Sturgis’ Juan Espinoza in his 189-pound match against Coldwater.
(Photo by Wes Morgan)
Sturgis wrestling needed to rally from a nine-point deficit with two matches remaining Thursday and couldn’t close the gap in a 30-27 loss to Edwardsburg in a Division 2 district finals match.
The Trojans also tried to complete a rally without head coach Bryan Boughton, who had to leave early when his daughter went into labor.
When Hunter Vargo and Dustin Vires produced decisions at 119 and 125 pounds, respectively, for Edwardsburg, pressure was placed on Sturgis’ Austin Smith (130) and Austin Layman (135). Both won by decision, which wasn’t enough.
“As team we gave it our all against Edwardsburg but fell short,” Layman said. “It was not the way we wanted to end the season as a team but we had a great season overall.”
Sturgis 171-pounder Cole Campbell, who finished with a 4-0 decision against Edwardsburg, said it was difficult to keep the team focused when Boughton had to leave, but he’s more determined than ever come Saturday’s individual district tournament.
“I’ll think about [this loss] once the season finally ends,” he explained. “Just a bump in the road now.”
Edwardsburg will take on Battle Creek Central in the regional semifinal Feb. 12 at Harper Creek.
Sturgis defeated Coldwater 50-18 earlier in the night. Match results were not reported to joeinsider.com.
Sturgis’ Anthony Neal in his match against Coldwater.
(Photo by Wes Morgan)
Finals
Edwardsburg 30, Sturgis 27
140: Marks (E) d. Zach Mathews (score not available)
145: T.J. Vanderheyden (E) p. Nolan Tom :49
152: Luke Carver (S) tf. Jay Hiss 16-0
160: Anthony Neal (S) d. Wood 5-4
171: Cole Campbell (S) d. Jay Herman 4-0
189: Blake Parsons (E) d. Juan Espinoza 6-2
215: Cole D’Haese (S) p. Hayes 1:21
285: Cooper (D) p. Jake Stevens 3:14
103: Michael Higley (E) p. Jayce Mobley 1:23
112: Alejandro Soto (S) md. Dylon Dixon 17-9
119: Hunter Vargo (E) d. Dakota Smith 6-1
125: Dustin Vires (E) d. Noah Gleason 7-4
130: Austin Smith (S) d. Marks 6-3
135: Austin Layman (S) d. Snyder 4-2.