It will be a repeat of last season as both Abigail Judy and Harland Begg have both qualified for the MHSAA Individual state finals at Ford Field on March 6-7 for the second year in a row. This year they have their eyes on a bigger prize as they look to better their last year’s performance.

Harland was dominant in his first two matches of the day finishing with 2 pins to punch his ticket to the finals and a repeat trip to Ford Field. He would face off against a familiar foe in Layne O’Niel from Fowlerville in the finals. A repeat match up from last weekend District Final. The two have been ranked 1 and 2 in the state for pretty much the entire season. O’Niel scored a late takedown in the third period with the score tied 2-2. Begg would end up losing by a score of 5-3.

“I think we know that we didn’t wrestle our best match in the finals and hopefully we can use this to light a little fire under us. Don’t take things for granted and know that kids aren’t going to roll over for us. We have to compete every match and that’s what we are going to work our butts off for the next 2 weeks. If we do that, things will end up the way we want them to” Coach Zuehlke said of Begg’s performance.

Abigail earned her trip back to Ford Field by way of a Regional Championship. She pinned Breanna Byrd in the second period followed by a gutty 10-5 victory over Ella Barron of Farmington. Trailing by 2 going into the third period, Judy scored a three point takedown and 4 near fall to punch her ticket. She would face Grace Miller of Hudson whom she beat last weekend in the District finals. It was a repeat performance as she pinned Miller in the third period for the title.

Also wrestling in the Regional tournament was Layne Churchill. She came up just short by losing in the blood round. She finished 1-2 on the day and completed a very impressive season as a first year wrestler.

“We couldn’t be more proud of these girls and how far they have come this year. We are looking forward to pushing Abby over the next two weeks. The sky is the limit and we feel Abby is ready in her return with another year of experience and knowing the atmosphere of Ford Field.”

The State Finals will take place on March 6 and 7 at Ford Field.