Lake Fenton Wrestlers Fall Short of Title

BATTLE CREEK — Lake Fenton wrestlers felt the sting after visions of a state championship faded Saturday in Battle Creek.

The Blue Devils wrestled well but fell short as Richmond celebrated a Division 3 state championship after a 33-22 victory at Kellogg Arena.

“We wanted it. It hurts bad,” said Lake Fenton senior Zach Corcoran. “We wrestled good, we couldn’t ask for anything more.”

won six matches, but only one by pin, and the lack of points hurt the team down the stretch as Richmond won the last four matches of the contest.

“I’m disappointed. We’ve got the team to beat those guys, but we have a few holes and they capitalized on them, and our big guns didn’t get pins or bonus points,” Lake Fenton coach Vance Corcoran said.

Buddy Poyner (125) won 6-4, Justin Melick (140) won 5-0, Connor Brancheau (160) won 11-5, and Drew Morris won 6-4.

The only bonus points Lake Fenton picked up were a pin by Todd Melick at 119 pounds and a major decision by Zach Corcoran (135) with a 10-0 victory.

The Blue Devils by beating Dundee 37-33 in the final match in the semifinals earlier Saturday.

Richmond finished the season 39-6.

"Once again, our depth (made the difference)," Richmond co-coach George Hamblin said. "Our depth at 215 allowed us to make a juggle.”

Lake Fenton, which finished the season 28-6, was proud to accept the state runner-up trophy, despite the lingering sting of the loss.

“The season has been awesome,” Zach Corcoran said. “Just coming here with my friends. We made it here when no one thought we would.”

While the team's season is over, the Blue Devils are to the individual state finals next weekend at the Palace of Auburn Hills.