Local Sports Journal

Despite having been hit by the injury bug, the Muskegon Community College wrestling team turned in a solid weekend performance at the Art Kraft Memorial Invitational at Triton College in River Grove, Ill.

Three Jayhawks won their respective weight classes: Steven Ruppert at 141, Zachary Johnston at 174 and Brett Martin at heavyweight.

Ruppert was down 7-2 in his final match against Eric Tozi of Rend Lake. Rupper battled back and gained the lead and the championship.

Johnston finished off his title with an 8-5 victory over Joey Caprio from Elmhurst College.

MCC’s heavyweights battled through and met in the finals. Martin defeated teammate Jeff Tautolo by a fall in 4:00.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the group that wrestled today,” Coach Mark Brunger said. “We just battled so hard all day with come from behind and overtime victories.  We wrestled extremely well in the face of adversity.”