Young Wrestlers Continue Proud Tradition for Hartland

The Hartland Wrestling Club travelled to Battle Creek on Sunday competing for state titles at every age level. Three teams representing Hartland placed at the tournament, according to Rob Hughes, Hartland Wrestling Club President.

The elementary-aged team earned their fourth consecutive state championship, while the newest team- comprised of 3rd Grade and Under ages- finished in fourth place. The  also earned its first state championship.

"For all of Michigan, this tournament is the highest level of team competition you can participate in," Hughes wrote in an email to Patch. "All the kids know it, and even the youngest sense the heightened excitement in the arena. They work really hard for an entire season, and in one day, team championships are decided through fierce competition."

Hughes says that key match-ups and individual wins or losses can determine the victories of the day for teams. 

"For me, the biggest match-up during the day was the championship dual between Ore Creek Middle School and Allegan (Middle School)," wrote Hughes of one of their opponents who they had lost to earlier in the season. "Like any good finals match-up, it was very close from the very start, and also very spirited and emotional for the kids, coaches, and spectators."

One Hartland wrestling parent, Danna Castillo agrees with Hughes's assessment calling the Middle School match "amazing" when they won by one point.

"It was truly a team effort since every match counted," Castillo wrote in an email to Patch. "Allgean won more matches but our guys pinned, teched or majored to score more points and in the end, it was down to the HWT./last match and we had a Novice (new) wrestler vs Allgean's experienced wrestler that easily had 20-30 pounds on our guy- a true David and Goliath."

It was a match that young Hartland wrestler, novice Jeffery Putz fought to not get pinned and was able to gain enough points for an exciting win for his team.

"All I can say is that every Hartland boy did what was needed to get the job done, and they are State Champs and have that honor to hold forever," Hughes wrote.

Hughes also credits the many supportive parents and coaches for the club's success.

"We have the most supportive parents and devoted coaches, and it showed again Sunday," Hughes wrote. "Hartland has a proud wrestling program, and this weekend furthered that tradition."