The 2024 Kingsford varsity wrestling team poses in Marquette after winning the U.P. Championship on Jan. 18. (Courtesy photo)

MENOMINEE — After posting a 14-1 record in dual meets, the Kingsford varsity wrestling team looked poised to add another district title to its trophy case on Wednesday in Menominee.

However, the Flivvers run ended in the MHSAA Division 3 District 165 semifinals against Gladstone, 41-38.

“I’m absolutely gutted, the kids are gutted,” Kingsford head coach Darren Groleau said. “It’s tough when you give up 24 points in forfeits. I made some lineup changes to chase some matches and I probably should’ve just ran our lineup straight up. That’s on me, I over thought the lineups. Even giving up 24 points, I believe that we could’ve pulled it out at the end. We’ve been in that boat for most of the year, giving up some points, and we always found a way to win.

“Tonight, it was just too big of a hole to crawl out of. But this loss doesn’t take away from what this team has accomplished this season as a team.”

Not only did they dominate the dual schedule, but the Flivvers also won four tournaments outright this season — St. Ignace, Escanaba Elks, Ray Mariucci and the U.P. Championship. They were also co-champions at the Marinette Border Battle.

“It was the best season we had in recent memory,” Groleau added. “I am so proud of this group. They really became a close-knit group and they were a fun group to watch as a team.”

Senior Reed Degroot kicked off the match for Kingsford at 126 pounds. He picked up a decision win over Gladstone’s Connor Britton. Senior Nolan Hendrickson followed that up with a pin at 144 pounds.

Tegan Ray picked up a forfeit at 144 pounds, Tyler Bray grabbed a technical fall win at 157 and Max Sundquist won at 175-pounds by pin. However, Kingsford couldn’t overtake the Braves.

Mason Tappy and Connor White also picked up forfeit wins.

Now the Flivvers turn their attention to individual districts in Grayling on Saturday.

“We had a great season but we are not done,” Groleau said. “Now we can focus on individuals and try to get as many of those kids down to Ford Field.”

The loss does mean the end of the road for Kingsford’s four seniors — Degroot, Hendrickson, Brettin Rouse and Tappy — in terms of team competitions.

“I do want to say thank you to our seniors Reed Degroot, Nolan Hendrickson, Brettin Rouse and Mason Tappy,” Groleau said.

“I am proud and honored to have coached these four young men.”

Saturday’s action is available to stream at https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/grayling-high-school-grayling-mi/gam4fe7b732c1.