Juan Espinoza battles at 189 pounds
(Photo by Wes Morgan)
The Sturgis Invitational was as good as it could be for the host wrestling team Saturday. With victories in all five matches, the Trojans crushed Berrien Springs, Adrian Madison, Quincy, Onsted and Charlotte to improve to 7-3 this year.
Charlotte finished second and Adrian Madison rounded out the top three of the eight-team field.
Producing three 5-0 individuals, Sturgis’ average margin of victory was 33.6 points.
Austin Smith (135 pounds), Juan Espinoza (189) and Cole D’Haese (215) each tallied five wins, while Alejandro Soto (119), Luke Carver (160) and Jake Stevens (285) went 4-1 to pace the Trojans.
The overall performance is possibly a glimpse of things to come, Smith believes.
“I feel like our team has a really good shot for team regionals,” the senior said. “I feel like I have the opportunity to go to state. I have to just stay focused on getting better every day. I have improved from last season by hitting up some summer camps and working on the little things nonstop.”
Anthony Neal and Cole Campbell split time at 171 pounds, with Neal finising 3-0 and Campbell winning both his bouts.
Sturgis opens the Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference portion of its schedule Wednesday at Battle Creek Central along with Coldwater and Lakeview.