By Sean Budlong
The Schoolcraft wrestling team has had limited opportunities to wrestle early this season, but it has been impressive already. Going into the Christmas break, six different Eagles are ranked in the state. Spencer Fox is ranked fifth at 130 pounds, Justin Braford is fifth at 140 pounds, Ethan Sharp fifth at 152 pounds, Zac Sharp sixth at 160 pounds, Cameron Blalock seventh at 171 pounds, and Brandon Verwey fourth at 215 pounds.
Schoolcraft has lost just one match so far, and that was to an outstanding Lakewood team at the Vicksburg tournament. Meanwhile, the Eagles have victories over Gull Lake, White Pigeon, Portage Northern, Vicksburg, Dowagiac, and Niles Brandywine.
This early success has led to a #10 ranking in Division 4.
Zac and Ethan Sharp lead the Eagles and are undefeated, but they are not the only outstanding wrestlers on the team. Fox, Blalock, and Braford have each only lost one match.
Schoolcraft has a long history of sending multiple wrestlers to the state tournament, and this year looks to be no exception. Younger wrestlers like River Fox and Riley Watts have performed very well while learning from some of the best in the area.
“We have 20 kids on the team, and only six are seniors,” explains Assistant Coach Darryl Sharp. “We need the younger kids to learn real quick just how long and grueling a high school season can be.”