Connors earns runner-up honors at state

By MICKEY ALVARADO

The best wrestlers in the state gathered at the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s individual state finals at the Palace of Auburn Hills on Saturday, March 6, and while some basked in the light with a win, some were handed heart-wrenching sorrow.

Kyle Connors of Tecumseh had only recorded two losses all season and looked to be peaking for his Division 2 heavyweight match, despite sporting a black eye and puffy lip. He’d taken his share of hurt on the mats in order to get to the final but nothing was as painful as losing his final high school bout. Connors (56-3) lost to Quean Smith (26-0) of Highland Park by pin in 1:32. Smith also defeated Connors in the regional finals.

To advance to the final, the Tecumseh senior defeated Garrett Woods of Marshall (5-3) in the semifinals and Elbert Butler (5-3) of Flint Beecher in the quarterfinals.

The Indians also had Jeff Jenkins (57-3) place third and Ronnie Bechtol (46-14) fourth in the 130-pound weight division. Jenkins defeated Bechtol in the consolation finals to claim third place.

Clinton senior Jesse Sexton (22-5) placed third in Division 4 at 160 pounds while senior Henry Kokenakes (48-16) placed sixth at 140 pounds. Also finishing sixth was senior Connor Koester at 135 pounds. Also competing for Clinton were freshman Michael Sexton (103) and seniors Rob Stamats (171) and Drew Porter (189).

Adrian had Rafael Rodriguez also finish as runner up at 160 pounds in Division 2 with a 5-1 loss to Greenville’s Jordan Thomas.

Blissfield’s Eric Ford (189) had a perfect season (63-1) snatched out from under him with a close 3-2 loss against Pine River’s Luke Jones in Division 4 at 189 pounds.

Onsted’s Joe Stark (189) also finished as runner-up for the Wildcats with a 5-3 loss against Dundee’s Justin Heisermann.

Hudson had three wrestlers earn state titles including defending champions Zeb Hilyard (125) and Devan Marry (152). Matt Smith (189) also earned a title for the Tigers.
Addison’s Kyle Fletcher also won a state championship for the Panthers at 140 pounds.