While the Clarkston wrestling team was not having the best season up until this past week, the earlier losses were not stinging worrisome defeats.
Losing in league competition to Lake Orion (36-27) and Troy (39-27) on Jan. 19. had the Wolves licking their wounds.
‘The (double dual) was a let down. Hats off to (Troy and Lake Orion),? said Clarkston Coach Joe DeGain. ‘Our guys were not prepared and they paid the price for it.?
After the double dual meet, which was held at Avondale, brought Clarkston’s record to 3-9 (0-2) for the season, the Western Brown Tournament in Ohio on Jan. 22 beckoned.
‘We wrestled better (in Ohio). The guys got to bond as well,? said DeGain.
Out of a ten team field, which included the state runner-up from Ohio and Kentucky’s state champion, the Wolves placed fourth.
Clarkston’s Bryan Webb was crowned the champion of the 135-pound division in Ohio.
Also faring well at the Western Brown tournament was Steve Smiley (189), Tommy Ellsworth (152) and Braden L’Amoreaux (145) who all finished in second place. Wolves Heavyweight Steve Herron finished fourth in his division.
The inclement weather over the weekend extended the Wolves stay in Ohio, but the team is back in Michigan safe and sound.
The coming week brings more league competition for Clarkston. On Jan. 26 the Wolves travel to Troy Athens in hopes of attaining their first league win.