285-pounder Jake Gnegy of St. Johns prepares to stick Collin Lewis of Eaton Rapids during the Div. 2 individual wrestling district tournament at Mason February 13, 2016.
MASON – Ian Parker embraces the high expectations that come with being a part of the St. Johns wrestling team.
The senior, who recently signed his National Letter of Intent to wrestle at Iowa State, has watched his program win four Division 2 state titles in the past six years. And he’s responsible for one of the 24 individual state titles that the school has to its name during the same span.
Parker refers to the expectations as tradition, and it’s consistently been one of many motivators for the Redwings’ wrestling team. And on Saturday, St. Johns was able to add to its rich history by sending 10 wrestlers through to regionals after solid performances at the Division 2 individual district tournament held at Mason High School.
“St. Johns, especially in the last six or seven years, there’s been a lot of tradition. A lot of really good guys,” said Parker, who picked up his fourth district title Saturday in the 140-pound division and is the reigning state champion at 125 pounds. “It’s talked about a lot.”
No. 3-ranked St. Johns, which won its team district on Wednesday, crowned six champions on Saturday, which was the most for any school in the tournament. Brett Fedewa (152), Lucas McFarland (160), Jake Gnegy (285), Brendan Zelenka (103), Trent Lashuay (135) and Parker were all victorious in their respective championship bouts.
The team the Redwings edged out in the team districts, No. 2-ranked DeWitt, also sent 10 wrestlers through to next week’s regional tournament at Eaton Rapids High School. Coach Brian Byars, who is in his sixth season at the helm, said he believes 10 is the most the program has ever sent to the regional tournament.
Senior Austin Melton, who won a state title as a sophomore and finished second at states last year in the 140-pound division, was the Panthers’ lone district champion. He defeated Fowlerville’s Kyle Roberts by decision, 13-4, in the 145-pound final.
“The guys have started to believe that they’re good,” Byars said. “They’ve always been there, but they’restarting to get the confidence that they can get there and take those next steps.
“I think it was very apparent today when they kept winning matches with 20 seconds to go or 10 seconds. They believe they should win, and they do. Each year they’re inching further and further.”
No. 7-ranked Eaton Rapids had seven wrestlers qualify for regionals, but only senior Clayton Higelmire and sophomore Austin O’Hearon walked away as champions. Higelmire, who wrestles at 215, picked up his second straight district crown with a decision over Charlotte’s Mike Demello. O’Hearon grabbed a win over Eastern’s Ayinde Pulliam in the 125-pound final.
Mason sent four wrestlers through to regionals.
Ionia also had four wrestlers qualify, and, according to coach Bill Rodgers, that’s the most within the past decade. The Bulldogs had three champions in Cameron Mahlich (112), Jordan Richardson (119) and Trevor Piggott (189).
“It’s fun,” said Piggott, who opened the championship round with a 3-2 decision over Mason’s Brad Wilton. “It feels good because you work hard to get them all through, and we all push each other to get through. The feeling of it is nice knowing that you work hard to get to this point.”
The Orioles and Quakers each had three wrestlers advance.
Haslett has two wrestlers moving on to regionals, while Waverly’s David Leija is the lone Warrior advancing.
Contact James L. Edwards III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.