DOWAGIAC — The Dowagiac Middle School wrestling team opened up its season by hosting Edwardsburg and Paw Paw Jan. 17.

The Chieftains turned in a solid performance by winning 24 out of the 34 matches they wrestled.

“We looked good for our first time out, but we will strive to get better every meet,” said Dowagiac coach Andy Crawley. “The wrestlers were in good spirits and thanks everyone who attended.”

Winning a pair of matches were Jerome Haines, D.J. Rimpson, Nicholas Green, Noah Phillips, Zach Gettig, Taven Livingston, Braqsten Whitaker, Matthew Owen, Malakai Haines and Colin Gerner.

Also picking up a victory were Shane Bennett, Dustin Sirk, Nick Schultz and Johnathan Phillips.

Dowagiac traveled to Decatur on Saturday for its first invitational of the season.

The Chieftains head to South Haven for a Wolverine Conference triangular on Wednesday before heading to Allegan for an invitational on Saturday.

Dowagiac’s next home meet will be Feb. 21.