2009 MHSAA Individual State Finals
Palace of Auburn Hills - March 4-6
Kristi Garr
The only female to qualify for this year's championships lost in the blood round this morning as Kristi Garr of Goodrich lost to her teammate Isaac Jewel. Garr, a senior, will graduate this spring but her wrestling career will continue as she has intentions of wrestling for Oklahoma City College.
Todd Melick pinning
Todd Melick of DCC has been a pinning machine as of late. The Shamrock sophomore kept that trend alive today as he scored a fall over returning State Runner-Up Alex Calandrino in the quarterfinals and then scored a fall over Zak Roberson of Clarkston in the semifinals. Melick, who is known for his nasty cement mixer, will now meet returning state champ Freddie Rodriguez in the 112lb finals tommorow.
Massa Pinstreak ends
Taylor Massa was trying to do something that has rarely been done as he had pinned every wrestler he faced all year heading into today. That streak ended today, however, as he scored a 19-6 major decision over Connor Branchau of Fenton. Massa, who is plagued by flu-like symptoms, will now have a rematch with Tony Burge of Mason, who he pinned earlier this year.
Making weight
We have received word that every single wrestler made weight tonight in the 2nd weigh-in, something that has rarely happened in year's past. There are usually a couple notable guys who fail to make weight, but not this year. So congratulations to this year's all-state wrestlers for their stellar weight management.
All OK-Red Final at 189lbs
The 189lb Division 1 State Finals will feature two familiar foes in Caleb Rivera of Grandville and Gabe Dean of Lowell. The two are OK conference rivals and have met twice this year with Dean winning both times on close decisions.
Sparta state champ streak ends
Heading into this weekend Sparta High School was riding an 8 year streak of crowning at least one state champ every year. There was still hope of that streak continueing entering today, however, their lone remaining competitor in the championship round was knocked out today as Nick Trimble lost a barn burner to Taylor Simaz at 125lbs. So for the first time in 9 years, Sparta will not be crowning a state champion this weekend.
All-Allegan finals at 125
Taylor Simaz was not the only Allegan wrestler pulling off an upset at 125lbs in Division 2. Simaz's Tiger teammate Taylan Knoblach pulled of an upset of his own as he upended returning state finalist Shane Dutton of Madison Heights Lamphere, setting up the always interesting teammate matchup of Allegan wrestlers in the 125lb State Finals.
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Day #2 Notebook
