Quinn leads Spartan Wrestlers at Freeland Invitational

“This is traditionally our toughest tournament of the year before the post-season,” said Spartans’ head coach Trim Kendel. “We use it as a measuring stick to see where we are as individuals.

“In the past, place winners at the Freeland Invite for our team have been state qualifiers by the end of the year, with few exceptions.”

Quinn started his day out strong, earning his first win by a pin fall against a wrestler from Bullock Creek in 2:35 of the match. It set the tone for the rest of his day.

He won his second match by technical fall after he had built a 15-0 lead over Jacob Reynolds of Three Rivers. In the finals he faced returning state medalist Brenden Quackenbush, who is currently the second ranked wrestler in Division 2. Quinn pinned him after taking a 9-0 lead.

“Andrew is wrestling so well right now,” Kendel said. “He is fast, very technical, and doesn’t wrestle like a typical heavyweight.”

Hunter Sanford, a freshman 112-pounder, and sophomore 125-pounder also placed. Sanford finished third with a 10-0 victory over Joseph Klopf of Freeland in the final round.

McCabe was fourth.

“Hunter took a big step up, wrestling tougher against better competition,” added Kendel. “He is starting to adjust to the varsity level of competition very well.

“Zane has been solid all season, and is right on the cusp of breaking into another level. He wrestles hard every time he steps on the mat, and that will pay huge dividends in the future.”

Raiden Keefer, senior 189-pounder, went 2-2 on the day.

“This was by far his best showing,” Kendel said. “He was one win away from placing, and was right in that match to the very end against a good opponent. At the rate Raiden has been improving, it is hard to guess where he will be at the end of the year.”

Central is on the road for a match at Chippewa Hills on Wednesday.