LocalSportsJournal.com
 

SCOTTVILLE — Mason County Central hosted the Scottville Optimist wrestling tournament on Saturday, but the Spartans didn’t make the finals, finishing 3-2 on the day.

 
Allendale defeated Benzie Central in the championship match. The Spartans collected wins over Ludington (60-6), Shelby (45-33) and Reeths-Puffer (42-25) while losing to Allendale and Benzie Central.
 
“We did pretty good, we’ve got a young team this year,” said Spartans’ coach Kendel Trim. “We have some returners, but a lot of young guys. They’ve been working hard. It worked out pretty well. The young guys have a ton of potential, but just need to get more time out on the mat.”
 
A pair of Spartans went 5-0 on the day – sophomore Hunter Sanford at 113 pounds and junior Zane McCabe at 126.
 
Both had good seasons last year, with Sanford finishing as a state medalist. McCabe was a state qualifier. Trim is expecting big things from them again.
 
Meanwhile, sophomore Gradyn Wilson put up a 4-1 record at 285 pounds.
 
“Gradyn has all he needs to be successful,” Trim said. “He just needs more experience in big matches, which he will get. I’m excited to watch him progress through the season. “This is his first year on the varsity because he wrestled behind Andrew Quinn last year. I think the guys are coming along good. Some of the things they’re not doing well are things we haven’t taught yet.”
 
Ludington is struggling to keep its numbers up, starting out the season with 12, and then had four leave the program.
 
Four are out right now, one broke his thumb on Wednesday and three are battling the flu. Only four were available to compete in the tournament.
 
But there were some bright spots.
 
Ludington freshman Landon Mosqueda at 157 pounds and junior Corbin Wagenmaker at 285 pounds each went 3-2 on the day and 150-pounder Samantha Smeltzer, a junior, finished 2-3.
 
“Wagenmaker was sick with the flu this week, and he came back Thursday so he’s just getting his wrestling legs back,” said Ludington coach John Ransom. “For his first time on the mat for varsity he did really well. He had some good matches. Like anybody, he has some small things to clean up. It’s a big transition from MyWay to high school.”
 
Mason County Central is next scheduled to host a West Michigan Conference quad against Shelby, Holton and Orchard View on Wednesday.
 
Ludington is also in action Wednesday, on the road in Ravenna for a WMC triangular.