Team Finals: 32 Contenders, at a Glance
February 23, 2012
Headed to Battle Creek this weekend? So are 32 wrestling teams competing for one of four MHSAA team championships beginning with Friday's Quarterfinals at Battle Creek.
Check out our division-by-division primers with information on every team competing this weekend, including their championship histories and MHSAA Individual Finals qualifiers this winter.
Click for a schedule of all matches through Saturday's Finals, plus results as matches are complete. Teams are listed below by Quarterfinal seed.
Division 1
#1 DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL
Record/rank: 22-3, No. 1
League finish: First in Detroit Catholic High School League
Coach: Mitch Hancock, fifth season (103-25)
Championship history: Eight MHSAA championships (most recently in 2010), two runner-up finishes
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Trevor Zdebski (fr.) 31-5, 112 Myles Amine (fr.) 33-12, 125 T.J. Fagan (sr.) 21-3, 130 Ken Bade (soph.) 43-1, 135 Malik Amine (soph.) 32-8, 152 Alec Mooradian (sr.) 41-2, 160 Nick Mason (sr.) 38-9, 171 Drew Garcia (soph.) 39-3, 189 Kevin Beazley (sr.) 41-1, 285 Bob Coe (jr.) 35-6,
Outlook: The Shamrocks are among favorites again and lost by just a point to Oxford in last season’s Final. DCC has given up just 20 points through four matches so far in the tournament, and shut out two opponents. A line-up with 10 individual Finals qualifiers is headed by Mooradian, who is hoping for his fourth MHSAA individual championship next week. Garcia and Beazley were individual runners-up in 2011.
#2 BRIGHTON
Record/rank: 39-0, No. 3
League finish: First in Kensington Lakes Activities Association
Coach: Sam Amine, sixth season (212-23)
Championship history: Has never appeared in an MHSAA championship match.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 119 Jordan Amine (jr.) 46-6, 130 C.J. Brish (sr.) 49-3, 135 Evan Hoshaw (sr.) 49-3, 140 Ryan Foley (jr.) 39-6, 145 Nick Brish (fr.) 43-9, 152 Aaron Calderon (jr.) 52-2, 160 Jordan Maschke (sr.) 48-4, 171 Andy White (sr.) 48-6.
Outlook: Sam Amine has Brighton on the cusp of its first MHSAA team championship, and led Warren Lincoln to the 1994 Class A championship. His career record of 549-76 places him eighth in MHSAA wrestling history for coaching wins. The Bulldogs might be the most senior-heavy team in the tournament, with 10 expected in the starting lineup.
#3 DAVISON
Record/rank: 19-4, No. 2
Coach: Roy Hall, 15th season (378-64-1)
Championship history: Eight MHSAA championships (most recently 2006), one runner-up finish.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Jacob Madrigal (soph.) 32-12, 103 Lincoln Olson (fr.) 41-0, 119 Justin Oliver (soph.) 39-2, 125 Dominic Russ (soph.) 35-9, 130 Matthew Miller (soph.) 26-4, 135 Carter Stoddard (jr.) 31-11, 140 Thomas Garty (soph.) 31-10, 145 Patrick Rooker (jr.) 22-10, 160 Jordan Cooks (soph.) 30-2.
Outlook: Davison is back in the Quarterfinals for the first time in four seasons and after winning its 14th consecutive league title. Davison had one of the MHSAA’s most dominant runs ever under Hall, with five straight championships from 2002-06, and six total in seven seasons. Oliver is the reigning MHSAA individual champion at 112, and one of six sophomores in a starting line-up that also features just one senior.
#4 TEMPERANCE BEDFORD
Record/rank: 20-3, No. 4
League finish: First in Southeastern Conference
Coach: Kevin Vogel, first season (20-3)
Championship history: 11 MHSAA championships (most recently 2011), seven runner-up finishes.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 112 Mitch Rogaliner (jr.) 41-2, 119 Mitch Pawlak (jr.) 39-10, 140 Al Regnier (sr.) 38-11, 189 Brandon Sunday (jr.) 44-5, 215 Bryan Smith (sr.) 40-1, 285 Logan Rimmer (sr.) 43-1.
Outlook: Vogel, a two-time individual champion for Temperance Bedford, in 1986 and 1987, starts 10 wrestlers with at least 30 wins this season, including 2011 individual runners-up up Rogaliner and Rimmer. The Kicking Mules eliminated No. 10 Westland John Glenn on the way to Kellogg Arena.
#5 HARTLAND
Record/rank: 29-3, No. 5
League finish: Second in Kensington Lakes Activities Association
Coach: Todd Cheney, 20th season (529-86-2)
Championship history: Four MHSAA runner-up finishes (most recently in 2007)
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Nate Hughes (soph.) 45-7, 112 Jacob Gorial (fr.) 46-8, 119 Austin Eicher (soph.) 47-6, 125 Justin Rollins (soph.) 29-16, 140 Anthony Colaianne (soph.) 41-12, 152 Mitchell Thomas (jr.) 44-10, 160 Chad Maks (jr.) 24-12, 171 Justin Charneski (sr.) 42-12, 189 Matt Ostermiller (sr.) 45-8, 215 Brian Braun (jr.) 44-8.
Outlook: An MHSAA team championship could be a crowning achievement for Cheney, who led Hartland to runner-up finishes four straight seasons from 2004-07. The Eagles have made 11 straight Quarterfinals. And that streak should continue for at least a few more winters – Charneski, Ostermiller and Braun are the only seniors in the regular starting line-up, which features seven wrestlers with at least 40 wins this season.
#6 OXFORD
Record/rank: 18-5, No. 7
League finish: Tied for first in Oakland Activities Association Red
Coach: Brandon Rank, first season (18-5)
Championship history: One MHSAA championship (2011), one runner-up finish.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Dan Curtis (jr.) 40-12, 112 Edwin Schlickenmeyer (soph.) 31-7, 125 Kyle Hill (sr.) 46-5, 130 Mike Willits (soph.) 41-9, 135 Noah Cantara (sr.) 36-16, 140 Rocco Borg (jr.) 42-8, 145 Wes Maskill (soph.) 34-14, 152 Jacob Peasley (sr.) 32-2, 160 Marty Giannola (jr.) 41-14, 171 Liam Logan (jr.) 23-20, 215 Prescott Line (sr.) 42-0.
Outlook: Oxford emerged from arguably the most competitive region in any division, downing No. 9 Fair Haven Anchor Bay and No. 6 Rochester to return to Battle Creek and continue its title defense. Rank took over the program this season after five as an assistant and inherited a reigning individual MHSAA champion in Line and six more starters from last season’s championship team.
#7 GRAND HAVEN
Record/rank: 21-7, unranked
League finish: First in O-K Red
Coach: James Richardson, 13th season (226-74)
Championship history: Has never appeared in an MHSAA championship match.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Camden Bertucci (fr.) 42-3, 125 John Juchartz (sr.) 26-14, 135 Allen Torres (sr.) 38-8, 152 Dakota Juarez (soph.) 36-5, 171 Connor Moynihan (jr.) 43-2, 189 Dakota Smith (sr.) 12-1, 215 Matt Mulcahy (jr.) 30-16, 215 Garrett Kelly (sr.) 36-9, 285 Ian Raddle (sr.) 32-12.
Outlook: Although the Buccaneers had won 12 districts in Richardson’s 13 seasons, this is their first time going a step further under the former Eaton Rapids and Michigan State standout. And they could be one of the most dangerous underdogs this weekend, coming off a win over No. 8 Rockford in the Regional and with seven wrestlers boasting at least 30 wins.
