Wrestling dominates over winter break

By Mackenzie Atkinson, Photography Editor|January 6, 2020

IMAGE / Mackenzie Atkinson

The wrestling team poses with its first place trophy and accompanying medals at the Tri-County Clash in Clio Saturday, Dec. 21.

While many students enjoyed winter break, the wrestling team hit the mats for three tournaments.

The Hornets won the Tri-County Clash Saturday, Dec. 21, posted a 2-3 record in the Holiday Classic Friday, Dec. 27, and placed third in the New Lothrop Hall of Fame tournament Saturday, Jan. 4.

The Hornets will compete at Lake Fenton Wednesday, Jan. 8.

Tri-County Clash

Junior Rodney Richards (145) and seniors John Brown (182) and Trenton DiGenova (152) took first place in their classes at the Clio-hosted tournament.

Brown won by pin in the second period.

Trenton DiGevona won by a 7-3 decision.

IMAGE / Mackenzie Atkinson
Senior Trenton DiGenova (top) pins a Tecumseh wrestler for his 100th career victory during the Holiday Classic in Montrose Friday, Dec. 27.

Richards won by an injury forfeit.

Senior La’Ron Ruffin (135) and junior Jason Judd (120) placed second in their classes.

Ruffin lost by a 12-8 decision in the final match.

Judd lost 9-2 in his weight class championship match.

Junior Elija Garza (160) placed third by pin in the first period.

Freshmen Dominik DiGenova placed fourth in the heavyweight class by pin in the second period.

Holiday Classic

The Hornets finished with a 2-3 record against Lapeer, Montrose, Tecumseh, Groves, and Mt. Morris.

During the tournament, Trenton DiGenova recorded his 100th victory against Tecumseh.

Trenton is proud to continue a family legacy.

“It’s cool to know that I’m the third generation DiGenova to have 100 career varsity wins,” Trenton said.

New Lothrop Hall of Fame Tournament

The Hornets placed third out of 24 teams with 122 points.

Brown recorded his 100th victory against Birch Run at the tournament.

“It’s a great feeling because there are people who wrestle their whole high school career and never come close to 100,” Brown said.

IMAGE / Mackenzie Atkinson
Senior John Brown works to pin a Birch Run grappler for his 100th career victory during the New Lothrop Hall of Fame tournament Saturday, Jan. 4.

Trenton DiGenova placed by an 8-3 decision over Millington in the 153-pound weight class and Brown placed first by a Clio void in the 171-pound weight class.

Ruffin’s opponent pinned him in the first period of his weight class championship round. He placed second in the 135-pound weight class.

Richards placed second in the 145-pound weight class by a 2-0 decision over Marquette.

Judd placed fifth in 112-pound weight class by pin in the second period against Clio.

Dominik DiGenova placed sixth in the 215-pound weight class against H.H. Dow by a second-period pin.