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Above, Kyle Witgen watches the referee for the signal that he has won the match at the state individual wrestling matches on Thursday, March 4. Below, Jeremy Ward grasping his Lake Orion opponent's leg at the state individual wrestling matches.

(Observer photos by Mike Nicley)

Two of five Romeo wrestlers
at state earn medals

by RICK DESOTELL
Observer Sports Writer

      Every high school wrestler in Michigan has the same dream - qualify for the MHSAA state tournament at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
       Five Romeo wrestlers, senior Jeremy Ward, junior Zach Schafer, junior Kyle Witgen, junior Adam Bennett and sophomore Tayron Womble, made their dreams come true and two of the five, Bennett and Ward, were fortunate enough to win medals.

"Qualifying for the state tournament is a great accomplishment for these guys," Romeo Coach Jim Cali said. "For Romeo to have five representatives at the Palace says something about the kind of kids we have here at Romeo. I was just as proud of them for how they carried themselves. When they won, they acted like they had been there before and when they lost, and we lost some tough matches, they showed class and sportsmanship."
       Heavyweight Bennett (57-8) finished in fifth place with a pin over Justin Dozier from Brownston-Woodhaven in his final match. Based on this year, Bennett, who led the team in pins and wins this year, could go even further next year.
       "Adam finished an incredible season with a super performance against the state's best competition," Cali said. "He's a great competitor. He shows up to wrestle every match and makes things happen. Everyone that placed ahead of him this year was a senior, so the outlook for next year is bright."
       Schafer (52-11) had a rough tournament, losing both of his matches, but the future still looks very bright.
       "The experience Zach gained this year will prove invaluable for next year," said Cali. "Unfortunately, he had a crazy tough draw. The other three kids in his side of the bracket finished second, third and fourth in the state. But he'll be all right. He had over 50 wins as a junior and that just doesn't happen very often. He was able to accomplish his success because he does not like to lose to anybody."
       103-pounder Womble (47-15) did not place, but he should have. Some tough calls went against him in his final match.
       "The improvement that Tayron has made is incredible" said Cali. "He just started wrestling last year and is already one of the top 103-pounders in the state. It's a shame he did not get a medal; he certainly deserved one. A couple of calls did not go his way in his last match, but that does not take away from the fact that he had a terrific season."
       Witgen (44-12) lost some tough matches at the Palace, but Cali knows the 130-pounder will be back next year.
       "Kyle was in the thick of the competition in a very tough weight class," Cali said. "He was a solid wrestler for us all year and is a great leader for the younger kids. He's a hard worker, so we know he will be in the mix next year for sure."
       The lone senior to make it to the Palace was 135-pounder Ward (48-12), who finished in eighth place. Ward might have finished higher, but lost some tough matches in the consolation bracket.
       "Obviously, we want all of the qualifiers to medal, but it's especially cool for the seniors because this is their last chance," Cali said. "Jeremy started in our club years ago and is just a great competitor. He is so much fun to watch because he never stops hustling."

» Schedules

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School Sports

Games are home
Varsity schedules
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varsity schedules unless specified.)

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 1

Golf
@ Dakota
time tba.
Tennis
Stevenson
4 p.m.
JV tennis
@ Stevenson
4 p.m.
9th football
Dakota
4:30 p.m.
JV football
Dakota
7 p.m.

* * * *

THURSDAY, SEPT. 2

Golf @ Fraser
time tba.
9th soccer @ Stevenson
4 p.m.
JV soccer @ Adams
5:30 p.m.
Football @ Dakota
7 p.m.
JV football
Dakota
7 p.m.
Soccer @ Adams
7 p.m.

* * * *

TUESDAY, SEPT. 7

9th soccer
Grosse Pointe North
4 p.m.
9th volleyball
Stoney Creek Mch
4 p.m.
JV volleyball
Stoney Creek Mch
5 p.m.
Volleyball
Stoney Creek Mch
6 p.m.

* * * *

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 8

Golf @ Stevenson
2:30 p.m.
Tennis
Grosse Pointe South
4 p.m.
JV tennis @ Grosse Pointe South
4 p.m.
JV soccer @ Utica
5 p.m.
Soccer @ Utica
6:30 p.m.

* * * *