On Jan. 22, the Fenton varsity wrestling team placed fourth at their invitational in Fenton. The meet took place in Fenton High’s main gym where they hosted eight teams in the competition. The schools in attendance included Dexter, South Lyon and Swartz Creek. Fenton was able to win four out of the seven matches which gave them bonus points in the meet. 

According to the Fenton Athletics webpage, most of the members of the wrestling team achieved a win at the invitational. Three athletes achieved a 5–0 undefeated record at this meet— sophomore Garrett Clark,  and Philip Lamka along with freshman Jamal Horne. 

“The meet went very well for me individually,” Clark said. “I went undefeated with a record of 5–0 at the invitational. I won by fall in three of my matches which means I pinned my opponent. In the beginning, I was trailing the eighth-ranked athlete, but by the end I surpassed him.” 

The team racked up multiple bonuses to achieve the fourth-place standing they ended the day with. The point system works in seconds; a wrestler will get points for how long they hold their opponent in an exposed position. Point five bonus points are awarded when a wrestler beats their opponent by eight or 14 points. One bonus point is awarded for beating them by 15 points. 

“Wrestling is a very individual sport,” Lamka said. “As a team though we have the ability to rack up points for each other. Though we may not be on the mat together, the points we make affect our whole team.” 

The next wrestling meet to take place is the Michigan High School Athletic Association team districts. This meet will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 9 at 5 p.m. in Fenton High School’s main gymnasium.