#8 ROSEVILLE
Record/rank: 13-15, unranked
League finish: Third in Macomb Area Conference Red
Coach: Davon Gray, second season (22-31)
Championship history: Has never appeared in an MHSAA championship match.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 112 Doug Zundel (sr.) 38-5, 140 Kirk Wawrzyniak (sr.) 45-3, 189 John Potestato (sr.) 28-19.
Outlook: For the second straight season, Roseville posted a sub-.500 match record but has advanced to the MHSAA Quarterfinals. Gray won individual MHSAA championships for Roseville in 1993 and 1994. Seven of his starters have won at least 20 matches this season.
Division 2
#1 ST. JOHNS
Record/rank: 22-1, No. 1
League finish: First in Capital Area Activities Conference Red
Coach: Zane Ballard, 10th season (208-85)
Championship history: Two MHSAA championships (most recently 2011)
Individual Finals qualifiers: 112 Zac Hall (soph.) 34-1, 119 Logan Massa (fr.) 36-1, 125 Jacob Schmitt (jr.) 37-2, 130 Rory Bender (sr.) 28-7, 135 Brant Schafer (jr.) 33-1, 135 Cameron Bender (sr.) 26-5, 140 Ben Whitford (jr.) 33-0, 145 Josh Pennell (jr.) 36-2, 152 Travis Curley (sr.) 36-3, 160 Jordan Wohlfert (sr.) 37-1, 171 Taylor Massa (sr.) 35-0, 215 Conrado Dominguez (sr.) 14-5, 215 Payne Hayden (jr.) 36-5.
Outlook: The Redwings return 10 starters from last season’s championship team, including reigning individual MHSAA champs Hall, Taylor Massa and Wohlfert and runners-up Schmitt and Schafer. St. Johns also won Division 2 in 2010. That lone defeat this winter came against Lakewood St. Edward of Ohio, the Redwings first loss since 2009-10. Still, St. Johns is considered arguably the top team in any division this weekend.
#2 LOWELL
Record/rank: 24-1, No. 2
League finish: First in O-K White
Coach: David Dean, seventh season (194-31)
Championship history: Three MHSAA championships (most recently 2009), four runner-up finishes.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Derek Krajewski (soph.) 32-8, 112 Bailey Jack (soph.) 33-4, 119 Jordan Hall (fr.) 27-7, 125 Kalvin Meyer (sr.) 23-15, 125 Nate Limmex (fr.) 32-6, 140 Gabe Morse (sr.) 35-0, 145 Angus Arthur (fr.) 32-8, 152 Kanon Dean (soph.) 23-10, Andrew Morse (sr.) 30-0, 171 Garrett Stehley (soph.) 31-3, Gabe Dean (sr.) 27-3, 215 Josh Colegrove (fr.) 28-0.
Outlook: Although Lowell fell to St. Johns by 23 earlier this season, it is considered the favorite if any team is going to hand the Redwings their first in-state loss in two seasons. The Red Arrows are back at Kellogg for the second straight season under Dean, a former assistant at Michigan State, and gave up a combined 18 points in four matches during the postseason. Gabe Morse, Andrew Morse and Gabe Dean all are reigning Division 2 individual champions.
#3 ALLEGAN
Record/rank: 32-3, No. 4
League finish: First in Wolverine Conference
Coach: Murray Rose, 25th season (623-135-2)
Championship history: Two MHSAA championships (most recently 2007), two runner-up finishes.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 119 Austin Kelley (jr.) 54-3, 130 Kyle Simaz (soph.) 55-2, 145 Taylor Simaz (sr.) 53-1, 152 Drew Huff (jr.) 41-15, 160 Andrew Kelley (sr.) 53-3, 215 Devyn Hinds (sr.) 16-8.
Outlook: Rose is one of just a handful of coaches in MHSAA wrestling history with more than 600 wins, and has led his team to league championships 17 of the last 19 seasons. Allegan beat No. 8 Byron Center by 27 in the Regional and gave up an average of just 10.5 points in four matches to get to Battle Creek. Kyle Simaz was an individual runner-up at 119 pounds last season, and Taylor Simaz won the 125-pound championship in 2010.
#4 TECUMSEH
Record/rank: 29-4, No. 3
League finish: First in Southeastern Conference
Coach: Tony Greathouse, first season (29-4)
Championship history: Has never appeared in an MHSAA championship match.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Ricky Azelton (soph.) 37-17, 112 Chase Lewis (sr.) 33-6, 135 Ronnie Bechtol (sr.) 41-9, 140 Anthony Lesko (jr.) 39-7, 152 Christian Shelby (sr.) 42-13, 171 Cole Amstutz (jr.) 39-12, 285 Joe Rebottaro (jr.) 40-14.
Outlook: Greathouse, a former Mason High and Michigan State University standout, has Tecumseh contending for its first MHSAA championship in his first season after serving as an assistant in 2010-11. While individual Finals qualifiers make up half the starting line-up, balance makes the Indians even tougher – nine starters have won at least 30 matches this season.
#5 GREENVILLE
Record/rank: 26-7, No. 5
League finish: Second in O-K White
Coach: Paul Johnson, 23rd season (508-110-3)
Championship history: One MHSAA championship (2008), one runner-up finish.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Mike Schmidt (fr.) 42-10, 125 Alec Ward (soph.) 40-12, 140 Devon Lehman (sr.) 34-9, 160 Luke Gilmore (sr.) 38-4, 189 Jordan Thomas (sr.) 41-0, 215 Carter Magirl (jr.) 26-17.
Outlook: Greenville finished runner-up to St. Johns last season and is making its third straight trip to Kellogg after winning its seventh straight District championship. Eight starters from last season’s championship match are expected to start this weekend as well, including Thomas – who will wrestle for his third straight individual championship next weekend and finished among runners-up as a freshman.
#6 STEVENSVILLE LAKESHORE
Record/rank: 22-9, No. 7
League finish: First in Southwest Michigan Athletic Conference
Coach: Bruce Bittenbender, 42nd season (809-201-2)
Championship history: Two MHSAA runner-up finishes (most recently 1994)
Individual Finals qualifiers: 112 Aaron Ward (fr.) 35-15, 119 Noah Hanau (fr.) 33-18, 125 Patrick Blommel (soph.) 26-21, 140 Travis Dragomer (sr.) 42-5, 160 J.P. McDougall (jr.) 32-13, 215 Kyle Spear (sr.) 31-3, 285 Kyle Carlson (sr.) 41-3.
Outlook: Bittenbender entered this season second nationally in career wins among wrestling coaches, and has his team in Battle Creek for the fifth straight season. His line-up has at least three wrestlers from every grade – and seven with 30 or more victories this season.
#7 HOLLY
Record/rank: 29-5, No. 6
League finish: First in Flint Metro League
Coach: Don Pluta, 29th season (531-236)
Championship history: Has never appeared in an MHSAA championship match.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 119 Tyler Gibson (sr.) 45-6, 125 Mason Cleaver (jr.) 47-1, 130 Anthony Gonzales (jr.) 43-3, 145 Andrew Scott (soph.) 39-6, 215 Shawn Scott (sr.) 47-0.
Outlook: Shawn Scott, a Division 2 individual runner-up at 171 last season, is best-known of the Bronchos. But the team’s strength might be from 119-135 – Gibson, Cleaver and Gonzales have a combined nine losses, and junior Zach Jones is 24-2 holding down 135. Pluta is another member of the 500-win coaching club and has led Holly to five District championships in six seasons.
