Eskymos Take Third As Heller, Rahoi Win Trophies

GAYLORD---The Escanaba High School wrestling team braved the elements and made the long trip to Gaylord this weekend for the Northern Michigan Championships.

They had to deal with snow and blowing snow, a closed US-2 and Mackinac Bridge, but in the end, it was worth it as the Eskymos placed a strong third in the 23-team event.

Travis Heller in his title match Saturday.

There were supposed to be 32 teams from across the Upper Peninsula and northern lower peninsula at this event.

But some teams chose not to travel because of the snowy weather, including Gladstone, Marquette and Munising. Two Traverse City teams also stayed home this weekend.

But the Eskymos made the trip, and got two champions: Travis Heller at 160 pounds, and Kaleb Rahoi at 140 pounds. Several other Eskymo wrestlers also did well.

Zach Priebe took fourth place at 125 pounds, Hunter Sadler was fifth at 152, and Corey Chenier was fifth at 189 pounds.

Also making the medal round for Escanaba: Denham Miron finished sixth at 112 pounds, Corey McInerney finished seventh at 130 pounds and Brent Picord ended up in eighth place at 145. CLICK HERE to see all of the Eskymo wrestlers' results.

Travis Heller Championship Match

Sault Ste. Marie finished fifth in the team standings.

Steven Kymes won a championship at 145 pounds, and Michael James won the 152-pound title. St. Ignace finished in 16th place, and had one champion: 171-pounder James Cryderman.

CLICK HERE to see the results for the top eight finishers in each weight class.

In the team results, Gaylord won on its home mat with 199 points. Petoskey took second with 133 points and Escanaba was third with 130. Rogers City (108) and Sault Ste. Marie (104) rounded out the top five. See the team standings HERE .