Oakland County

In the wrestling team postseason, strategy differs from individual tournament

By Christian Davis
C & G Sports Writer

When it comes to the individual portion of the wrestling state tournament, all that matters is getting a win, no matter how, and moving on.

But in the team portion of the postseason, which starts Feb. 8 and runs Feb. 9 at different sites across the state, coaches agree that it’s about the bonus points.

“If you think you can win seven (matches) and you’re not sure about the other seven matches, then bonus points are going to be the factor,” Rochester coach Frank Lafferty said.

In wrestling, there are 14 matches in a dual. A victory by decision is worth three points to the team. A major decision — a victory by eight points or more — is worth four points. A technical fall, which is when a grappler gains a 15-point advantage and the match is called, is worth five. A pin is worth six.

So a win is not just a win, like in the individual tournament.

In fact, coaches plan for which kind of victory they’ll get from each wrestler, and even sometimes which kind of loss is acceptable.

“It is critical to avoid (pins) against you, and yes, we stress that every day of practice throughout the year,” North Farmington coach Tom Seremet said. “It does take on added significance at this time of the year.”

Lafferty agrees.

“You outline your game plan to your kids: ‘We want you to win, but we know there are some really good wrestlers on the other team.’ Maybe they’ve pinned them before, so we say your goal is not to get majored or pinned. We, obviously, want the win in that match, but bonus points are huge,” he said.

For instance, if a wrestler is leading a match where he can earn a technical decision, he may not be as aggressive and risk giving up points, thus losing the bonus.

Then again, if there’s enough time on the clock, he may be even more aggressive and try to get a 15-point lead in order to earn the extra points from a major decision.

Lafferty added that it’s important to never assume a loss or have his kids in that frame of mind, but it’s equally important to understand the constantly evolving strategy in each match.

“You just have to be more aware of the bonus points. In the individual tournament, if you’re losing, you have to try anything to win. Whereas with a team, you have to try to win, but also not give up those bonus points,” he said.

Seremet echoed those sentiments.

“We do advise our wrestlers on the mat when we need bonus points,” he said. “It is part of the sport, and everyone understands what is going on.”

Along with the different strategy, there’s also a different atmosphere come the postseason.

“Everyone wants to go to states, so the action is more intense,” Lafferty said.

Though the veteran coach added that he doesn’t put added stress on the kids going into the matches.

“If I told the kids it’s more special, it might make them wrestle more tight,” he said. “We don’t want them to wrestle any different way (than normal).”

Seremet said his team is fully aware that a loss in the tournament means the end of the season for some.

“Our kids are intense for every match, but for the seniors especially, the district tournament takes on added importance, because it could be the end of their team career at any time,” he said.

Teams to watch out for
Many of the districts have re-aligned this season, so there’s a different look to several local matches.

Here’s a rundown of some our local teams that won district titles last season.

In Division 1, Birmingham Brother Rice topped Birmingham Groves 51-24 for the title a year ago. This time around, the Warriors are set to battle three new teams, starting with Troy Athens at Troy High Feb. 9.

At West Bloomfield High, two district champions are set to clash.

The host won its title last year, beating Walled Lake Central 37-30. This time around, the Lakers meet Farmington Hills Harrison in the first round Feb. 9. The Hawks won a D-2 title after beating Birmingham Seaholm 49-30 last year.

Rochester Adams also hopes to defend its D-1 title, but will have a tough battle as Oxford High, the defending state champion, enters the district competition Feb. 9.

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Christian Davis at cdavis@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1062.