Local Sports Journal

Three Muskegon Community College Jayhawk wrestlers were lauded All-Americans on Saturday at the NJCAA national wrestling meet in Des Moines, Iowa.

Steven Ruppert at 141 pounds, Riley Boomer at 174 and Hesperia’s Brett Martin (heavyweight) each were honored based on their finishes at the national tournament. Ruppert and Boomer brought home fourth-place finishes while Martin was fifth. The top eight wrestlers in each weight class are considered All-Americans.

In the team standings, MCC finished 15th wtih 44 .5 points.

“We definitely had our sights set higher than 15th, but it is still a respectable finish for us considering the adversity we’ve faced with late-season injuries,” said MCC coach Mark Brunger.  “The team returns 7 of the 10 starters from this year’s squad and already has a promising recruiting season under way for next year.”

All three wrestlers made it to the semifinals before losing and moving into the loser’s bracket.

Labette Community College, located in Kansas, and North Idaho College tied for first place with 120 points.