Grapplers head into their last week of the regular season after posting wins and losses last week.
They ended the week with four wins and one loss at the annual Macomb-Oakland Duals at Waterford Kettering on Saturday.
“We had a nice turn out,” said Clarkston Boys Varsity Wrestling Coach Derek Moscovic. “They wrestled well against some good competition.”
They beat Macomb Dakota, 36-32; Warren Woods, 45-22; Roseville, 61-16; Richmond 39-38 and lost to Anchor Bay 42-33.
The performance of the day came from Chris Calvano going undefeated in all five of his matches.
“He beat a kid who had beaten him – one of the top kids in the state,” Moscovic added. “He did a nice job.”
For the boys it was another step in the direction they want to go as they head into finals.
“We are improving every week,” said Moscovic. “Against some of the best teams in the state we are hanging in there and we are getting better. The mistakes they were making earlier in the year they aren’t making anymore. Matches they were losing, they are now winning.”
He added the boys made improvement in their technique and positioning after their two losses to Oxford and Rochester last Wednesday.
“It helped them in key matches,” he said. “Rochester and Oxford have state caliber teams so you will have state caliber kids. It prepares you because those are the type of kids you are going to wrestle at districts, regionals and the state finals.”
The boys opened Wednesday night with a loss to Rochester, 32-27.
Ethan Lisewski started the meet with a win by void in the 103-pound weight class. Cameron Wilkie (119) posted the next win with a fall with 39.6 left in the first period.
Mike Cardinale (130) boosted his score in the third period after tying the score 6-6 in the second period of the match. In the last two minutes he scored on attempts to take down his opponent, ending with a 11-8 win.
After three matches lost to the Falcons, Nick Vandermeer put more points on the score for Clarkston with a 7-0 win in the 152-pound weight class.
Ethan Frick (189) tied the score 12-12 with 12 seconds left in the third period of his match with a reversal. With 17.6 left in the overtime he scored again, this time with two points for a take down position to win, 14-12.
Scott Devos (215) scored the last win against Rochester with a fall one minute into his match.
The Wolves lost to Oxford, 44-27.
Wilkie opened the match with the first win with a fall 2:50 into the match against Anthony Moore. The next win came from Calvano in the 171-pound weight class with a pin. Frick and Devos also won with pins over Grant Krause and Zach Wood.
Lisewski ended the night with a 8-7 win over Colin Campbell.
“We still have to improve,” said Moscovic. “They are great teams, but they are beatable teams.”
The Wolves host state-ranked Davison this Wednesday at Clarkston High School.
“It is another test to see where our aspirations are and if we are improving to that level,” Moscovic added. “Can we compete against them, wrestle against them in every match and win against them? I think we can.”
The boys end the regular season on Saturday at the OAA Red league meet at Rochester High School competing against teams they have already face this season.
“They are all quality teams,” he added. “It doesn’t get any easier.”
The Wolves will use any wins and losses to build onto for the MHSAA Districts for team and individual finals next week.
“There is no time to lick the wounds,” said Moscovic. “We just have to keep pulling. Our kids are working hard. If they believe in their ability next week these young men will be ready to compete against anybody in the state.”
The match against Davison begins at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.