Local Sports Journal

The top stage was set on Saturday at the Palace of Auburn Hills for the individual state wrestling championships.

Nine area wrestlers reached the finals, but four wrestlers from Hesperia faced an added hurdle. They had to beat their own teammate to win a championship.

Hesperia’s Zach Yates had to face his cousin and teammate Logan Eaves in the finals of the 125 weight class. The older of the two, Zach, won his second state championship in two years with a 15-0 technical fall. Zach Yates finished the season a perfect 47-0.

At the 103 weight class, Hesperia saw a similar matchup. This time between David Gowens and Corey Agens. Someone had to win and Gowens took the state championship with a 14-6 major decision.

Hesperia placed two other wrestlers in the finals. Trent Rosly finished second in the state at the 135 class and Mark Worman finished second at the 160 class.

Fruitport heavyweight Chris Hendricks finished his senior season in Division 2. The 6-4 Hendricks won a 6-3 decision over Tecumseh’s Preston Pelham.

Dakota Juarez represented Grand Haven in the finals at the 160 class and came out second in the state. Juarez dropped a 10-6 decision to state champion Jordan Atienza of Livonia.

Kent City’s Shane Rodenburg also reached the finals, but fell in a 6-5 decision to New Lothrops Taylor Krupp.