#8 MASON
Record/rank: 35-4, No. 10
League finish: First in Capital Area Activities Conference Gold
Coach: Brian Martel, ninth season (274-55)
Championship history: Three MHSAA championships (most recently 2006), one runner-up finish.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 140 Rylen Droscha (soph.) 38-7, 145 Sean Houghton (jr.) 38-12, 152 Nick Starzec (sr.) 44-1, 160 Thomas Beebe (sr.) 35-10, 171 Austin Droscha (jr.) 35-11, 189 Bobby Albert (sr.) 39-11, 285 Adam Robinson (sr.) 42-4.
Outlook: Mason is a regular at Kellogg, and won three championships over four seasons from 2003-06. The Bulldogs have increased their team win total each of the last three seasons and should give St. Johns a good battle boasting eight wrestlers with at least 30 wins. Starzec is a reigning MHSAA individual runner-up, and Robinson is considered a contender at heavyweight next weekend.
Division 3
#1 RICHMOND
Record/rank: 26-5, No. 1
League finish: Tied for first in Blue Water Area Conference
Co-coaches: Brandon Day, eighth season (277-59); George T. Hamblin, 20th season (545-162-1)
Championship history: Five MHSAA championships (most recently 2011), three runner-up finishes.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 112 Austin Vannatter (fr.) 30-14, 119 Stephen Ireland (sr.) 18-3, 119 Nick Burg (soph.) 32-11, 125 Dustin Pitcel (sr.) 41-5, 125 Austin Cattera (jr.) 38-10, 135 Devin Skatzka (fr.) 40-8, 135 Nate Henke (jr.) 35-9, 140 Garrett Edwards (sr.) 44-6, 160 Scott Gulette (sr.) 34-17, 171 John Gaffney (sr.) 39-13, 189 Eric Boyd (sr.) 40-13, 215 Greg Sebastian (sr.) 38-6, 285 Josh Younk (sr.) 38-14.
Outlook: Richmond has won the last two Division 3 team championships and yielded only nine points in four postseason matches so far this winter. Pitcel is the reigning individual runner-up at 119 pounds last season and is among 13 state qualifiers; all 14 starters have winning records this season.
#2 DUNDEE
Record/rank: 15-7, No. 2
League finish: Tied for first in Lenawee County Athletic Association
Coach: Tim Roberts, 13th season (364-51-1)
Championship history: Six MHSAA championships (most recently 2007), four runner-up finishes.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Jalen Torres (soph.) 30-22, 130 Doug Rojem (soph.) 45-3, 130 Brandon Atchley (sr.) 35-12, 140 Sean Marogen (soph.) 21-10, 140 Brody Whitman (jr.) 37-12, 145 Liam Grantham (jr.) 29-5, 152 Todd Olson (jr.) 31-10, Zach Newhouse (sr.) 44-8, 171 Teddy Warren (soph.) 40-8, 215 Jay Sroufe (jr.) 33-9, 285 Josh Marogen (jr.) 30-5.
Outlook: All six of Dundee’s individual finalists from last season moved on, but no matter. The Vikings are in the Quarterfinals for the 10th consecutive season and hoping for their first championship berth since finishing runner-up for the third straight year in 2010.
#3 REMUS CHIPPEWA HILLS
Record/rank: 36-4, No. 3
League finish: Tied for first in Central State Activities Association
Coach: Nate Ethridge, 12th season (355-74)
Championship history: Has never appeared in an MHSAA championship match.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Zach King (soph.) 39-8, 112 Zack Cooper (jr.) 55-2, 119 Nathan Weckesser (soph.) 48-12, 119 James Leiter (sr.) 54-5, 135 John Wernette (jr.) 53-7, 140 Jason Peacock (jr.) 40-1, 145 Latear Dukes (jr.) 41-18, 189 Damien Curtice (sr.) 47-14, 215 Quentin Moody (sr.) 41-17.
Outlook: Ethridge has led Chippewa Hills to five Quarterfinals over the last seven seasons, and this could be the tournament the Warriors break through. All but two wrestlers have at least 30 wins this season, and two more not in the probable lineup for this weekend have won at least 25 matches apiece. Cooper is the reigning individual champion at 103.
#4 BIRCH RUN
Record/rank: 22-3, No. 4
League finish: First in Tri-Valley Conference East
Coach: Bart Bennett, fourth season (110-18)
Championship history: Has never appeared in an MHSAA championship match.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Jerry Fenner (fr.) 47-4, 112 Adam Bishop (jr.) 42-9, 130 Lake Bennett (jr.) 50-4, 135 Damian Johnson (jr.) 43-8, 152 Caleb Slavik (sr.) 40-5.
Outlook: Birch Run has won three straight Districts under Bart Bennett, a 2001 individual champion for the Panthers, and finished ahead of three other ranked teams to claim the overall TVC championship earlier this season. Birch Run has 12 wrestlers with at least 30 wins, and gave up only 27 points total in four postseason matches.
#5 OTSEGO
Record/rank: 28-2, No. 7
League finish: Second in Wolverine Conference
Coach: Brian Sparks, fourth season (121-35)
Championship history: One MHSAA championship (2001)
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Holden Dunklee (jr.) 43-10, 112 Matt Chavez (sr.) 31-9, 119 Kody Hukill (jr.) 43-8, 125 Johnny Johnson (jr.) 38-10, 130 Alberto Lopez (sr.) 46-2, 140 Eric Dennis (sr.) 46-5, 171 Cory Livingston (jr.) 44-7.
Outlook: Otsego finished second in its league to only Division 2 Quarterfinalist Allegan, and is back in the Division 3 Quarterfinals for the second straight season. Although junior Devin Barker didn’t qualify for the Individual Finals, he’s 37-7 and further strengthens a solid group that anchors to lower part of the lineup.
#6 WHITEHALL
Record/rank: 24-6, No. 5
League finish: Second in West Michigan Conference
Coach: Cliff Sandee, fifth season (123-25)
Championship history: One MHSAA runner-up finish (1984).
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Logan Irey (jr.) 44-5, 119 Nate Manthei (jr.) 38-13, 125 Alex Whitener (soph.) 29-18, 130 Josh Couturier (sr.) 35-16, 145 Dillon McCarthy (sr.) 42-6, 152 Steven Sika (jr.) 43-8, 160 Cameron Lewis (sr.) 27-14, 171 Joe Sika (jr.) 42-9, 189 Logan Potter (sr.) 46-5, 285 Logan Morningstar (jr.) 41-8.
Outlook: Whitehall set a program record with 10 individual qualifiers this season. That doesn’t include junior Casey Robinson, who also has 30 wins this season, at 119. The Vikings nearly doubled up No. 6 Allendale in the Regional Final.
#7 CARO
Record/rank: 27-2, No. 8
League finish: Second in TVC East
Co-coaches: Steve Ley, 31st season (436-114-1); Bob Suranye, 27th season (409-96-2)
Championship history: One MHSAA championship (2003), two runner-up finishes.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Shane Herrman (jr.) 45-5, 112 Cody Hall (sr.) 46-5, 160 Trevor Jaster (jr.) 40-5, 171 Jeremy Decker (sr.) 45-9, 189 Kendall Betteridge (soph.) 48-5.
Outlook: Caro is back in the Quarterfinals for the first time since finishing up a five-year run in 2007. Jaster is a two-time individual Finals runner-up and one of six Tigers with at least 40 wins this season. And this could be the start of another streak. Of eight Caro wrestlers who have at least 30 wins, only two are seniors.
#8 ROSCOMMON
Record/rank: 24-5, unranked
League finish: First in Jack Pine Conference
Coach: Ron Noreyko, first season (24-5)
Championship history: One MHSAA runner-up finish (2006)
Individual Finals qualifiers: 119 Dustin Noreyko (sr.) 24-2, 125 Caleb Jernigan (soph.) 39-8, 140 Drake Lewandowski (jr.) 36-9.
