Clawson

Clawson High wrestlers confident even after regional semifinal setback

By Jason Carmel Davis
C & G Sports Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Clawson High 160-pound grappler Shawn Lynk, top, and the Trojans fell to Grosse Ile 51-27 Feb. 15 in a regional semifinal at Richmond High. The loss ends the team portion of Clawson’s season. Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Clawson High 160-pound grappler Shawn Lynk, top, and the Trojans fell to Grosse Ile 51-27 Feb. 15 in a regional semifinal at Richmond High. The loss ends the team portion of Clawson’s season.

CLAWSON — After falling just two matches short of a trip to the state finals, third-year Clawson wrestling coach Keil Jorgensen said he’s proud of his team’s effort.

“They’ve worked really hard from day one,” Jorgensen said after they lost 51-27 to Grosse Ile in a regional semifinal. Feb. 15 at Richmond High

“I told them I wouldn’t trade them for a state title team.”

Jorgensen did say he was disappointed with the loss, noting at points it looked like his guys wrestled not to lose instead of looking to win.

After Clawson won the first bout by void, Grosse Ile scored pins in the next three bouts, building an 18-6 lead on its way to the win.

The Trojans finished the season with a 31-9 record.

“I honestly think we kind of overlooked (Grosse Ile) because we beat them earlier in the season,” junior 215-pound grappler Marlon Harris said. “They kind of snuck up on us.”

Harris was the lone Clawson grappler to score a pin in the match. Senior 160-pounder Shawn Lynk, who this season became the Trojans’ all-time leader in wins, scored a 7-2 decision in winning his match. The remainder of the Trojans’ point came via void.

“The loss was pretty tough because it was my last team match, and I wanted to keep going,” Lynk said. “But over the last few years, we’ve built something. I think Clawson, because of coach Jorgensen, has a program that’ll be good for a long time.”

In three years as coach, Jorgensen has won two district titles. The 2010-11 title was the program’s first in 36 years. Clawson repeated as district champs this year.

Jorgensen and Harris share Lynk’s belief the Trojans can maintain a high level of success.

Next year’s lineup should feature nine seniors, Jorgensen said. A number of freshman who made solid contributions to the squad are slated to return, as well, according to Jorgensen.

The Trojans’ coach said he’ll ensure his guys train hard in the offseason — in the school gym and at camps at Michigan State, the University of Michigan and Central Michigan.

“I want them all to go all out this offseason and be ready to go next year,” Jorgensen said. “From day one when I got here to now, we’re better than I could have ever dreamed of being.

“We’ll definitely be solid next year.”
 

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Jason Carmel Davis at jdavis@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1107. Follow Jason Carmel on Twitter.