Youth wrestlers perform well in state competition

State champion Cole Munson, proudly shows his winning bracket along with the singlet he won from the MYWA tournament held in Kalamazoo last weekend. Photo courtesy of Laura Jarels

All winter long, as the Manchester high school wrestlers compete at the junior varsity and varsity levels against conference, district, regional, and state opponents, they also have been inspiring and encouraging a growing group of youth wrestlers coached by David Bearce, assisted by Dan Fleck and Corey Johnson.

On the weekend of March 23, the Michigan Youth Wrestling Association (MYWA), hosted statewide competition for the annual MYWAY tournament at Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo. More than 3,800 young wrestlers were there to compete at the state’s highest level.

“We had 11 (Manchester) kids qualify for MYWA states this year,” said parent Laurie Jarels. “Six of them placed at MYWA states.”

These students were Piper Fry, Gunner Carson, Adam Grebe, Dominick Kelley, Zachary Jarels, Tayton Spivey, Ben Gautz, Jacob Bunn, Garett Pope, and Cole Munson.

Cole Munson took state champion, wrestling at 122#, while Ben Gautz and Gunner Carson each brought home a fourth-place medal. Zachary Jarels earned fifth place, while Jacob Bunn took 8th. In addition, Piper Fry competed in the combined MYWA states and the girls’ MYWA states, taking second place in the girls division.

Coach Bearce commented, “I was very proud of the way the boys and girls wrestled. It is a big environment for them to wrestle in and the competitors there are the absolute best in the state. To come away with six medals from our 11 wrestlers is a great accomplishment.”

Piper Fry competed in the MYWA tournament and placed second in the girls’ division. She is shown with her medal and her singlet. Photo courtesy of Stacy Fry

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.