Usually a fifth-place finish in a tournament isn’t going to excite a high school wrestling team.

But the Fruitport squad was very satisfied with it’s fifth-place spot at Saturday’s Jim Mooney Williamston Classic, a 63-year-year-old event that annually attracts many top teams and elite wrestlers from throughout the state.

The Trojans finished with 113.5 points, behind champion New Boston Huron (199), Grand Ledge (196.5), Portland (161) and Clinton (121.5).

Fruitport finished ahead of 22 teams.

Austin Jacobs

“The team came in unsure and hesitant, knowing this was an elite tournament,” said Fruitport head coach Chad Johnson. “But once that first whistle blew, I could feel we had locked in. A top five finish in a highly competitive 27-team tournament is an impressive showing for the Trojans.

“We knew we needed a high-level tournament like this to simulate the intensity of regional and state competition, and to gauge where we stand, both as a team and individually. As coaches and wrestlers, we walked away with a clear sense of the areas we need to improve in order to achieve our postseason goals.

“Overall, I’m so proud of this team. This has to be one of the toughest tournaments in the state, year after year, and we are grateful for the opportunity to compete and wrestle at such a high level.”

The top Trojans were Austin Jacobs and Zach Aardema, who each finished second in their respective weight classes.

Zach Aardema

Murphy Lengkeek and Alex Aardema each finished third in their weight classes.

Jacobs (106 pounds) finished 4-1 on the day, with three victories over wrestlers who are ranked in the top 10 in the state in various divisions. He finally lost the championship match to Caleb Frazier of New Boston Huron – the No. 1 ranked wrestler in Division 2 – by a very tight 8-7 score.

He scored 23 team points for the Trojans.

“Jacobs wrestled with purpose today, battling his way through a premier tournament,” Coach Johnson said.

Murphy Lengkeek

storage

Zach Aardema (126 pounds) also went 4-1 and had an impressive 17-14 win over Yale’s Mackaey McClelland, who is ranked No. 3 in the state in Division 3.

“Zachary has put in a tireless amount of time perfecting his craft this season,” Johnson said. “From day one, he’s been all in – focused, hungry, and committed. He had an outstanding tournament, highlighted by a big win over last year’s returning Division 3 state runner-up.”

He earned 23.5 team points.

Lengkeek (138 pounds), only a freshman, finished with a 5-1 record. He lost in the semifinal round, but bounced back to defeat two ranked wrestlers – one in a pin and one with a 3-2 decision, to claim third place.

He earned 20 team points.

Alex Aardema

mini

“Murphy continues to roll, taking down another three ranked wrestlers this weekend,” Johnson said. “Murph’s wrestling experience appears to be the difference. As the freshman he comes in with a wrestling IQ well beyond his years.”

Alex Aardema (144 pounds) also went 5-1, battling back from a loss in the semifinals to take third. His victories included two major decisions and a technical fall. His only loss was to the eventual weight class champion.

He scored 19.5 team points.

“Alex came into the tournament seeded 12th, but throughout the day he was determined to prove everyone wrong,” Johnson said. “He is is finding his mid-season groove and will be a force down the stretch as he makes a strong run.”

He scored 19.5 team points.

Fruitport’s Rylan Thorsen (113 pounds) took sixth place  and scored 12 points. Jeremiah Stone-Tyler (106) scored six points and Cooper Lengkeek (157) scored 5.5 points.