Outlook: Roscommon may have just three individual Finals qualifiers, but is strong through the low and middle weights. Damien Lewandowski (15-9), Marcus Kelley (38-5) and Matt Morley (37-9) mix with the team’s qualifiers to fill six straight weights through the middle of the lineup.
Division 4
#1 HUDSON
Record/rank: 24-2, No. 1
League finish: First in Lenawee County Athletic Association
Coach: Scott Marry, 24th season (627-135)
Championship history: Three MHSAA championships (most recently 2011).
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Roddy Hamdam (fr.) 34-10, 103 Isaac Dusseau (soph.) 33-9, 112 Tyler Roberts (fr.) 33-12, 119 Cole Weaver (soph.) 44-0, 125 J.D. Waters (soph.) 36-12, 135 Luke Sparapani (sr.) 33-12, 152 Joel Varney (sr.) 43-2, 160 Devan Marry (sr.) 43-2, 189 Cody Walden (sr.) 25-20, 189 James Herron (sr.) 38-7, 285 Zach Rieger (jr.) 41-4.
Outlook: The Tigers’ run over the last four seasons is nothing short of dominant. Hudson is seeking a fourth straight MHSAA team championship, and Scott Marry also is one of only a few in MHSAA history who have won 600 matches. Varney is the reigning Division 4 individual champion at 145 pounds and Weaver and Devan Marry were runners-up in 2011.
#2 NEW LOTHROP
Record/rank: 26-2, No. 2
League finish: First in Genesee Area Conference
Coach: Jeff Campbell, 11th season (275-57)
Championship history: 12 MHSAA championships (most recently 2004), four runner-up finishes.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 125 Josh Wendling (soph.) 39-7, 130 Jacob Perrin (jr.) 46-3, 135 Taylor Krupp (soph.) 50-5, 140 Clayton Simons (jr.) 29-5, 145 Aaron Bauman (soph.) 43-9, 152 Dakota Clark (soph.) 17-14, 160 Cody Symons (soph.) 39-12, 171 Wade Earhardt (sr.) 49-1, 189 Spencer Gross (sr.) 26-6, 189 Austin Severn (sr.) 51-2, 285 Owen Wilson (soph.) 31-16.
Outlook: Simons and Severn are reigning individual champions and top a group of 11 individual qualifiers – but there are just three seniors in that bunch and four total in the starting lineup. Perrin, Krupp, Simons and Bauman give the Hornets four straight weights with wrestlers who have either won at least 40 matches or an MHSAA championship. New Lothrop has advanced to at least the Quarterfinals in all 11 of Campbell's seasons running the program, and last finished runner-up in 2007.
#3 SHELBY
Record/rank: 31-2, No. 4
League finish: First in West Michigan Conference
Coach: Ed Felt, 16th season (411-84)
Championship history: Two MHSAA championships (most recently 1972)
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Austin Felt (jr.) 48-6, 119 Will Foster (sr.) 52-5, 125 David Guerra (soph.) 35-8, 135 Jordan White (sr.) 22-7, 140 Trevor Dezwaan (sr.) 43-12, 152 Forrest Courtright (soph.) 37-20, 171 Mason Courtright (sr.) 52-4, 215 Dillion Ankney (jr.) 42-6.
Outlook: Despite Shelby’s long absence from an MHSAA championship match, the Tigers are headed to the Quarterfinals for the third time under Felt and competed in Division 3 until moving into Division 4 this winter. Shelby has won 12 league titles over the last 13 seasons, this season one spot ahead of Division 3 Quarterfinalist Whitehall.
#4 MANCHESTER
Record/rank: 27-2 , No. 9
League finish: Tied for first in Cascades Conference
Coach: Steve Vleck, 21st season (401-171)
Championship history: One MHSAA runner-up finish (2008)
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Brock Vleck (103) 36-11, 130 Tom Conway (sr.) 28-9, 130 Case Kittel (sr.) 30-15, 135 Eric Coval (soph.) 37-13, 171 Cody Render (sr.) 35-4, 215 Austin Hamilton (sr.) 44-4.
Outlook: Manchester is making its fifth Quarterfinal appearance in six seasons and also has won eight straight District titles. All 14 starters plus five subs have winning records this season – and although only Hamilton has more than 40 wins, 13 others have at least 19 victories.
#5 CONSTANTINE
Record/rank: 32-2, unranked
League finish: First in Kalamazoo Valley Association
Coach: Steve Wilson, sixth season (170-39)
Championship history: One MHSAA championship (1993), one runner-up finish.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 152 Ben Mallo (jr.) 39-5, 160 Jeremiah Waterman (jr.) 42-7, 171 Dominick Rogers (jr.) 38-10, 285 Andrew Turner (jr.) 28-13.
Outlook: Constantine is making its third straight Quarterfinal appearance and is a combined 111-10 over those three seasons. All but one starter has a winning record, and four subs are over .500 as well. Six have at least 30 wins, and 12 at least 20.
#6 DECATUR
Record/rank: 26-2, No. 6
League finish: Second in Southwestern Athletic Conference
Coach: Brian Southworth, 28th season (567-198-3)
Championship history: Has never appeared in a championship match.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Hunter Bell (fr.) 45-4, 112 Luke Bell (sr.) 49-1, 125 Ryan Smit (sr.) 45-8, 285 Zack Kennedy (sr.) 39-8.
Outlook: Decatur is making its second straight Quarterfinal appearance, and despite just a handful of individual qualifiers is solid throughout the line-up. All 14 starters have winning records – 11 have 30 or more wins – plus five subs are better than .500 this season. Sophomore Jason Nash didn’t advance to the Individual Finals, but is one of four with more than 40 wins.
#7 ROGERS CITY
Record/rank: 26-10, unranked
League finish: Second in Straits Area Conference
Coach: Pat Lamb, 14th season (342-99)
Championship history: One MHSAA runner-up finish (2005)
Individual Finals qualifiers: 119 Joe Sobeck (sr.) 32-7, 125 Evan Lamb (jr.) 50-5, 189 Caleb Pommerenke (jr.) 37-8.
Outlook: This is Rogers City’s first Quarterfinal appearance since 2008, but the Hurons have reached this round seven times under Pat Lamb. Freshmen Cameron Urban and Jacob Sobeck also have topped 40 wins this season and wrestle at 103 and 119, respectively. Joe Sobeck is one of only three seniors on the team, which could mean this is just the first of repeat trips to Kellogg.
#8 HOLTON
Record/rank: 24-8, unranked
League finish: Third in Central State Activities Association
Coach: Kevin Gue, fourth season (record N/A)
Championship history: Has never appeared in an MHSAA championship match.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 103 Jordan Whitener (fr.) 35-14, 112 Garrett Martin (fr.) 45-7, 119 Grant Younts (soph.) 33-18, 145 Jacob Moreen (jr.) 37-12, 152 Sheldon Cregg (sr.) 28-23, 215 Chet Atkins (sr.) 48-6.
Outlook: Holton is one of two Quarterfinalists from the CSAA, joining Division 3 qualifier Remus Chippewa Hills, and despite voiding at 171 pounds. Although freshman Hayden Cregg (125) and senior Derek Sova (189) will not be joining their teammates at the Individual Finals, both have 41 wins this season and further augment the lineup.
PHOTO, from last season's Hudson/Manchester Semifinal, courtesy of Mid-Michigan Sports Scene.
Preview: Wings Awaits Challengers Chasing Champions, Record-Setting Opportunity
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
February 26, 2026
Detroit Catholic Central. Lowell. Dundee. Hudson.
