|
|
Photo by David Jose
|
Coyle Render (maroon) ties up Clinton's Billy Tervo during the 119-pound match in the Division 4 team district finals. Render pinned Tervo in 1:45, helping Manchester repeat as district champions with a 48-14 victory over the Redskins.
Purchase a copy of this photo
|
|
The Manchester varsity wrestling team delivered a stern message that it was ready for postseason action.
With their seniors leading the charge, the Flying Dutch captured its second straight Division 4 team district title by storming to a 48-14 victory over the Clinton Redskins in the finals Feb. 13 at Adrian Madison High School.
Manchester (27-5) advanced to the championship dual with a 60-22 semifinal victory over the Blissfield Royals. Clinton defeated host Adrian Madison in the other district semifinal dual.
The Dutchmen moved on to Wednesday's Division 4 team regional tournament at Manchester High School. They were joined by Harper Woods, Madison Heights Bishop Foley and Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central. If successful, the Dutchmen will advance to the Division 4 state quarterfinals that begin Feb. 29 at Battle Creek.
The teams exchanged three match winning streaks to open the finals. Clinton held a 14-13 lead after six matches, but the Dutchmen won the final eight matches to sink the Redskins, who entered the district ranked No. 4 in the Division 4 state polls. Manchester also avenged a criteria loss to the Redskins in the season opener in November.
"The kids figured this would be a 36-27 match, but our young kids wrestled really well against their bigger kids," Manchester coach Steve Vlcek said. "We only gave up one pin in the match, which was huge for points."
Beginning at 125 pounds, the opening match of the finals pitted two state qualifiers from last year against each other in Manchester's Cevin Walker and Clinton's Scott Noble. It was Walker who outlasted Noble for a 4-3 decision, then Scott Conway scored a 9-1 major decision over Connor Koester in the 130-pound match. Mike Garrison (135) gave the Dutchmen a 13-0 lead when he pinned Clinton's Lee Smithers in 45 seconds.
"Cevin got a big win right off the bat, which set the tone for us," Vlcek said.
The Redskins fired back with victories in the next three matches. Lee Olivieri (140) pinned Matt Layher in 3:40, then Jesse Sexton (145) scored a 15-5 major decision over Steve Sheler. Ryan Perry then recorded a 16-4 major decision over Manchester's Isaac Miller in the 152-pound match, giving Clinton a 14-13 lead.
"Clinton's strength is in the middle weights," Vlcek said. "But Isaac and Sheler stayed off their backs and didn't give them more points, which was huge."
Manchester's senior took over after that. Bill Cloke regained the lead for the Dutchmen by scoring a 4-0 decision in the 160-pound match, then Jason Alber (171) stormed to a 15-0 technical fall over Rob Stamets.
A key match followed at 189 pounds. Will Rickert found himself trailing Clinton's Eddie Gibson 9-2 at one point, but rallied for a 13-11 victory. The win gave the Dutchmen a 24-14 lead and momentum.
Seniors Kyler Ritter and Tyler King followed with two more Manchester victories. Ritter (215) pinned Andrew Tice in 3:28, then King won the heavyweight match with an 11-4 decision over Aaron Tice.
"Our seniors took over and solidified our score," Vlcek said. "It's easy for me as a coach because our senior leadership has been big. Most of the guys when through this last year and know what to do."
After picking up a void at 103 pounds, Jimmy Hamilton and Coyle Render closed out the dual for Manchester. Hamilton (112) posted a 4-0 decision over Henry Kokeanakes, then Render (119) pinned Billy Tervo in 1:45.
The Dutchmen benefited from several voids during the district semifinal against Blissfield. Manchester did record three victories by pinfall from Johnny Woolams, Sheler and Rickert. Woolams pinned Blissfield's Tyler Rayburn in 1:13 to win the 135-pound match, while Sheler pinned Gerardo Ramirez in 29 seconds in the 145-pound bout. Rickert (189) gave the Dutchmen another pinfall by defeating Mitch Winkelman in 27 seconds.
"We were able to put some kids in who are not usually in our starting lineup, and they wrestled well," Vlcek said. "We were leery about injuries and knew we had to be at full strength against Clinton, but it was nice to see the depth of our team."
Wednesday's Division 4 team regional tournament took place after the newspaper's deadline. Manchester opened the tournament against Harper Woods, with the winner facing the Madison Heights Bishop Foley/Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central winner in the finals. The Dutchmen have faced and defeated MSMCC during regular season tournaments, and caught glimpses of Harper Woods and Bishop Foley during last Saturday's individual district.
Vlcek believes that his Dutchmen are prepared for the challenges presented by two suburban Detroit schools and a Monroe County power.
"Those teams have quality wrestlers, but I think our strength of schedule will help us," Vlcek said. "You're not going to find much better competitors than what's in our own room. There's a lot of talent in there and the kids push each other. They know what goals are ahead for us and know what they have to do to reach them."
Staff Writer Ed Patino can be reached at 428-8173 or epatino@heritage.com.
TOP JOBS
