The Munising Mustang wrestling team took tenth place at the Upper Peninsula Finals wrestling meet on Saturday, January 21 in Marquette. The tournament style meet showcased the best of the U.P.’s prep wrestlers, with three local wrestlers standing out for the Mustangs.
Unfortunately, the team was without team captain and top wrestler Reagan Bowerman who is still out with a hand injury. The senior is expected to be back before districts in February.
“Our focus turns then to our next best in Andrew Cain,” said Munising Head Coach Joe Dolaskie. “He has been improving every week, but will face some tough competition in his division.”
In the 126 pound weight division, Cain took third place by defeating Escanaba’s Cody Crowe in the third period. The win was by fall. Cain lost to eventual runner-up Tyler Winch of Iron Mountain in the semifinals. He was the highest finishing Mustang at the tournament.
Two fellow wrestlers stood out for Munising, with Robert Johns in the 215 pound division and Joe Kelly in the 157 pound division. The pair both finished fifth in their respective divisions, with Johns defeating Negaunee’s Eli Van Buren for the position and Kelly defeating Timothy Garland of the Soo. Both Mustangs were seeded fifth in their weight classes at the start of the tournament.
The U.P. Finals is a major meet for the region, but does not classify as a state championship anymore after postseason tournaments were unified between the peninsulas in the mid 2000s. However, past winners get their name and weight classes hung in the Munising Middle/High School gymnasium and other schools have similar celebrations for new champions to help preserve the history of the event.
Perennial wrestling powerhouse Gladstone won the championship with 287 points, with Iron Mountain second and Escanaba edging out Kingsford for third. Munising was just two points behind St. Ignace for ninth and eight points against host Marquette for eighth. The Mustangs had a comfortable 20.5 point margin over 11th place Manistique.
Munising will host parents night on Wednesday, Feb. 1 in a tri-meet with Marquette and Newberry. The competition starts at 6 p.m. in the middle/high school gym.