Together, they have won 20 of the 24 MHSAA Team Finals championships awarded this decade. And all are seeded first in their respective divisions again this weekend at Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo.
While their winning streaks remain storylines of note, one more definitely deserves attention. Hudson coach Scott Marry will bring a 980-216 career record into this weekend. One more win will tie him with retired Stevensville Lakeshore coach Bruce Bittenbender for the most in MHSAA wrestling history. A second victory in Saturday’s Semifinal would send Marry to the top of the list.
Competition begins Friday at noon with the first of four sets of Quarterfinals. Semifinals are 9:30 a.m. and noon Saturday, with championship matches on four adjacent mats at 3:45 p.m. Brackets for all four divisions, links to buy tickets and watch online can be found on the Wrestling page. See below for glances at all 32 hopefuls, listed by division and seed.
Division 1
#1 DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL
Record/rank: 17-5, No. 1
League finish: First in Catholic High School League
Coach: Mitch Hancock, 19th season (422-68)
Championship history: Eighteen MHSAA championships (most recent 2025), four runner-up finishes.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 106 Gavin Boller (30-10) fr., 113 Gabriel Ryzyi (35-8) fr., 120 Brent Coak (23-17) fr., 126 Jamison Gregory (27-7) jr., 126 Ryan Totten (35-9) jr., 132 Wyatt Lees (37-3) sr., 132 Meyer Murray (23-14) soph., 138 Mack Moscovic (33-10) jr., 150 Grayson Fuchs (22-1) jr., 157 Alexander Buskirk (30-7) sr., 175 Braxten Roche (21-7) soph., 190 Caden Krueger (36-4) jr., 215 Collin Payne (30-15) sr.
Outlook: Detroit Catholic Central will attempt to win a fourth-straight Division 1 championship for the second time and run its total to eight Finals titles over the last decade. There are still only three seniors among 13 Individual Finals qualifiers, and two reigning individual champions in Lees and Fuchs. Totten finished runner-up to Lees at 120 pounds last year, while Moscovic, Gregory, Murray, Buskirk, Roche and Krueger all are returning Individual Finals placers as well. Lees will be wrestling for a fourth individual title and Fuchs for his third next weekend.
#2 HARTLAND
Record/rank: 24-1, No. 2
League finish: First in Kensington Lakes Activities Association West
Coach: Kyle Summerfield, fifth season (138-8)
Championship history: Division 1 champion 2016, seven runner-up finishes.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 106 Brodie Dunbar (37-11) soph., 113 Jase Sensor (40-8) soph., 120 Jonah McPherson (38-11) soph., 138 Bohdan Abbey (43-1) sr., 144 Ashton Jewell (46-9) jr., 144 Braydon Tougas (36-5) jr., 150 James Kozsa (40-11) sr., 157 Dallas Korponic (45-2) sr., 165 Joseph Cappellano (40-10) sr., 175 Jacen Pocock (34-9) jr., 215 Lucas Bates (36-9) sr.
Outlook: Hartland is back at the Finals for the fourth time in five seasons under Summerfield and after winning a league that included two other top-10 teams. Abbey are Korponic are reigning Individual Finals champions and both seeking to finish their high school careers next weekend with third individual titles. Hartland defeated No. 4 Clarkston 52-18 in their Regional Final.
#3 BRIGHTON
Record/rank: 24-2, No. 3
League finish: Second in KLAA West
Coach: Matt Wisniewski, first season (24-2)
Championship history: Division 1 champion 2015, runner-up 2018 and 2019.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 120 Bronson Shinkonis (33-7) soph., 126 Drake Pollins (31-8) (sr.), 132 Ethan Smith (33-9) sr., 144 Xander Courneya (33-9) sr. 150 Kaden Tindall (34-7) sr., 175 Mason Gardner (30-13) sr., 190 Dominic Nauss (33-4) soph., 215 Sullivan Haas (31-7) jr., 285 Alexander Salmon (32-9) sr., G-140 Alexis Lazar (23-0) sr.
Outlook: Brighton is seeking to take the next step again after falling by just a point in last year’s Semifinals. Wisniewski took over the program this season after seven as an assistant and has returning Individual Finals placers in Shinkonis, Courneya, Tindall, Nauss, junior Jameson Woods (19-10, 113) and sophomore Beck Yurkunas (35-10, 138). Woods was the runner-up at 106 last season. The Bulldogs defeated No. 6 Grand Ledge, No. 10 Howell and No. 15 Hastings on the way to this weekend.
#4 TEMPERANCE BEDFORD
Record/rank: 29-5, No. 8
League finish: First in Southeastern Conference
Co-coaches: Kevin Vogel, 15th season (375-69) & Logan Rimmer, first season (29-5)
Championship history: Eleven MHSAA championships (most recent 2001), seven runner-up finishes.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 120 Cody Duvendack (41-5) jr., 126 Maxim Benore (37-13) sr., 132 Tristan King (43-6) sr., 138 Nolan King (41-8) sr., 157 George Yockey (28-13) jr., 175 Zach Miracle (43-2) sr.
Outlook: Bedford has moved up a seed from last season after just missing making the 2025 Semifinals with a one-point Quarterfinal defeat. Miracle was the individual runner-up last season at 165 pounds and is one of five senior starters. Duvendack also was a Finals placer a year ago. Bedford advanced to this weekend with a 42-21 Regional Final win over No. 7 Westland John Glenn.
#5 ROCKFORD
Record/rank: 26-4, No. 9
League finish: First in Ottawa-Kent Conference Red
Coach: Brian Richardson, 17th season (392-139)
Championship history: Two MHSAA championships (most recent 2009), three runner-up finishes.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 106 Brody Compau (43-0) fr., 120 Layne Martin (43-0) jr., 126 Keagen Elliott (39-6) jr., 132 Logan Welmerink (25-7) soph., 144 Liam Fitzpatrick (44-0) sr., 175 Logan Hammingh (42-1) sr., G-155 Ashton Wright (18-7) soph., G-170 Easton Wright (15-5) sr.
Outlook: The Rams are back at Finals weekend after defeating No. 13 Grandville 44-30 in their Regional Final, and also moved up a seed from a year ago. This team could be on the verge of something more over the next few seasons with only three seniors and six underclassmen in the starting lineup. Martin is the reigning champion at 113, and Elliott, Welmerink, Fitzpatrick and Hammingh all are returning individual placers.
#6 DAVISON
Record/rank: 10-6, No. 11
League finish: First in Saginaw Valley League
Coach: Jason Mester, second season (27-10)
Championship history: Ten MHSAA championships (most recent 2022), seven runner-up finishes.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 106 Jacob Holley (29-7) fr., 113 Brice Hamlin (22-16) soph., 120 Bryce Holt (26-8) sr., 126 Steve Vaughn (24-11) jr., 144 Calvin Martz (24-12) sr., 150 Wyatt Cross (22-12) soph., 157 Julius Pacheco (30-3) jr., 215 Brandon Glisson (27-11) sr., G-110 Aubrey Bowman (25-3) soph.
Outlook: Just like two years ago, when Davison nearly made the championship match as a No. 6 seed, the Cardinals could be dangerous from this spot also coming off finishing runner-up a year ago. Vaughn was an Individual Finals champion as a freshman and placer last year, along with Martz, Pacheco, Glisson and Tobias Pacheco (4-4, 157).
#7 ROCHESTER ADAMS
Record/rank: 15-4, No. 12
League finish: Third in Oakland Activities Association Red
Coach: Mike Holtz, 19th season (289-129)
Championship history: Division 1 champion 1998, runner-up 1999.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 126 John David Quinlan (38-5) jr., 132 Will Eastin (28-17) soph., 144 Deacon Morgan (24-1) jr., 150 Demetrious Thomas (31-12) jr., 165 Dominic Beccari (35-6) sr., 190 Jackson Harris (19-6) jr., 215 Maxim Vostryakov (39-9) sr.
