HFC wrestlers grapple their way to the top at Hawks Invitational

Hawk wrestler and opponent on mat as the referee announces Hawk wrestler as winner.

The referee raises HFC wrestler's Wyatt Marentette's (center) arm in victory at Dec. 2's Hawks Invitational at HFC. Marentette placed second in the 197-pound division.

On December 2, the HFC wrestling team hosted the Hawks Invitational in the gym of the Athletic Memorial Building (Building H on the main campus), where 12 teams competed.

The Hawks competed against visiting teams:

Grand Valley State University
Hillsdale College
Morton College (Cicero, IL)
Mott Community College
St. Clair County Community College
Slippery Rock University (Butler County, PA)
Siena Heights University
Western Michigan University
University of Toledo
Ohio State University
University of Michigan in Ann Arbor

HFC had a total of 16 pins. Of all the teams, HFC had the most pins in the least amount of time (46:54), said Coach Grant MacKenzie, who is in his 11th season as the head coach and founding coach of the wrestling team.

Highlights of the invitational:

Jacob Campbell was the champion of the 125-pound division.
Kyle Wilson took second place in the 141-pound division.
Eian Rush took second place in the 174-pound division.
Jake Navarro was the champion of the 197-pound division.
Wyatt Marentette took second place in the 197-pound division.
Bart Laretz took fourth place in the 197-pound division.
Kameron Buettner was the champion of the 285-pound division.

“Those are impressive statistics,” said MacKenzie. “I am so proud of everyone. This is a tough sport, and the team is putting in the effort needed for success.”