2009 MHSAA Individual State Finals
Palace of Auburn Hills - March 4-6
Stefanski among notable scratches
A few notable, state contending wrestlers were scratched from the bracket prior to round 1. The most notable scratch is returning state champ Joe Stefanski of Rockford. Stefanski was undefeated all season long and lined up for a battle with fellow returning state champ Nick McDiarmid, however, a bad case of chicken pox has forced him to withdraw from thie year's tournament.
Another notable scratch was retruning state placer Josh Rivard of Richmond, who is scratched from the 119lb Division 3 bracket. We have no word as to why Rivard was scratched.
1st Round Upsets
There are always a few notable guys who get bumped early in the 1st round of the tournament and this year is no different. Returning state finalist Dan Flowers of Dexter was among the most notable wrestlers to lose as he lost a close match to Tyler Rosser of Corunna.
Andy Brown of Bullock Creek, who won a tough regional that included BJ Suitor, was knocked off by Zach Case of Battle Creek Pennfield.
Madison Heights Lamphere freshman Andrew Gorman scored an amazing comeback win over returning state placer Tyler Foley of South Lyon East. Gorman trailed by 6 heading into the final period, however, he used a nice tilt series to score 6 nearfall points and send the match to overtime. Then in overtime, Gorman came out on top of a 30 second crazy scramble to win the match and move on. He will now meet returning champ Tyler Daniel in the quarterfinals tommorow morning.
In a milder upset, Lowell sophomore Gabe Morse looked good scoring a 8-1 win over Monroe's #6 ranked Kyle Horr in the first round of Division 1 130lbs. Morse will look to continue his upset run against #2 Andy Jones tommorow morning.
Schaner wrestles through adversity
Big Rapids senior Garrett Schaner likely has alot on his mind besides wrestling this week as his father was killed in a tragic car accident earlier this week. Schaner started his weekend out in style with a fall over Corey Lay of Erie Mason. Many wrestlers from all over the state have been supporting shirts in memory of Schaner's father and Michigan Grappler would like to send our condolesces out to the Schaner family as well.
Jones disqualified for illegal slam
Dezmond Jones (pictured right) of Highland Park came out strong and was leading by over 10 when he finished a double leg with too much force against Andrew Kelly of Allegan, leading to an illegal slam call and eventual disqualification after Kelley could not continue. It is still unknown if Kelley will continue, but if he does not than Taylor Massa may have a forfeit to the semifinals.
Massa pin streak continues
With a first period fall over Cinque Dengam of Hazel Park, Taylor Massa (pictured right) continue his pinning streak. The St Johns sophomore has pinned every wrestler he has faced this year and he will look to continue that throughout the tournament.
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Session #1 Notebook - Championship Round 1
Session #1 photos by Jeff McGinthy, go to our State Coverage Section to view full galleries