Outlook: Adams has won four straight District titles and taken the next steps this time with its first Regional championship since 1999, thanks in part to a 37-35 win over No. 14 Romeo in their Regional Semifinal. Holtz was an all-stater for the Highlanders and part of the teams that finished champion and runner-up during the late 1990s. Morgan was the individual runner-up last season at 126, and Beccari and Quinlan were placers.
#8 MACOMB DAKOTA
Record/rank: 23-4, unranked
League finish: First in Macomb Area Conference Red
Coach: Ed Skowneski III, 14th season (358-76)
Championship history: Has never advanced to an MHSAA Final.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 106 Kevin Shamblin (35-17) soph., 113 Kayson Spens (37-16) fr., 138 Carl Nihranz (49-2) sr., 144 Lucas Harper (38-7) sr.
Outlook: Dakota has made it 12 Regional titles under Skowneski, and a third straight with a lineup featuring only four seniors but a large group of juniors through the mid to heavier weights. Nihranz has placed at the Individual Finals his first three seasons and should be a championship contender next weekend.
Division 2
#1 LOWELL
Record/rank: 32-3, No. 1
League finish: First in River Cities Alliance
Coach: Kyle Slocum, first season (32-3)
Championship history: Fifteen MHSAA championships (most recent 2025), six runner-up finishes.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 113 John Carter McKay (40-9) soph., 120 Jarrett Smith (42-2) sr., 126 Carson Blum (40-8) soph., 138 Cole Cichocki (36-10) jr., 144 Logan Dawson (42-7) sr., 150 Cody Foss (36-12) sr., 157 Trevor Boone (33-8) sr., 175 Seth Harvey (32-7) sr., 215 Weston McFarland (21-8) jr., 285 Braylen Meeuwsen (35-16) soph., G-100 Veronica Tapia (26-3) sr., G-110 Tatianna Castillo (30-1) soph.
Outlook: Lowell will be seeking a 13th-straight Division 2 title and first under Slocum, who was promoted after 18 years as an assistant for the Red Arrows and was an individual champion at Belding in 2004. Smith will be wrestling for his third individual championship next weekend and defeated Blum to win last year’s, and Cichocki and Dawson also were Division 2 placers. Castillo is the reigning champion in the girls 105 class and Tapia was the runner-up at 100 last season.
#2 THREE RIVERS
Record/rank: 35-4, No. 2
League finish: First in Wolverine Conference
Coach: Jeff Smith, 10th season (182-86)
Championship history: Has never advanced to an MHSAA Final.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 106 Owen Moreland (41-13) fr., 120 Kyler Snellenbarger (36-15) soph., 126 Brody Morrill (42-10) jr., 138 Jak Monroe (42-11) sr., 144 Ethan Moreland (45-11) jr., 150 Carter Hensley (42-6) sr., 165 Braylon Faile (49-5) jr., 175 Louis Smith (53-0) sr., 190 Jaxon Smith (46-8) sr., G-140 Stella Eachen (37-7) fr., G-145 MacKenna Webster (38-1) sr.
Outlook: Three Rivers reached the Semifinals last season and will look to continue climbing led by four seniors who all have topped 40 wins this season. The Wildcats are making a third-straight trip to Finals weekend and have a combined record of 91-6 during that time. Both Louis and Jaxon Smith were Finals placers last season, and Moreland was as a freshman.
#3 ALGONAC
Record/rank: 29-3, No. 3
League finish: Second in Bluewater Area Conference
Coach: Brian Ranger, 14th season (354-109)
Championship history: Has never advanced to an MHSAA Final.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 113 Jack Reyes (38-12) sr., 126 Christian Brown (37-11) soph., 132 Vincent Finn (43-6) jr. 150 Nate Clemons (33-18) jr., 165 Julian Walker (48-2) sr., 175 Andrew Brown (42-6) sr., 215 Trevor Jarvi (45-7) soph.
Outlook: Algonac – which moved into Division 2 this season – earned its first Regional title since making a run to the Division 3 Semifinals in 2023 and after emerging from what remains one of the strongest wrestling leagues in the state. Walker was the runner-up at 165 in Division 3 a year ago, and Reyes and sophomore TJ Landrum (27-10, 126) also are returning Finals placers.
#4 LINDEN
Record/rank: 25-4, No. 4
League finish: First in Flint Metro League
Coach: Aaron Lawrence, third season (102-15)
Championship history: Has never advanced to an MHSAA Final.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 106 Ethan Hunt (34-9) soph., 113 Tyler Sage (46-2) soph., 120 Luciano Luna (41-12) soph., 144 Wyatt Devasher (39-14) sr., 150 Parker Makela (38-14) jr., 157 Adoniah Delgado (46-5) sr., 190 Lucas Lewandowski (15-3) soph.
Outlook: Linden jumped up two seeds for its second-straight trip to Finals weekend, and after defeating No. 8 Fenton along the way. The future continues to look bright; although five seniors start, so too do eight sophomores. Among them, Sage was an individual placer last season and is a combined 102-5 over his first two seasons.
#5 NEW BOSTON HURON
Record/rank: 25-3, No. 5
League finish: First in Huron League
Coach: Logan Ritchie, fifth season (95-32)
Championship history: Class B champion 1978 and 1981.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 106 Caleb Frazier (31-4) sr., 113 Max Banas (33-15) soph., 126 Daniel Gemmel (47-3) jr., 150 Nathan Matsos (42-9) sr., 165 Joshua Hubbard (40-9) sr., G-130 Hailey Wisler (22-4) sr., G-190 Madelyn Grube (26-5) fr.
Outlook: Huron advanced to the Semifinals last season with only one senior individual qualifier, and has just four senior starters this time. Gemmel is a returning Finals placer and one of 10 starters who have topped 30 wins this winter – with three sophomores included in that group.
#6 EATON RAPIDS
Record/rank: 37-5, No. 7
League finish: First in Capital Area Activities Conference White
Coach: Devin Milheim, fourth season (102-33)
Championship history: Eight MHSAA championships (most recent 1999), seven runner-up finishes.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 113 Jameson Onstott (53-5) fr., 120 Nicholas Wade (38-6) soph., 144 Logan Adleman (50-9) soph., 175 Gavin Sebastian (43-11) fr., 190 Donny Hoyt (43-8) jr., 285 Jamison Brown (53-7) jr.
Outlook: The Greyhounds are making their first trip to Finals weekend under Milheim, who formerly coached at Jackson Northwest and was an individual placer for Eaton Rapids during his time on the mat. The Greyhounds defeated No. 14 Fowlerville and No. 6 Portland to win their Regional.
#7 FREELAND
Record/rank: 25-7, No. 11
League finish: First in the Tri-Valley Conference
Coach: Jon Rosebush, second season (47-10)
Championship history: Division 2 runner-up 2024.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 113 Easton Rosebush (44-9) sr., 126 Maddox Wilson (39-10) jr., 132 Michael Wilson (43-8) jr., 144 Nolan Cunningham (41-10) jr., 190 Colton Winchell (37-10) fr., 285 Brigham Smith (46-5) sr.
Outlook: The Falcons made the Semifinals two seasons ago and enter this weekend with twice as many individual qualifiers as last year even with only four senior starters. Smith also was an Individual Finals qualifier last season. Freeland defeated No. 12 Bay City John Glenn in the Regional Final to advance.
