Garrett Higdon spearheaded a strong showing for the Goodrich wrestling team at the Caro Invitational Dec. 11.
Higdon finished first in the 112-lb. weight class as the Martians finished in the upper third of teams at the invite, placing fourth out of 12 teams.
Other Goodrich wrestlers placing at the varsity level were Mark Weber (103) and Erik Fernelius (171), who finished second in their weight classes; Jason Fischer (119), who placed third; and Kyle Fletcher (189), who finished fourth.
At the junior varsity level, Brian Grzecki (103) placed second, Nick Gatchell (135) took third, and Brad Armstrong (140) and Joe Leppek (152) each finished fourth.
The Martians again had to settle for a split decision in quad meet action Dec 8.
In a meet at Rochester Adams, the Martians defeated the host Highlanders 45-31, but suffered a 46-27 at the hands of Lapeer West.
Against Lapeer West, Weber (103) got things started on a positive note for the Martians, pinning Levi Morey in 40 seconds. The Panthers? Cody Marcicki (119) defeated Higdon by a 10-2 decision before Fischer (125) and Grant Overcashier (130) earned victories for the Martians, both by decision.
However, the Panthers took control of the matchup from there, earning five straight wins against the Martians. Goodrich rebounded with wins by Fernelius (171), who earned a 10-0 decision against Andy Garcia; Fletcher (189), who pinned Brad Baumer in 3:30; and Andy Bohlen (215), who earned a 14-1 decision against Lawrence Sulaty.
That last win pulled the Martians to within seven points, 34-27, but the Panthers won the last two matches to pull away and win the match.
Goodrich bounced back against Adams, and got started quickly with three straight pinfall victories. Higdon (119) pinned John Olven in 1:04; Fischer (125) pinned Mike Anton in 1:01; and Overcashier (130) pinned Vince Morasse in 3:07.
Martian wrestlers Billy Feldman (145), Fernelius (171), Fletcher (189) Bohlen (215), and Weber (103) all earned victories against the Highlanders.
At the Lansing Everett individual tournament Dec. 4, the Martians placed five wrestlers. Higdon was the highest Goodrich finisher, placing second. Fischer finished third, while Overcashier placed sixth and Nick Gatcell and Fernelius each finished eighth.