Local Sports Journal

The Muskegon Community College wrestling team traveled to Fort Wayne, Indiana last weekend to complete in the 2015 National Wrestling Coaches Association Multi-Divisional National Duals.

The Jayhawks finished in 7th place with a 3-2 record in the two-day tournament and are now 9-2 overall.

MCC defeated Iowa Western Community College 27-18, Spartanburg Methodist College 41-12, and Labette Community College 33-18. The Jayhawks lost to Ellsworth Community College 28-13 and Iowa Lakes Community College 27-15.

Several Jayhawks turned in strong performances in the tournament, including Donavan Fouchey, who posted a 5-0 record in the 197-pound weight class. Other standouts were Zack Cooper (141, 4-1), Tyler Stenberg (149, 4-1), TJ Barnes (157, 4-1) and LaVonte Perdue (184, 3-2).

The Jayhawks, ranked sixth in the nation among community colleges, have competed most of the season with a lineup that doesn’t have wrestlers in several weight classes. Forfeits result in points for opposing teams, and no points for the forfeiting team.

“It’s tough to win at this level giving teams a 12-point lead. Our guys wrestled well and showed a lot of toughness placing seventh,” said MCC Coach James Tietema. “We plan to have all ten weight classes filled at the individual NJCAA Nationals and feel we can improve on our seventh-place team finish.”

This week the Jayhawks will compete against Grand Valley State University at the Rick Stenberg Memorial Duals at Reeths-Puffer High School on Wednesday, and against Indiana Tech, Alma College and Olivet College on Saturday at Bartels-Rode Gymnasium on the MCC campus.