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Photo by David Jose
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Dexter's Bret Marsh has his hand raised in victory after defeating St. Johns sophomore Jake Walters 8-2 for the Division II 112-pound state championship at last weekend's final at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Dreadnaught junior finished the year with a 53-2 overall record.
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After finishing as state runner-up last year at 103 pounds, Dexter junior Bret Marsh captured a state championship at 112 pounds last Saturday at the Division II state final at The Palace of Auburn Hills.
Marsh (53-2) defeated St. Johns sophomore Jake Walters 8-2 in the 112 championship match.
"It feels good," Marsh said. "It's a lot better than being runner-up."
Marsh dominated Walters in the final.
"I had wrestled him three previous times (prior to this year) and I found that when I push the pace, he breaks," Marsh said. "I had to be careful of headlocks and cradles. I wanted to set the pace of the match."
Entering the final match, Marsh said he was disappointed with his performance up to that point.
"I wasn't wrestling well," he said. "I was wrestling sloppy. I wanted to be aggressive in the final. I wanted to wrestle my match, not his."
Dexter coach Craig McCalla said Marsh was at his best in the final.
"Bret saved his best match of the year for his last match," he said. "Bret was dominant through the whole match. He was able to stay in control of Walters through most of the match."
To open the tournament, Marsh defeated Eaton Rapids sophomore Justin Garza (22-10) 9-2.
In his second match, Marsh beat Linden sophomore Josh Freitas (49-12) 8-6 in overtime.
"This was a close match for Bret," McCalla said. "Josh (Freitas) tied up the match at the end of the third period and Bret had to get the takedown in overtime."
In the state semifinals, Marsh beat Stevensville-Lakeshore freshman Nick Humes (37-11) 11-8.
"It was a great day for Bret," McCalla said. "He has worked hard since last March to get back into the state finals and it all paid off for him. Bret is a good example of hard work and determination paying off."
Marsh, who's already receiving looks from the University of Michigan and the University of North Carolina, said he would take some time off before preparing for the national meet in Fargo, ND in July.
"I hope to place at nationals," Marsh said.
Marsh is following in the footsteps of older brother Jeff, currently a senior on U-M's wrestling team. As a prepster, Jeff also won a state championship as a junior. He followed that title up with a second one in his senior season.
"He motivates me," Bret said of Jeff. "He helped warm me up before the state final. It's my goal to wrestle in college."
While Marsh earned the tournament's highest prize, three other Dexter wrestlers also competed in the finals.
At 103 pounds, Dreadnaught freshman Dan Flowers (32-13) lost his opening match to Gaylord sophomore Jacob Armstrong (42-10) by pin in 5:58. In his second match, he lost to Allegan freshman Matt Smith (55-9) 11-5.
"It was a great first experience for Dan," McCalla said. "He came out and gave it everything he had. He will be an important part of our lineup next season."
At 152, Dexter senior Michael Campbell (32-17) lost his opening match to Greenville senior Jordan Garner (30-4) by pin in 2:35. In his second match, Campbell defeated Stevensville-Lakeshore sophomore Tim Newman (36-14) 4-2. In his final bout, Campbell lost to Fowlerville senior Brandon Burt (48-13) by pin in 3:40.
"It was not how Michael wanted to end his career, but Coach (Andrew) Parker and I are extremely proud of the hard work and time Michael put into the season," McCalla said. "His leadership will be missed next year."
At heavyweight, Dreadnaught sophomore Corey Chamberlain (38-16) opened the tournament losing to eventual state runner-up Matt Pettigrew (33-7), a senior St. Johns, by disqualification for stalling. In his second match, he pinned Gaylord senior Gus Blanzy (44-10) in 2:11. In his third match, he lost to Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern senior Carson Mutchler (39-7) 5-3.
"This was Corey's first time to the state meet and he wrestled extremely well," McCalla said. "Corey will be an asset to the wrestling program for the next two years."
McCalla, who concluded a successful first season at the state meet, said it was a memorable year.
"The coaches and wrestlers would like to thank all of the parents, family members and fans who came out to support us," he said. "It is with (everyone's) help that we can continue the tradition of great wrestling here in Dexter."
Sports Editor Don Richter can be reached at 475-1371 or at drichter@heritage.com.
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