Hazel Park,Madison Heights,Warren

Lamphere wrestling wins Division 2 district championship

By Mark Vest
C & G Staff Writer

Photo by Erin Sanchez Lamphere's Austin Frederick has his hand raised in victory following a 125-pound match during districts.

HAZEL PARK — Madison Heights Lamphere captured its second consecutive Division 2 district championship following a 50-18 victory against Hazel Park in a district final matchup Feb. 7.

Lamphere's Valentine Ralph (135 pounds) helped get his team off to a good start by winning via pin in the first match of the final, giving the Rams an early 6-0 lead.

Lamphere went on to get four other pins, which helped provide the Rams with a comftorable lead as the match progressed.

According to coach Russ McKenzie, winning a district championship was a goal his team had from the beginning of the season.

"One of our goals was to get to regionals," he said. "We had beaten Hazel Park a couple times this year, but we knew they would come out strong, as they always do. They always wrestle very tough and aggressive. We won all the close ones. I think the match was a lot closer than what the score says."

Hazel Park coach Dale Hart understands what his team was up against in facing Lamphere.

"They're a good team," he said. "They train hard. (They have a) little more experiece than us. I think they've got eight seniors on their team."'

Lamphere senior Evan Reich credits a team effort for helping propel the Rams to victory..

"We all did a great job tonight, " he said. "Everybone pulled their weight."

Lamphere defeated Hamtramck 69-9 in a district semifinal matchup; Hazel Park beat Warren Fitzgerald 53-22 in its semifinal.

The Rams move on to face the winner of the St. Clair Shores Lake Shore district in a reginal semifinal contest Feb. 13 at Lamphere.

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