Niles wins Linden Quad, Bobcats fifth at Hillsdale tourney
Published 9:06 am Monday, January 6, 2020
- Niles wrestling went undefeated to win the Linden Duals on Saturday. (Submitted photo)
NILES — The Niles wrestling team went 4-0 to win the Linden Duals on Saturday.
The Vikings (9-3) defeated Milford 70-12, Durand 54-18, Greenville 46-27 and host Linden 46-32 to win the title.
Going undefeated on the day for the Vikings were Michael Robles (103), Jamison Zimmerman (112/119), Carson Landon (119/125), Javond Ball (140), Kade Wagley (145/152) and Chase Andres (215).
From left: Gage Hoskin, Matt Cox, Aaron Lauri, assistant coach Jeremy Hechtl, Hunter Heath, Ivory McCullough, and Drake Heath all pose for a photo following the Dan Taylor Memorial Invitational at Hillsdale High School on Saturday. All six wrestlers were medalists, with Hunter Heath being the lone champion at 140-pounds. (Submitted photo)
Conner Tibbets, Ryan Franco, and Caiden Smith went 3-1.
After going 2-3 at the Penn Super Duals, veteran Niles coach said his team refocused. Niles also got some additional practice time when the Eaton Rapids Tournament got canceled.
“Kids did a great job this weekend. We are learning about toughness and the importance of getting bonus points and not giving up pins,” Hesson said. “We got roughed up at Penn, and it was an eye-opener for some of our kids. We came back, had all wrestlers attending, and had a good two weeks of practice over break.”
Hesson said he and his staff are still working on its lineup, but feel the Vikings are headed in the right direction.
“Still trying to figure out our lineup,” he said. “We are using different kids at different weights, and it seems like we are getting closer to what we are looking for. Our experienced wrestlers and team leaders did a good job of supporting and motivating their younger or less experienced teammates. I think that helped get kids ready to wrestle six minutes.”
Hesson was also happy with Tibbits, Hunter Fazi, Jesus Mango Garcia and Darrian Sosa.
“I was pleased with their competitiveness,” he said.
The Vikings return to the mat on Wednesday as they travel to St. Joseph for a SMAC West Division match. Besides wrestling the Bears, Niles will take on Holland West Ottawa. Wrestling is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.
Dan Taylor Memorial
HILLSDALE — The Brandywine wrestling team finished fifth at the Dan Taylor Memorial Invitational hosted by Hillsdale on Saturday.
Battle Creek Harper Creek won the team title with 226 points, while Hanover/Horton was second with 139.5 points. The Bobcats finished with 122 points.
Hunter Heath was the lone individual champion for Brandywine as he captured the 140-pound title.
Also placing were Gage Hoskin, Matt Cox, Aaron Lauri, Ivory McCullough and Drake Heath.
McCullough finished second at 171, while Lauri was second at 119, Drake Heath was third at 103, while Cox was third at 125 and Hoskin fourth at 152.
The Bobcats are back in action on Saturday as they compete in the annual Three Rivers Invitational.
