Blue Devils Wrestlers Compete in Northern Michigan Championships

This weekend, the Sault High Blue Devils sent two squads to Gaylord to participate in back-to-back competition at the Friday Night Invite and the Northern Michigan Championships on Saturday. According to Head Coach Jacinto Arreola, “It was a weekend full of challenges, growth, and outstanding performances as our team continues to build momentum.”

Four wrestlers medaled in the round robin tournament on Friday. Freshman Hazen Hudson (113) placed first with two technical falls. The first was over Jude Krey of Alpena (16-1) and the second was against Trentyn Mich of Oscoda (15-0). Sophomore Sam Kiekhaefer (165) placed first with two pins. He pinned Albert Boyke of Whittemore-Prescott (1:49) and then Jefferson Gay of Traverse City West (2:45). Senior Calvin Aldrich (215) took first in his bracket with five pins. He pinned Deacon Bates of Cadillac (1:25), Brayden Blevins of Traverse City Central (1:30), Brian Schliep of Whittemore-Prescott (2:25), Aiden Hutchings of Oscoda (1:31) and Phat Nguyen of Charlevoix (1:15). Junior Jonah Rishmawi (190) was runner up after five rounds in his bracket. He pinned Gavin Caldwell of Tawas (1:56), and Mason Datzko of Standish-Sterling (2:56). Rishmawi beat Tyler Schliep of Whittemore-Prescott by decision (7-0), then fell to Jayvin Bartlett of Traverse City Central (3-1). Freshman Ayla Menard (110) celebrated her first victory of the season with a pin over Braelynn Cool of Whittemore-Prescott (2:33). Menard was 1-3 overall and freshman Isaac Peabody (106) was 0-4 on the night.

The team placed 12th overall with a score of 66.5 points. Cadillac swept the 42 team competition earning 150.5 points. Three Blue Devils wrestled their way to the medals round. Senior Cody Russo (36-3) was runner up in the 215 lb weight class. After a first round bye, he won by technical fall over Gavin Garrison of Petoskey (21-5). In the quarterfinal match, Russo won by major decision over Casson Goodrich of Gaylord (9-0). He advanced to the finals with a win by decision over Sawyer Blaszczyk of Charlevoix (4-0). Russo fell to Calvin Marshall of Ogemaw Heights (10-6).

Senior Sawyer Kuenzer (35-5) took 4th in the 285 lb weight class. He had a first round bye, then pinned Cadence Murray of Houghton Lake (1:01). In the quarterfinal round, Kuenzer pinned Shawn Paszkowski of Cadillac (4:18). Kuenzer fell to Wyatt Spalo of Reed City in the semifinals match (2-1). The third place match brought Kuenzer and Talon Smith of Marquette back to the mat. Smith ended up winning by points.

Junior Caleb Klier had a sixth place finish in the 144 lb weight class. After a first round bye, he pinned Matthew Spencer of Alpena (1:04). In the quarterfinal match, Klier was pinned by MJ McDonald of Gladwin (1:13). He fought his way to the medals round by beating Gavin Knepp of Mio-AuSable by points (7-6). In the fifth place match, Klier fell to Bruyn Hauger of Boyne City by technical fall (16-1).

Other Blue Devils that competed in Saturday’s competition included Max VanDoren (132: 1-1), Wyatt Peabody (138: 1-4), Brett Siesel (150:2-2) and Marc DeWildt (175: 0-2).

“Before we head into districts, we’re wrapping up the regular season this Wednesday with a meet in Alpena. It’s one last chance for our athletes to fine-tune their performance and compete at a high level before the postseason begins. We’re also excited to announce that we will be hosting Team Districts on February 5th in our home gym. This is a big opportunity for our team to compete for the title on our own turf, and we’d love to see the stands packed with fans to cheer us on!”