#8 FRUITPORT
Record/rank: 24-6, No. 13
League finish: First in O-K Silver
Coach: Chad Johnson, fourth season (record N/A)
Championship history: Class B runner-up 1975.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 126 Zachary Aardema (42-5) jr., 132 Murphy Lengkeek (46-7) fr., 138 Alex Aardema (39-17) soph., 215 Chase Rosema (36-11) sr.
Outlook: Fruitport has won four District and two league titles under Johnson, and now will make its first trip to the Quarterfinals in program history. The Trojans defeated No. 10 Greenville and annual contender Gaylord in the Regional. Rosema is one of six senior starters.
Division 3
#1 DUNDEE
Record/rank: 23-3, No. 1
League finish: First in Lenawee County Athletic Association
Coach: Garrett Stevens, fourth season (77-10)
Championship history: Seventeen MHSAA championships (most recent 2025), eight runner-up finishes.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 106 Dom Sindone (29-8) fr., 113 Ryan Williams (32-10) soph., 120 Mason Haines (33-7) sr., 126 Bryan Sterling (33-6) sr., 132 Mason Katschor (35-7) jr., 144 Braden Broderick (38-7) sr., 150 Stone Redmon (16-4) soph., 157 Blake Cosby (37-2) sr., 165 Donny Beaufait (33-1) sr., 175 Avery Lane (32-10) jr., 190 Owen Motylinski (25-12) sr., 215 Rocco Redmon (28-11) sr., 285 Austin Miller (32-10) soph.
Outlook: Dundee’s pursuit of a ninth-straight team title rides on the shoulders of eight senior starters including four who are among the team’s five returning Individual Finals champs from a year ago – Haines, Broderick, Cosby and Beaufait. Katschor also won his individual bracket last season, both Redmons were runners-up, and Sterling and Lane were placers. The Vikings also have a dual win this season over Detroit Catholic Central, giving them again a claim as the state’s overall top team.
#2 WHITEHALL
Record/rank: 30-0, No. 2
League finish: First in West Michigan Conference Lakes
Coach: Justin Zeerip, eighth season (218-21)
Championship history: Division 3 runner-up 2021, 2023 and 2024, Class C runner-up 1984.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 106 Robert Belinger (41-8) soph., 113 Blake Wallace (40-11) soph., 120 Dominic Zygmuntowski (47-5) fr., 126 Cody Manzo (42-7) sr., 126 Issac O’Boyle (31-16) soph., 132 Max Krukowski (41-8) sr., 150 Kolten Weiler (35-15) sr., 157 Liam Leeke (47-2) jr., 190 Tanner Woodworth (34-8) soph., 215 Billy Darke Jr. (39-13) soph., G-115 Miley Manzo (32-10) soph., G-130 Kassie Sapp (35-1) soph.
Outlook: Whitehall has reached Finals weekend the last six seasons and finished runner-up three of those six, most recently in 2024. The Vikings defeated No. 5 Kent City 38-30 in the Regional Final to advance this time and will make this run with six senior starters including three who advanced to the Individual Finals as well. Whitehall graduated two individual champions from a year ago, but Leeke was a Finals placer and Sapp was the runner-up in the girls 115-pound division last winter.
#3 YALE
Record/rank: 26-6, No. 3
League finish: First in BWAC
Co-coaches: Rob Majcher, 13th season (216-173) & Adam Sopha, second season (58-9)
Championship history: Division 3 runner-up 2025.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 106 Pierce Moran (40-11) soph., 113 William Lawson (41-12) jr., 120 Kason Soucy (34-13) fr., 126 Mackey McClelland (50-5) soph., 132 Logan Rhodes (46-6) jr., 138 Chase Sopha (45-12) jr., 144 Kersten McClelland (8-3) sr., 144 Austin Rhodes (51-3) fr., 150 Levi Frazer (34-20) jr., G-110 Gianna Hoskins (27-8) jr., G-125 Adriana Murray (35-3) soph., G-130 Lydia Stevens (41-1) fr.
Outlook: The Bulldogs reached the championship match last season for the first time and should challenge again. As noted with Algonac above, the BWAC is one of the state’s best leagues, and Yale finished ahead of Algonac and had to get through Imlay City, No. 12 Armada and Richmond again during the postseason. Mackey McClelland was an individual runner-up last season, and Rhodes, Kersten McClelland and Hoskins were Finals placers.
#4 LAKE ODESSA LAKEWOOD
Record/rank: 22-7, No. 4
League finish: Third in CAAC White
Coach: Anthony Harmer, eighth season (149-44)
Championship history: Has never advanced to an MHSAA Final.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 106 Dakota Harmer (37-4) soph., 113 Austin Rohrbacher (27-14) soph., 132 Vincent Stamm (28-11) jr., 157 Bryson Boucher (39-2) jr.
Outlook: Lakewood has moved up two seeds for the second-straight Finals weekend with close wins over Delton Kellogg and Bronson among the most notable of this postseason run. Boucher was an individual runner-up last season, and Stamm also was a Finals placer.
#5 MONTROSE
Record/rank: 28-3, No. 9
League finish: Second in Mid-Michigan Activities Conference
Coach: Jason Perrin, ninth season (195-67)
Championship history: Nine MHSAA titles (most recent 2005), five runner-up finishes.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 106 Brysen Briggs (41-11) soph., 113 Jonathan Kreider (29-16) soph., 113 Colt Robbins (33-10) fr., 132 Ivin Perior (40-18) soph., 150 Noah Szwed (38-3) sr., 157 Gauge Vincke (49-4) sr., 165 Richard Cummings (37-12) sr., 215 Lucas Viar (45-11) jr., 285 Owen Perior (23-5) sr.
Outlook: The Rams are back after claiming their first Regional title since 2022 thanks in part to postseason wins over No. 10 Birch Run and No. 13 Saginaw Swan Valley. A strong group of six seniors and one junior – including five Finals qualifiers – anchors the heavier side of the lineup, with Szwed a returning individual placer.
#6 OGEMAW HEIGHTS
Record/rank: 38-6, No. 6
League finish: First in Jack Pine Conference large-school division
Coach: Dominic Goulette, 13th season (267-121)
Championship history: Division 2 champion 1998.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 113 Roman Goulette (43-9) jr., 132 Apollo Goulette (36-11) fr., 138 Gage David (48-7) fr., 144 Landon Lauria (35-10) soph., 150 Jackson Ziegler (45-8) jr., 190 Conner Lambert (46-9) sr., 215 Calvin Marshall (52-1) sr., G-105 Addison Wenkel (13 1) fr.
Outlook: Ogemaw Heights returned to the Quarterfinals last season for the first time since 1998, and this year has moved up two seeds for its repeat trip. The Falcons also remain young with three senior starters and also five freshmen and four sophomores in the probable Friday lineup. Roman Goulette and Lambert were Individual Finals placers last season.
#7 HART
Record/rank: 26-6, No. 7
League finish: First in WMC Rivers
Coach: Rocky Smith, third season (81-16)
Championship history: Has never advanced to an MHSAA Final.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 106 Jude Salazar (28-7) soph., 126 Kole Thomas (39-3) jr., 138 Logan Jorissen (39-10) sr., 138 Caden VanGelderen (31-18) jr., 144 Halen Boos (41-10) sr., 175 Haegan Hansen (42-7) jr., 285 Adrian Lara (33-5) sr.
Outlook: Hart has won seven straight Regional titles, this time doubling up or more all four postseason opponents to return to Wings. Thomas and Lara both were individual placers a year ago.
