The 2024-25 Kingsford varsity wrestling team poses after the individual districts in Grayling on Feb. 8. (Courtesy photo)

GRAYLING — All season long, the Kingsford varsity wrestling team has been chasing an appearance in Detroit.

Over the weekend, six Flivvers secured their place at the MHSAA Division 3 individual state finals starting on Feb. 28 at Ford Field. Reed Degroot, Tegan Ray, Tyler Bray, Max Sundquist, Brettin Rouse and Ginger Majurin will all be making the trip to Detroit.

“We had a record setting weekend for Kingsford wrestling,” Kingsford head coach Darren Groleau said.

Degroot ended his regional trip to Grayling with a fourth place finish at 126-pounds.

“Reed had to battle all day to become a two-time state qualifier and he will get to finish his high school career at Ford Field,” Groleau said.

Tegan Ray, who also secured his 100th career win at the regional event, ended the day in second place at 132 pounds. Ray is also a two-time state qualifier. He was 2-1 on the day, picking up a win by pin and a decision.

“Tegan has put together a great season so far,” Groleau said. “He has goals on making that podium just like the rest of his teammates.”

Tyler Bray emerged from the 150-pound bracket with a fourth place finish. He was 2-2 on the day. It’s his first time qualifying for the state tournament.

“Tyler has been on a mission to make this trip since coming up short last year as a freshman at regionals,” Groleau added. “The biggest surprise of the weekend was Brettin Rouse at 190.”

Rouse went 3-1 in the 190- pound bracket, winning all three by pin.

“Brettin is our leader of the team and everyone on the team looks up to him,” Groleau said. “He had such an up and down year but he turned it on and peaked at the right time.

“He pinned two state-ranked guys on his way to a third place. He absolutely earned his trip to Ford Field. So proud of that kid.”

On Sunday, Majurin competed in Cadillac. She pinned her first opponent and then won by technical fall, 15-0, in her next match. Ultimately, she fell in the first place match and ended the day in second at 135 pounds.

“Ginger Majurin is a trailblazer for our girls in our program,” Groleau said. “She is our first girl to qualify for states at 135. Ginger continues to impress me with her work ethic, confidence and desire to be the best. She is setting the standard for the next generation of female girl wrestlers. We are so proud of her and we can’t wait to see what she can do.”

Seniors Nolan Hendrickson, 138 pounds, and Mason Tappy, 215 pounds, also made the trip to Grayling. They both came up one win away from qualifying for the state tournament.

“Nolan’s loss was probably one of the toughest losses for me in recent memory,” Groleau said. “He was up big in the 3rd and he ended up getting caught on his back. It was devastating for me for someone who has grown and improved so much this season.

“Mason had an incredible season for us. Anytime you lose a two-time state finalist and state champion at a weight class it’s tough to fill that void. But Mason really stepped up and did a fantastic job for us. I wish we could’ve had Mason for all 4 years.”

Sophomores Jake Lockhart, 175 pounds, and Connor White, 285 pounds, also qualified for the regional round, but didn’t advance.

“They are both two-time regional qualifiers and have improved so much this year,” Groleau said. “We asked a lot from both of those boys and they did whatever we asked with no questions. Super proud of them and they will take that next step towards states next year.”

IRON MOUNTAIN

The Iron Mountain’s varsity wrestling team will have two representatives at the MHSAA Division 4 state tournament — senior Daniel Manier and DiAngelo Saldana.

Manier competed at 150 pounds on Saturday in Charlevoix.

He dominated his first two opponents, picking up a 15-0 technical fall win and an 11-5 decision. He ended the day in second place.

Saldana took the mat at 138 pounds. He won his opening match in an 8-1 decision.

He dropped his next match and then grabbed a majority decision to secure a spot in the third place match. He took fourth place.