The Wolves? wrestlers got a midseason look at the best competition in the state at the Michigan Duals in Bay City on Jan. 14. Clarkston finished tenth out of a field of 16.
‘There’s no doubt about it, this is the toughest tournament in the state. They only invite the top five in each division,? Clarkston Coach Joe DeGain said.
Overall Clarkston went 2-3 in their dual meets. The Wolves defeated Roscommon 33-27 to start the day’s action but then lost to Richmond next by a score of 35-28. Another loss followed, this time to Lakewood to the tune of 39-28. In their next dual, Clarkston overwhelmed Caro, 45-21. In the final set of bouts for the day Clarkston and Anchor Bay wrestled to a tie, 33-33, and the match was decided by the eighth criteria, that being most overall take downs.
‘It always stings to lose. We lost really close dual meets. On another day we could have won the tournament, but on the other hand on another day we could have finished last,? DeGain said.
Standing out for the Wolves were junior Tommy Ellsworth, who wrestled at 160 pounds, and senior Steve Herron who competes at 275. Both wrestlers went undefeated throughout the duals, each winning five matches.
Junior Colton Tweed (145) and sophomore Bryant Craft (152) also shined at the end of competition, each compiling a 4-1 record.
Sophomore Adam Lauzen (189), senior Josh McAllister (171) and senior Mitch Miller (135) all won more than they lost as well, finishing with 3-2 records.
DeGain was especially pleased with Lauzen’s efforts as he fills a void in the lineup as Clarkston awaits the return of Steve Smiley.
?(Lauzen) had to step in for us. He was probably the underdog in every match because he is so undersized, but he came up big for us,? said DeGain, who added Lauzen is closer to 171 pounds though at the duals he wrestled in the 189-pound division.
The Wolves did get a nice boost heading into the Michigan Duals, by beating Lapeer West 48-33 at home on Jan. 11. Tweed, Craft, McAllister, Herron, and juniors Josh Booker, Mike Maguire and Tyler Schneider were all victorious against Lapeer West.
The most important dual match of Clarkston’s season so far occurs on Jan. 18 as Clarkston will wrestle Lake Orion and host Rochester High. While DeGain is not looking past Rochester, the dual match with the Dragons is certainly the main event for both teams.
?(Lake Orion) is a tough team and they are real enthusiastic and they believe in themselves and I know they pride themselves on beating us. I know they will be gunning for us,? DeGain said.
Lake Orion beat out Clarkston for last year’s OAA DI title. The winner of the dual match should have the inside track on this year’s crown.