The Wolves territorial instincts proved strong as Clarkston’s wrestlers won their fifth-straight Oakland County Tournament. The tourney played out over Dec. 16 and 17 and was predominantly hosted by Clarkston High School.
‘I think the guys get a kick out of (hosting). They’re starting to take ownership of it, with us winning five straight,? Clarkston Coach Joe DeGain said.
At the tournament’s close, Clarkston finished with 264.5 points. Lake Orion, the reigning OAA Division I champions, finished second with 211. Waterford Kettering followed in third place of the 42 team field with 189.5.
‘The whole county is here watching, you have to make a good impression for leagues and states,? said Steve Smiley, who helped the Wolves? cause immensely by winning the 189-pound division. ‘I think we made a really good impression.?
Three other Clarkston grapplers impressed their way to the top of the podium as well. Tommy Ellsworth staked claim to the 160-pound division, Bryant Craft battled his way through the 152-pound wrestlers and Mike Maguire was tops in the 119-pound group.
DeGain was especially proud of Smiley and Ellsworth as each claimed their second straight county title. He also felt Craft wrestled with ‘a lot of physical and mental toughness,? and was complimentary of Maguire’s tactile adjustments on the mat.
‘The guys wrestled hard,? DeGain said, ‘The way our season works, it breaks down into two halves. We try to peak for this tournament and then again at the end of the year.?
Four other Clarkston wrestlers placed in their respective weight classes. Steve Herron took second at 275. Mitch Miller (135), Colton Tweed (145) and Josh McAllister (171) fought their way into third place.
‘We definitely got home advantage,? Smiley said. ‘It feels nice to know you are in your own backyard.?
As a team, Clarkston went 34-12 over the course of the county tournament.
The Wolves? win at the Oakland County meet served as a salve for wounds suffered in their first dual meet loss of the season ? a 41-26 at the hand of reigning state champion Davison on Dec.13.
Clarkston’s program hibernates for the most part over the school’s winter recess. DeGain said the physicality of practices will be toned down while mental approach and technique is focused upon during the break.
The Wolves return to action on Jan. 4 in a double dual hosted by Avondale.