GLADSTONE - That didn't take very long.
The Gladstone Braves needed just 40 minutes to secure their 14th straight district title Thursday, eliminating the Manistique Emeralds 64-16 in a Division 3 final.
Cheboygan, which was also entered, withdrew from the meet.
Sophomore Jared Syverson got the Braves started on the right foot, pinning Jake Milavec 80 seconds into the 119-pound bout.
"It was nice starting off with a pin," said Braves' coach Jesse DeBacker. "That definitely set the tone for the match. We hope to keep the momentum going through Saturday (in the individual district at Kingsley) and next Wednesday (at the team regional in Manistique)."
Gladstone gained forfeits in the next three weight classes. Junior Josh Kadish (140) then took a 15-3 decision from Zach Lindenmuth, putting the Braves up 28-0.
Fact Box
The summary:
119 - Syverson, G, pinned Milavec, 1:20
125 - Olson, G, forfeit
130 - Jeremy Kadish, G, forfeit
135 - Taylor, G, forfeit
140 - Josh Kadish, G, dec. Lindenmuth, 15-3
145 - M. Gonzalez, M, dec. Barron, 10-1
152 - Gagnon, G, pinned Schnurer, 1:18
160 - Wydra, G, forfeit
171 - Walters, G, forfeit
189 - Jake Cronick, G, pinned Mogg, :42
215 - Jack Cronick, G, pinned Shaver, 1:34
Hwt - R. Smith, M, pinned Bailey, 4:34
103 - Kujala, G, forfeit
112 - A. Smith, M, forfeit.
Junior Mat Gonzalez (145) got Manistique on the board with a 10-1 victory over freshman Keenan Barron.
In the next five classes, however, Gladstone recorded three pins and a pair of forfeits for a 58-4 advantage.
Manistique senior heavyweight Robbie Smith then pinned sophomore Tom Bailey in 4:34 in the evening's final match.
"Our heavyweight wrestled his best match all year," said Emeralds' coach Gary Bowman. "Gladstone has a real good team. They get a lot of kids to come out, which is what we're trying to do. We were glad to have a chance to come over here."
The Emeralds wrestled without sophomore Zavier Gonzalez and freshman brother Cole Gonzalez, both of whom were nursing knee injuries. Cole is expected to be ready and Zavier is questionable for Saturday.
"They (Manistique) have a few tough wrestlers," said DeBacker. "Not having the two Gonzalez brothers hurt them. They're a big part of their team."