Macomb Dakota wrestling wins regional championship

By Mark Vest
C & G Sports Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo by Erin Sanchez Macomb Dakota beats Chippewa Valley in regional final.Pictured are Dakota's Jake Johnson and Grosse Pointe North's Michael Bowden in regional semifinal action. Photo by Erin Sanchez Macomb Dakota beats Chippewa Valley in regional final.Pictured are Dakota's Jake Johnson and Grosse Pointe North's Michael Bowden in regional semifinal action.

FAIR HAVEN — Macomb Dakota wrestling won the program's first-ever regional championship via a 64-3 victory over Chippewa Valley Feb. 13 at Anchor Bay High School.

Coming into the season, Dakota had never made it out of districts. The Cougars will now be heading to the quarterfinals, and as far as far as coach Ed Skowneski is concerned, it is mission accomplished.

"We set a goal at the beginning of the year," he said. "We've been working towards it. Today was the day (they) needed to buckle down and get after it, and they really did."

Although Chippewa coach Gary Bundirks would have liked for his team to be moving on, he is pleased the were able to walk away from the season with a district championship to their credit.

"I'm proud of my kids," he said. "The kids wrestle hard (and) do the best they can."

For the Cougars, it is on to the quarterfinals in Battle Creek Feb. 22.

Dakota defeated Grosse Pointe North 77-3 in a reginal semifinal matchup to advance to the regional finals. Chippewa defeated Warren De Lasalle 41-30 in its semifinal.

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Mark Vest at mvest@candgnews.com or at (586)279-1112. Follow Mark on Twitter.