Lake Fenton Sending 10 to State Wrestling Finals

The wrestling team has experienced plenty of success this winter, but this weekend’s performance at individual regionals was pretty amazing.

The Blue Devils qualified 10 wrestlers for the state meet, with six grapplers winning regional championships.

In the 145 pound weight class, two Lake Fenton wrestlers battled each other for the championship. Justin Melick defeated Christian O’Guinn 4-0 to take the title.

Melick is 49-5 on the year, while O’Guinn is 44-9.

“They practice with each other every day, so to them it's just another match,” Lake Fenton Coach Vance Corcoran said. “They both knew each others moves. There was a lot of defense.

"They are still good friends," Corcoran joked.

Because the top four wrestlers in each weight class advance, both qualified for the individual state meet at the Palace of Auburn Hills March 3 to 5.

O’Guinn and Melick will have plenty of company.

Buddy Poyner (125), Zach Corcoran (135), Connor Brancheau (160), Drew Morris (171) and Todd Melick (119) all won regional championships.

Bryce Hopkins (119) and James Demember (103) also qualified by placing third, while Nathan Franks (285) earned fourth place to move on.

"Bryce and Nate were surprises," coach Cocoran said. "They came in and wrestled tough and that's great."

Many of the Blue Devils have state championship dreams.

“That’s been the goal since I’ve been little,” Brancheau said. “I’m going to keep working my hardest.”

Brancheau is 52-3 on the year and ranked No. 1 at 160 pounds in Division 3 on Michigangrappler.com.

The senior placed seventh at the state meet as a sophomore and fourth as a junior.

"Everyone is excited. Now they see the big picture," coach Corcoran said. "They are trying to obtain their goals and push themselves to get there."

The Blue Devils are also set to participate in the team state finals this weekend at Battle Creek. No. 3 seed Lake Fenton (26-5) will take on No. 6 seed Otsego (38-4) Friday at 5:30 p.m.at Kellogg Arena.

The winner will compete against the Dundee/Midland Bullock Creek winner at 11:45 a.m. Saturday.