Jan. 10: Despite Launching Before 3-Point Line, Smith Still Tops Scoring List - Read
Jan. 3: Edison's Jackson Earns Place Among State's All-Time Elite - Read
Dec. 20: Future Olympian Piper Leads Grosse Pointe North to Historic Heights - Read
Dec. 13: 
The Other Mr. Forsythe in Michigan School Sports - Read
Dec. 6: 
Coleman's Legendary Heroics Carry Harrison Through Repeat - Read
Nov. 29: Harbaugh Brothers' Football Roots Planted in Part at Pioneer - Read
Nov. 22: 8-Player Football Finals Right at Home at Superior Dome - Read
Nov. 15: 
Leland Career Helps Set Stage for Glass' International Stardom - Read
Nov. 8: Future Baseball Pro Led Escanaba's Legendary Football Title Run - Read
Nov. 1: Michigan High School Baseball Trio Provide World Series Voices - Read
Oct. 25: Before Leading Free World, Ford Starred for Champion GR South - Read
Oct. 18: Mercy Links Legend Becomes World Golf Hall of Famer - Read
Oct. 11: Fisher Races to Finals Stardom on Way to U.S. Olympic First - Read
Oct. 4: Lalas Leaves High School Legacies on Ice & Pitch - Read
Sept. 27: Tamer's History-Making Run Starts in Dexter, Continues to Paris - Read
Sept. 20: 
Todd Martin’s Road to Greatness Starts at East Lansing - Read
Sept. 13: 
James Earl Jones, Dickson High Hoops to Hollywood Legend - Read
Sept. 6: 
Pioneers' Unstoppable Streak Stretches 9 Seasons - Read
Aug. 30: Detroit dePorres Rushes to 1995 Class CC Football Championship - Read 

PHOTOS Clockwise from left: Robin Williams is pictured as part of his Country Day wrestling team, competing on the mat, and then No. 72 on the JV football team. (Photos courtesy of Detroit Country Day yearbooks.)