By Christian Davis
C & G Sports Writer

MADISON HEIGHTS — For the first time in three years, the Hazel Park High wrestling team stood on the edge of the mat and watched its opponent raise a Division 2 regional title.

The Vikings fell to Auburn Hills Avondale 33-29 Feb. 17 at Madison Heights Lamphere in the regional final.

“We knew Avondale was going to be tough. We didn’t get the bonus points where they were needed, and we gave up bonus points and too many pins. We lost by four points, that’s one match,” Hazel Park coach Mike Conflitti said.

Avondale opened by winning five of the first six matches; 130-pounder Brandon Walker kept the Vikings in it with a pin in the third match.

Hazel Park then won six of the final eight matches, with victories from Cinque Denham (152), Meyer Crandall (160), Dominic Wiggins (189), Jake Burlager (215), Dakwan Dillard (285) and Cody Vanderhagen (112).

“Avondale did a little jockeying with their lineup, which I thought was a good move,” said Conflitti, referring to the lineup Avondale used in match earlier this season, which the Vikings won.  

In the semifinal, Hazel Park made quick work of Birmingham Seaholm, winning 44-15 and getting wins in 10 of the 14 matches.

With the loss in the final, the Vikings end their season 32-11 overall.

 “(The seniors) have been a part of four great years with this team,” the coach said. “It’s their senior year, and unfortunately, they’re going home a little earlier than they would like.”

Wiggins believes the program had a successful run in the last four years.

“I’ve always been proud to wrestle for Hazel Park,” the senior said. “Even though we lost today, that’s not going to change. I love my teammates, and I wouldn’t want to wrestle for anyone else.”

Individual success
Many of the Vikings competed in a D-2 individual regional Feb. 20, after press time. Denham, Clint Treadway, Wiggins, Burlager, Dillard, Vanderhagen, Adrian Quintero, Walker and Lance Katulski were all in action.

To see who punched their tickets to The Palace of Auburn Hills for the individual final, check our Web site at www.candgnews.com and click on the Sports link.

You can reach Sports Writer Christian Davis at cdavis@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1062.