The Wolves wrestling team has gotten off to a rocky start this year ? and their 45-15 loss to Hartland on Dec. 8 added a few more boulders to the pile.
Clarkston did however start to climb out of the rubble by finishing fifth out of 21 teams in the Howell tournament on Dec. 11.
‘We got some guys who (were) just wrestling lazy (against Hartland),? said Coach Joe DeGain. ‘We saw an increase in intensity at the Howell tournament.?
Braden L’Amoreaux helped the Wolves cause immensely at the Howell tournament, finishing first in the 140 pound weight class. Bryan Webb (135 pounds) wrestled his way to a second place finish. Both Tommy Ellsworth (152) and Bryant Craft (140) placed third in their respective weight classes.
‘We wrestled well, we still could be doing better though,? said DeGain.
Also placing in the top ten for Clarkson at Howell were Mike Maguire (103) in fifth, Josh McAllister (171) in sixth, Steve Herron (175) in sixth, Rob Sabo (130) in seventh, and Kevin Park (119) in eighth.
The Dec. 8 meet took place during the school day at Hartland as part of an assembly. The time and location played to the Eagles advantage as a massive portion of the student body packed the gym to rally their talented wrestling squad and magnify each Clarkston mistake. Before the announcement that the busses home were departing, which practically emptied the gym, the Wolves found themselves down 27-0.
‘They’ve had a tough start,? said Hartland Coach Todd Cheney. ‘Next time we wrestle them it is going to be a different story.?
For the Wolves, Braden L’Amoreaux, Tommy Ellsworth, Steve Smiley and Mike Maguire all had strong showings against Hartland. All of them won their matches by decision.
Maguire, who won 8-3, stood out especially in the eyes of his coach.
‘Mike Maguire wrestled a great match. He is developing nicely,? said DeGain.
In total, the Wolves won five matches and lost nine, and were pinned five times.
‘Hopefully, we’ll be where we need to be by the county meet,? said DeGain.
Clarkston will host the Oakland County tournament on Dec. 17-18. This will be the first time this year the Wolves are at home for a meet.