The host Goodrich wrestling team had a tough time of things at their Team Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 7.
The Martians struggled to a 1-4 record in the event, with their only win coming against East Detroit in their third match of the day. In between, Goodrich dropped matches to Cedar Springs, Fowlerville, Richmond, and Grosse Pointe South. Lowell captured the tournament by defeating Richmond in the finals.
Despite their struggles, the Martians had some individual bright spots. Leading the way were Garrett Higdon and Jeff O’Mara, who won all five of their matches. Jason Fischer, Barrett Johnson, and Andy Bohlen helped the Goodrich cause by going 4-1 in tournament action.
Goodrich started out with a 50-27 loss to Cedar Springs. Higdon (103) pinned Kyle Gezon in 47 seconds; Kyle Fletcher (160) pinned Anthony Lawrence in 5:49; Bohlen (171) pinned Kevin Drumm in 1:33; and Johnson (215) defeated Ryan Case by a 9-0 decision. In addition, O’Mara (189) won by default.
The Martians then dropped a 43-27 contest against Fowlerville. Higdon (103) pinned Kyle Mead in 2:47; Fischer (112) defeated Trevor Martin by a 12-5 decision; Erik Fernelius (152) pinned Ryan Heilner in 5:21; Fletcher (160) defeated Kyle Wallace by a 5-4 decision; Bohlen (171) defeated Jesse Saunders by a 3-2 decision; and O’Mara (189) pinned Drew Taylor in 1:54.
The third time was the charm for the Martians in their 44-36 defeat of East Detroit. Higdon (103) pinned Nick Donegan in 1:49; Fischer (119) pinned Brian Vicalli in 45 seconds; Fernelius (152) defeated Justin Donegon by a 16-0 decision; Bohlen (160) pinned Nick Franks in 3:57; O’Mara (171) defeated Terry Benton by a 21-5 decision; and Johnson (189) defeated Richard Stuecher by a 15-2 decision. In addition, Brian Grzecki (112) and Andy Crawley (215) won by default.
In Goodrich’s next contest, the Martians dropped a 54-24 match against Richmond. Higdon (103) defeated John Michaels by a 4-3 decision; Fischer (112) pinned Jeff Schweiger in 54 seconds; and Bohlen (160) defeated Justin Jaynes by a 5-4 decision. In addition, O’Mara (171) and Johnson (189) won by default.
The Martians wrapped up the tournament with a 42-34 loss to Grosse Pointe South. Higdon (103) pinned Scott Backman in 13 seconds; Fischer (119) defeated Joe Panlowski by an 11-2 decison; Fernelius (152) pinned Chuck Smith in 2:43; Fletcher (160) pinned J.P. Wagner in 56 seconds; and Johnson (189) pinned Brett Torgler in 2:30. O’Mara (189) won by default.
The Martians achieved some measure of success earlier in the week, soundly defeating Bendle 48-12 in a Feb. 4 match.
Six Goodrich wrestlers ? Fernelius (152), Bohlen (160), Fletcher (171), O’Mara (189), Johnson (215), and Grzecki (275) ? won by void. In addition, there was a double void in three weight classes ? 125, 130 and 275.
Two other Goodrich wrestlers earned victories, as Fischer (119) pinned Josh White in 1:32, and Higdon (112) pinned John LaRose in 3:32.
The Martians will now get ready to host team district action Wednesday, Feb. 18.