The Munising Mustang wrestling team had two strong performances against the Marquette Redmen and the Newberry Indians to wrap up the team’s regular season. Munising beat Marquette 36-21 and Newberry 51-18 in the tri-meet.

“It was a good night. Incredible, with lots of good energy and good matches,” Munising Head Coach Joe Dolaskie.

Highlighting the night was a dramatic bout between Connor Masters and his opponent from Marquette at the 190 pound division. Finding himself down by eight points going into the final round, Masters was able to rifle off five points in an uncommon technique called backpacking, which excited the Mustang team.

“He’s been working on that technique for a while and tonight it finally clicked. If there was another round, he would have had the win,” Dolaskie said.

The night was the final home meet for seniors Reagan Bowerman, who has recently returned from injury to compete, and Wyatt Kulik, a Superior Central student joining the team as part of the cooperative. Both had wins in the tri, including Bowerman setting up a pin by using a flip technique he saw off of TikTok.

Winning the final regular meet of the season helps build confidence for the district competitions next week. The team will face the Rudyard Bulldogs in the opening round of the team districts at Newberry on Thursday, Feb. 9. Due to roster numbers for the Bulldogs, Munising is heavily favorited to take on the winner of Newberry and Manistique in the district final. Individual districts will be Saturday, Feb. 11 in Manistique.

Dolaskie was bullish on the team and to send wrestlers individually to the next round.

“It looks like we have everyone healthy,” Dolaskie said. “Now, it’s about supporting each other.”