Niles’ Franco, Eddies’ Hoover third at finals

Published 9:37 am Tuesday, March 10, 2020

DETROIT — Area wrestlers brought home plenty of hardware from the Michigan High School Athletic Association state wrestling championship at Ford Field over the weekend.

Niles’ Ryan Franco and Edwardsburg’s Jackson Hoover were the top finishers, as both finished third in the Division 2 individual finals.

Dowagiac’s Jordan Simpson and Wyatt Bailey both finished fourth in Division three.

Franco (36-4) pinned Ryan Goulet, of Gibraltar Carlson, in 1:26 at 125 pounds, while Hoover (37-6) edged William Link, of Lowell, 10-9 in overtime at 140 pounds.

Simpson (46-11) was defeated by Michael Brazeau, of Gladstone, 5-2 in the consolation finals.

Bailey (46-11) lost to Coloma’s Cole Alsup 6-1 in the consolation finals.

In Division 2, Niles’ Mikey Robles (33-7) finished fifth at 103, Kade Wagley (31-13) finished sixth at 145, and Dillon Hursh (33-8), of Edwardsburg, finished seventh at 189 pounds. Edwardsburg’s Jacob Reece (36-7) was eighth at 145 pounds.

In Division 3, Brandywine’s Hunter Heath (51-4) finished seventh at 140 pounds.