Goodrich’s varsity wrestling team went to the state capitol Saturday, Dec. 2 and distinguished themselves.
The Martians finished third among 19 teams at the Lansing Eastern Invitational that day, compiling a team score of 144.5 points. Temperance Bedford won the invite with 194.5 points, while Howell was second with 161.
Goodrich Coach Matt Turnbow said the Martians? finish at the Eastern invite was their best in the seven years he has been the team’s head coach.
In addition, the Martians tied Temperance Bedford and St. John’s for the most individual first-place finishes at the invite, with three apiece. Kirk Britton (119), Mark Weber (130) and Grant Overcashier (135) did the honors for the Martians.
Britton defeated Ben Simons of Mt. Pleasant 7-5 to win the 119-lb. championship, while Weber pinned Joe Turner of Linden in 1:29 and Overcashier earned a 6-3 decision against Temperance Bedford’s Dan Clark to win their respective weight classes.
The Martians? Kyler Elsworth (171) captured second place in his weight bracket, losing to Grand Ledge’s Pat Wright 6-3 in the title match. Elsworth pinned Cameron Krizan of Grand Haven in 2:51 to advance to the title match.
Other placers for the Martians were: C.C. Weber (fourth place, 103), David Garr (fourth, 112), Joe Hopkins (seventh place, 152) and Drew Weil (eighth place, 145).
The Martians? opening meet of the season was a successful one, as they defeated visiting Mayville 54-21 and Grand Blanc 59-16 in a Nov. 30 matchup.
Against Mayville, six Martians earned pinfall victories: Nick Gatchell (140) pinned Zach Stone in :56; Elsworth (171) pinned Mark Lieber in :38; Garr (119) pinned Craig Ervin in :28; Britton (125) pinned Lee Tippett in 3:02; Mark Weber (130) pinned Maxx Lieber in 24 seconds; and Overcashier (130) pinned Andrew Wheatley in 2:13.
In addition, Hopkins (152), Dylan Foglio (160) and C.C. Weber (103) won by decision, while Jameson Kellet won by forfeit.