Eight Panther Wrestlers Place in Ludington Tournament
December 12, 2005

By KRISTIN HOLLENBECK
Sports writer

LUDINGTON - "Our kids fought really hard and did a great job considering we still haven't had a full practice this season," said coach Irv Pettit. "Five of the guys were involved with the play Bamboozle and we also not to compete in an invitational tournament a week ago last Saturday at Mancelona so the team could support the girls at the state finals in Lansing." Coach Pettit did bring 10 mat men with him last Saturday against 14 teams from all over western Michigan and was very pleased with their effort. Two members brought home first place medals, senior Pat Ridge at 140 pounds and junior Mike Cole at 171. "Everyone fought really hard. Even though sophomore Nathan Morrill and freshman Sam Fitzhugh didn't place, they wrestled very well in real tough weight classes and should be proud of their effort." Three wrestlers brought home third place finishes. Freshman Luke Fogarty earned his at 119, senior Van Amond at 135 and sophomore Tom Johnson at 160 pounds. Junior Kirt Rosamilia placed fifth at 145 pounds as did sophomore Chuck Beale at 152 pounds. "Our roster is not complete yet, but we should know more this week when we will be able to get more students in for practices. It looks to be a really good season for us," said Pettit. Tonight the Panthers and the Manton Rangers will travel to class A Traverse City Central. "We'll be competitive. It will be a good challenge for us."

Johnson, Fitzhugh and Cole medal in Lakeview Wrestling Invitational.

By KRISTIN HOLLENBECK
Sports Writer

LAKEVIEW - Eight mat men from Frankfort and Onekama competed last Saturday, January 14, at the Lakeview Invitational and gained vital experience as their team hits their seasonal halfway point. Tommy Johnson was losing very badly in one match and was down by 12 points. That's when he decided it was time to turn things around including his opponents and promptly pinned him to the mat. He won all five of his matches in the 152 weight class. Sam Fitzhugh at 125 pounds won four out of five as did Mike Cole of Onekama at 171 pounds. Cole pinned two of his men in less than 30 seconds. Van Amond won two out of three of his matches at 135 pounds. Winning one match each were R.J. Rafferty at 160, Robert Charters at 119 and Luke Hogarty also at 119 pounds. Nate Morrill also competed and is getting better and stronger every week.The Panther-Portager duo will travel to Charlevoix on Jan. 21 for a 10 a.m. meet and on Jan. 25 they will compete against Kingsley and Benzie Central.