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FHS wrestlers earned early season momentum at St. Louis

Colton Whittaker secures 100th career victory

  The Frankenmuth varsity wrestling program traveled to the St. Louis Duals on Saturday, December 13, to hit the mats for five competitive matches.

  The Eagles turned in an impressive performance in the Sharks’ gymnasium, finishing 4-1 overall and taking the tournament’s runner-up trophy.

  “Our lone loss came to host St. Louis, currently ranked No. 3 in Division 4 in the state, in a hard-fought and competitive dual which showcased Frankenmuth’s depth and growth,” FHS Coach Skylar Ley said.

  For the day, the ‘Muth grapplers best Chesaning 60-12, topped Ionia 66-18, downed Saranac 54-24, and defeated Fulton 66-18, before falling to the Sharks, 47-24.

  "Despite the final team score (against St. Louis), we wrestled exceptionally well across the lineup and won every single match between ranked wrestlers. In other words, all our top-ranked wrestlers defeated all their top-ranked wrestlers,” Ley explained.

  Colton Whittaker was once again the standout of the event and was named the team’s Most Valuable Wrestler for the second consecutive week. The senior defeated returning state champion Owen Fogel of St. Louis in a thrilling 6-5 bout, �� win that highlighted his composure and toughness in big moments, speaking to why he is a valued captain of this team,” Ley stated.

  The victory was made even more special as later in the day, Whittaker recorded his 100^th career victory, a milestone achievement part of an already outstanding career.

  After narrowly falling to a returning state champion last week, Whittaker’s response this weekend exemplified resilience and growth.

  “He wins these matches in the room every single day with that attitude and mindset he brings to his reps. He never takes a move off in the room, and it shows in these big matches,” Ley said.

  Several Eagles, both upper and lower classroom, finished the day undefeated, continuing a strong trend for the program and speaks to the direction the program is headed. Seniors Bradyn Curtis and Whittaker, junior EJ Bernthal and freshmen Jense Antilla and Michael Carter all finished 5-0 on the day, while senior Griffin Clontz was 4-0, and freshmen Cade Olgine ended up 3-0, all leaving the tournament undefeated.

  "Curtis, Whittaker, Bernthal, and Carter each recorded important wins over ranked opponents, helping solidify Frankenmuth’s position as one of the top programs in the state. Their performances reflected the team’s preparation and belief, especially against elite competition,” Ley said........

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