Clarkston continued its intra-conference dominance on Friday, taking its second consecutive Oakland Activities Association tournament, beating rival, host, and runner-up Lake Orion by nearly 100 points.
The Wolves (232 points) won their sixth OAA tournament in seven years and pulled out another big win over the Dragons (134 points) who took second at the Oakland County tournament behind Clarkston.
The win gives Clarkston the outright league championship after having an undefeated conference record in dual meets, 7-0, this season. The Dragons finished in second place overall, followed by third place OAA tourney finishers Troy Athens.
Clarkston had eight first-place finishers at the tournament, including county champions Mike Maguire (119 pounds), Bryant Craft (160) and Adam Lauzun (171).
Alex Popp (125), Tyler Schneider (135), Frank Sade (140) and Layne Upcott (215) took first place also.
‘We wrestled real well. It was an exciting day and a good end to the season,? Wolves coach Joe DeGain said.
‘Now they just need to keep their ball rolling for the districts.?
DeGain was impressed by Sade’s victory over county champion Nick Kaczanowski from Rochester in the 140-pound finals. Craft was also impressive in his victory over Allen Sigler of Lake Orion, whom he lost to during the dual meet season. Craft won a 4-2 decision in double overtime.
‘He was able to get in his shots finally (in overtime). He was able to get deep in on (Sigler’s) legs,? DeGain said.
Erik Butterfield took second at 145 pounds after starting the day as the fourth seed in that weight.
‘He overcame a lot of guys to wrestle well and end up taking second,? DeGain said.
‘We have a lot of guys, (he) is one of them who just gets better every time he steps out there,? he added.
Newcomer Derek Booker took fourth place at 130 pounds and Tommy Ellsworth (189), Colton Tweed (152), and Steve Cooper (275) all took second place.
Lake Orion coach Doug Kline was proud of his team’s second place finish.
‘Our goal is always to win the league title,? he said.
‘The team is very pleased with our overall second place finish. With all the injuries this team has overcome this year, I felt that our young guys stepped up and perfromed admirably.?
The Dragons had two OAA champions in Jake Varilek (152) and A.J. Pratt (130).
‘I was extremely pleased with Varilek’s win against Colton Tweed, who is one of the best 152-pounders in the state,? Kline said.
‘This sets Jake up for a state tournament run.?
‘A.J. has been plagued with injuries over the last year and it was gratifying to see him win a championship,? he added.
Staff Writer Colin Baumgartner contributed to this report