Whitehall wrestling rides its top athletes to a 5th straight regional title

WHITEHALL — When a wrestling team has a run of big-time performers - 'hammers,' as they're sometimes known - in its lineup, there's little reason to be nervous even if there's an early deficit to be overcome.

The Whitehall Vikings know that feeling, and they know how to wrestle in the regional round. They overcame an early 13-point hole to defeat Grand Rapids Catholic Central 51-27 in the regional finals, securing a fifth straight regional title and ninth in 10 seasons. The 2015 season was the last time a Whitehall team wrestled at regionals without bringing home the trophy.

"I never take it for granted," Whitehall coach Justin Zeerip said. "Every year, our goal is to make it to team state, and then let the cards fall where they may and give us a shot to make the state finals. Five years ago, we lost in the district (to Reeths-Puffer), so after that loss it's always stuck with me to never take this stuff for granted."

The Vikings earlier beat Tri-County 59-14 in the semifinals, and now await the announcement of quarterfinal pairings for Feb. 21 in Kalamazoo, which the MHSAA will unveil Sunday.

GRCC took an 18-5 lead, as the dual started in the lower middle weights, one of the Cougars' strongest points. However, after a forfeit win at 157 pounds pulled Whitehall to within 18-11, the Vikings reeled off four straight pins by Blake English, Liam Leeke, Parker Mott and Gavin Craner to take control of the match. Leeke's and Mott's pins in particular got the Whitehall bench excited, as both came over regional qualifiers, and Leeke was wrestling two weight classes up from his normal 157 pounds.

"He was bumping up some weight," Zeerip said of Leeke. "He adjusted and went at a really hard pace. He was able to get the guy tired. He has a lot of grit, and it was really cool for him to get the fall like that."

Mott, a senior, hadn't wrestled since his freshman season and is not participating in the individual state tournament, but he certainly could have; his other win Wednesday was a dominant technical fall over another regional qualifier. Mott said he was motivated to join the wrestling team this year in part because his football season was cut short by injury.

"I thought I might as well," Mott said with a sheepish smile. "It's just nice to be able to play a varsity sport again."

Wyatt Jenkins won by forfeit at 285 to cap his 2-0 night, essentially cementing Whitehall's regional title. Jenkins' junior season was almost entirely wiped out by a spinal cord injury, but he's the top-ranked wrestler at 215 and is fired up to take another shot at the team state meet after going 3-0 there last year in his only matches of the season.

"I think it's going to be fun," Jenkins said. "We're looking to be back in the finals again, so we can see what we can do against (Division 3 dynasty) Dundee, but we're going to treat everybody the same."

Jenkins and undefeated Gavin Craner, who overwhelmed both his opponents with pins, provide a nearly automatic 12 points in the Whitehall lineup, and Zeerip said they, along with Leeke, Mott and others, inspire confidence in their teammates.

"It's nice to have those guys up top that help anchor us," Zeerip said. "Gavin and Wyatt, we know those guys are ranked No. 1 in their weight class in the state. They're really tough, and usually they can get us bonus points."

Other 2-0 wrestlers on the night for Whitehall were Max Krukowski, Caden Varela, Kyser and Blake English. Krukowski earned two technical falls, and Varela and English each had a pin and a technical fall.

Whitehall was never threatened against Tri-County, leading 59-4 before dropping the final two bouts. Every Viking win in both matches resulted in bonus points for the team.

Mott conceded he would be nervous heading to team state - "I've never been on that big a stage before," he said - but no doubt the team's leadership group and coaches will have him and his teammates ready to go for the quarterfinals, no matter who the opponent is.

"I have an amazing coaching staff," Zeerip said. "They're so good with the kids, and they're the reason we're so successful. I'm really happy to have them all aboard."