The Lakeland wrestling team concluded a wonderful season at the Division 1 Michigan State Wrestling Championships on Saturday April 3rd.  We are very proud of the entire team. 

Congratulations to Luke Jaworski and Pierce Carpenter who both placed 7th earning All-State honors. 
Lakeland had only two other All-State winners in the previous 10 years. 

Luke Jaworski 7th Place.  Junior, 130 lbs
Luke lost his first match, but won his next two matches 12-7 and pin to win All-State honors.  He lost his next match 2-1 to the 4th place finisher and then won a rematch with his first opponent, pinning him to finish 7th. 

Pierce Carpenter 7th Place.  Sophomore, 152 lbs
Pierce won his first match in overtime 7-5.  He then lost to the eventual 2nd place finisher.  He won his next match 6-5 to win All-State honors.  He lost his next match to the 6th pace finisher and then won a rematch with his first opponent 6-4 again in overtime to finish 7th. 

Seth Zimmerman, Sophomore, 119 lbs also represented Lakeland at the State tournament.  He lost tough matches to the 1st and 6th place finishers. 

Photo submitted by Ron Zimmerman

Due to unexpected circumstances, the wrestling program's regularly-scheduled Senior Night ceremony was postponed. So, each of the seniors will be showcased on our social media platforms. Leading off....Joel Zimmerman.

Name: Joel Zimmerman

Weight Class for Wrestling: 135 lbs

Post-Lakeland goals (school, career):

This summer I will begin serving a 2 year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After that I will study mechanical engineering at Brigham Young University.

Positive memory of wrestling career:

Winning 1st place at the Hemlock Invitational tournament.

Senior comment about the experience:

Hard work pays off.

I want to thank to Coach Tippin and Coach Calderon for all they have done for me and for Lakeland wrestling.

I want to thank my parents for supporting me.

Coach's comment:

Joel is a 4-year letterman, who has excelled in both the classroom and on the wrestling mat. He perfectly personifies the definition of a captain. Joel will be greatly missed!

Parents' comment:

Joel started wrestling in 7th grade and never looked back. In his freshman year, he struggled as a varsity wrestler winning only 2 matches, but Joel loved wrestling and set goals to improve. Since then he has worked continuously through the off seasons attending wrestling clubs and camps, in addition to daily strength training. Joel made major improvements and was extremely successful on the mat during his Junior and Senior seasons. Joel always wants to wrestle. He often playfully grabs a family member and says, “Can I show you this wrestling move?” Joel is an excellent student and a model scholar-athlete. Joel is a wonderful example to all those around him of the success that can be had through hard work and discipline. We are very proud of you.

Wrestling Senior Spotlight #2: Kyle Coleman

Due to unexpected circumstances, the wrestling program's regularly-scheduled Senior Night ceremony was postponed. So, each of the seniors will be showcased on our social media platforms.

Our 2nd honoree: Kyle Coleman

Weight Class for Wrestling: 145lbs

Post-Lakeland goals (school, career): I will be studying to seek a career as a Nutritionist/Dietitian to help people that want to lose weight and those that struggle with an eating disorder.

Positive memory of wrestling career: Going to the water park last year

Senior comment about the experience: Work hard and you will get good outcomes from your hard work. Thank you to Bobby and Tip for allowing me to grow over the past 4 years and become more a man day by day.

Coach's comment: I can’t say enough about this great, funny kid! Endured a ton of injuries over the last four years but kept coming back every time. Wishing him the best for his future!

Parent comment about your son: From Mom: I can still remember the first match that you wrestled at middle school with limited experience in the sport. I believe I was more nervous than you were and now fast-forward to today and while I still get just as nervous, I know you have it covered because of all the experience you have gained as a person and wrestler. I'm very proud of your accomplishments and hope you embrace all that comes your way!