Grapplers around the state will be filing into the Palace of Auburn Hills this week to be crowned state champion.
Clarkston will be sending six grapplers to represent the team, including senior Alex Popp for his third year at states.
‘The last two years I didn’t wrestle good,? said Popp. ‘This year I know what to expect at states. I know the atmosphere.?
Joining him are last year returners senior Sloan Hadsall and juniors Evan King and Matt Deitz.
Sophomore Jeff Sloney and junior Zak Roberson will be making their first appearance.
‘It’s pretty big,? said Roberson. ‘I am going to be focused and not let it get into my head.?
The boys will be seeing many of the wrestlers they have seen during the year and even those they beat or lost to in the regionals a few weeks ago.
They have been preparing with short and intense practices since they qualified during regionals, February 28.
The boys plan to take the top three places.
‘I am predicting to win it,? said King.
The finals begin on Thursday with a grand march and the first round at 2:30 p.m.
Roberson is set for match 13 against Nick Kim from Canton-Salem;
Sloney starts in match 18 against Ben Villela from Chippewa Valley, Clinton Township;
Deitz will be in match 51against Levi Stage from Portage Central and has an opportunity to compete against Lake Orion rival, AJ Fligger.
Popp will begin against Sterling Heights in match 66 and will see previous opponents Josh Houldsworth from Holly
and Dragon Justin Ruddy.
Popp lost to Houldsworth during regionals in a close match.
‘Hopefully he will beat him when it matters,? said Coach Joe DeGain.
King will compete against Travis Hernandez in match 80.
Hadsall is the last start-up for the first round of the day in match 140 against Holland’s Jake Seiler. During the three days he will fight for a chance to take on Evan Gros from Lake Orion, who is ranked first in division one.
‘Sloan keeps dropping losses to Gros, but he will make a spot for himself on the podium,? said DeGain.
‘Hopefully all can make it to the podium.?
The boys rankings going in are: Roberson, third in 103-weight class;
Sloney, sixth in 112-weight class;
Deitz, fourth in 135-weight class;
Popp, fourth in 145-weight class; King,
sixth in 152-weight class;
and Hadsall, seventh in 189-weight class.
The competition will finish on Saturday with the grand march and finals at 4:30 p.m.
Tickets for general admission are $9 for each day.
Reserved tickets are $45 for the entire tournament and $10 for single session reserved.
Parking is included in the ticket prices.