LocalSportsJournal.com
BELDING – The Montague boys wrestling team advanced two wrestlers to the MHSAA state finals despite a tough regional round.
“We didn’t wrestle our best, but we competed and are very thankful for the opportunities to extend our season,” said Coach Kristoffer Maddox. “I’m proud of all our guys, even the guys who continue to come to practice to help our guys still wrestling all week.”
Jimmy Thommen suffered his first loss of the season after dropping to 106 pounds, but held tight for a second-place finish to punch his ticket to Ford Field.
Chris Aebig made up for a loss in the semifinal round and qualified for state with a second-place finish at 126 pounds.
“I’m confident both wrestlers can challenge for top podium spots in two weeks,” Maddox said.
The girls’ squad traveled to Grayling for their individual regional round and advanced three girls to the state tournament for the second year in a row.
Savannah Winkleblack avenged her only loss to a girl on the season with a finals pin to clinch her second consecutive regional title.
Emma Pendell and Ava Pelton also pushed forward and qualified with second- and third-place finishes, respectively.
Also, Montague’s Andrew Nold was named Assistant Regional Girls Coach of the Year.
The MHSAA state wrestling tournament will be on Friday, March 3 and Saturday, March 4 at Ford Field.