#8 ALLEGAN
Record/rank: 31-4, No. 11
League finish: First in Southwestern Athletic Conference
Coach: Chase Beard, fifth season (89-47)
Championship history: Two MHSAA titles (most recent 2007), two runner-up finishes.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 150 Treydan Vanderkooi (53-0) sr., 157 Ryan Sparks (47-6) sr., 175 Rysten Williams (50-3) sr., G-130 Annabell Roden (19-14) soph.
Outlook: Allegan is coming off a second-straight Regional title and up to a combined 62-7 over the last two seasons. Sparks and Williams were Finals placers a year ago.
Division 4
#1 HUDSON
Record/rank: 34-3, No. 1
League finish: Second in LCAA
Coach: Scott Marry, 38th season (980-216)
Championship history: Twelve MHSAA championships (most recent 2025), four runner-up finishes.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 106 Jaxton Kimling (35-10) jr., 113 Royce Beal (43-5) fr., 120 Liam McClain (38-7) fr., 132 Ethan Rising (23-7) jr., 132 Nicholas Sorrow (47-2) sr., 138 Colt Perry (40-7) sr., 144 Chase Clark (22-10) jr., 150 Beckett Campbell (49-0) soph., 157 Wyatt Kimble (45-4) fr., 165 Owen Loop (29-14) jr., 190 Devon Brigman (37-10) sr., 285 Malachi Marshall (34-14) sr., G-105 Grace Miller (13-6) jr.
Outlook: It’s easy to understand why the LCAA is another of the strongest leagues in the state when Hudson has won four straight Division 4 titles but finished runner-up to Dundee and just ahead of Clinton, another contender. The Tigers defeated No. 7 Springport to advance to this weekend and continue to have a star-studded lineup led by two-time reigning individual champion Sorrow and Campbell coming off his first title. Kimling and Perry were runners-up last season and Brigman also was a placer.
#2 ST. LOUIS
Record/rank: 23-3, No. 2
League finish: First in Jack Pine Conference small-school division
Coach: Kevin Kuhn, 19th season (399-111)
Championship history: Division 4 runner-up 2024, Class C-D runner-up 1995.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 113 Rudy Clapp (36-10) soph., 120 Alex Rodriguez (39-0) sr., 126 Owen Fogel (48-3) sr., 126 Cole Grollimund (38-16) soph., 138 Laythan Haworth (41-8) sr., 165 Karson Tweh (37-17) jr., 190 Drew Challender (44-6) sr., 190 Carson Zacharko (34-20) soph., 285 Tiger Russell (30-24) sr.
Outlook: St. Louis finished runner-up in 2024 and just missed making the championship match again as the second seed last season. The Sharks will make another run at reaching Saturday afternoon with four returning Individual Finals placers, led by Fogel who won 113 a year ago. Rodriguez was the runner-up at 120 after winning 113 in 2024, Challender was runner-up at 165, and Haworth also was an individual placer last winter.
#3 CLINTON
Record/rank: 28-8, No. 3
League finish: Third in LCAA
Coach: Casey Randolph, 12th season (346-79)
Championship history: Two MHSAA championships (most recent 2021), one runner-up finish.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 106 Hudson Miller (37-13) jr., 113 Zach Taylor (42-8) jr., 150 Tanner Bolton (36-16) sr., 157 Braxton Randolph (32-9) soph., 165 Cliff Jones (36-8) sr., 175 Landon Lakatos (25-13) sr., 190 Bryce Randolph (46-2) sr., 190 Owen Wright (19-17) jr., 215 Gradyn Whelan (39-3) soph.
Outlook: After reaching the Semifinals as a fifth seed a year ago, Clinton is up to a third seed this weekend coming off its 10th-straight Regional title. The Redwolves have defeated No. 12 Riverview Gabriel Richard and No. 10 Manchester on the way to Kalamazoo. Bryce Randolph is the reigning champion at 190, and Jones also was an individual placer last season.
#4 DECATUR
Record/rank: 37-6, No. 5
League finish: First in Southwest 10 Conference
Coach: Mitchell Kennedy, ninth season (167-81)
Championship history: Has never appeared in an MHSAA Final.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 106 Colton Cady (37-13) fr., 120 Kolton Burns (46-2) jr., 157 Tyler Morales (51-2) soph., 165 Brody Mead (22-4) sr., 165 Aidan Wiggins (43-11) jr., 175 Parker Wiggins (39-14) jr., 190 Rowan Bradford (36-1) sr., G-130 Elyse Morales (24-0) sr.
Outlook: Decatur is returning to Finals weekend for the first time since 2022 and with its winningest season during Kennedy’s successful run that’s also included three straight league and seven consecutive District titles. Decatur defeated No. 4 Martin to advance to this weekend. Burns was the runner-up at 113 last season, Bradford was the runner-up at 190, and Wiggins and Mead also were individual placers.
#5 UNION CITY
Record/rank: 27-8, No. 9
League finish: Third in Big 8 Conference
Coach: Jason Counterman, eighth season (168-46)
Championship history: Division 4 runner-up 1997, Class C-D runner-up 1972.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 126 Kaden Russell (42-8) soph., 132 Blayne Crance (36-8) jr., 138 Mitchell Graham (33-6) jr., 157 Isaiah Waidelich (41-15) soph., G-105 Onalee Taylor (16-5) fr.
Outlook: Union City has moved up one seed for this return trip to Kalamazoo and could make a run at reaching Saturday with five seniors and four juniors anchoring the lineup. The Chargers graduated three Individual Finals placers and five qualifiers total after last season, but Crance, Russell and Graham all will be making repeat trips to Ford Field.
#6 ROSCOMMON
Record/rank: 32-7, No. 8
League finish: Second in Highland Conference
Coach: Drake Lewandowski, second season (49-16)
Championship history: Division 3 runner-up 2006.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 106 Kasen Spencer (43-4) soph., 132 Kayden Miller (40-11) soph., 138 Heath Varner (36-10) soph., 165 Cael Tyler (52-0) fr., 190 Toby Bigford (49-4) sr., 285 Walker Borchers (40-16) sr.
Outlook: Roscommon has moved up two seeds from last season, and with a lineup featuring just four seniors after graduating just one starter a year ago. Cael Tyler has been an immediate standout, and senior Crew Tyler (8-0, 175) was a Finals placer last season.
#7 NEW LOTHROP
Record/rank: 19-9, No. 11
League finish: Fourth in MMAC
Coach: Jeff Campbell, 25th season (590-135)
Championship history: Sixteen MHSAA championships (most recent 2016), eight runner-up finishes.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 106 Christian Hansen (31-12) fr., 113 Cameron Naessens (27-11) soph., 138 Conner Eickholt (33-19) jr., 157 Kyler Campbell (41-1) jr., 165 Evan Ostrander (33-14) soph., 215 Tony Ingersoll (27-12) sr.
Outlook: After two years away, New Lothrop is headed back to the Quarterfinals and with a lineup with only three seniors that could continue to make noise in 2027. Kyler Campbell leads a group of five starters who have won at least 30 matches.
#8 POWERS NORTH CENTRAL
Record/rank: 17-5, unranked
League finish: Does not compete in a league.
Coach: John Raab, third season (27-20)
Championship history: Has never appeared in an MHSAA Final.
Individual Finals qualifiers: 106 Praxton Labonte (43-6) fr., 138 Cooper Raab (39-7) jr., 215 Myles Nehring (29-18) soph., G-105 Maizy Olson (26-7) soph.
Outlook: North Central will wrestle in a Quarterfinal for the first time and with plenty to look forward to while bringing a lineup with no seniors but four freshmen and four sophomores. Cooper Raab and Olson were both Individual Finals placers last season.
(Photo of Roscommon/LeRoy Pine River match by Tonya Holmes.)