•Division 1 state finals qualifers •Division 2 state finals qualifers

Local grapplers earn their spot at The Palace

By Brad D. Bates
C & G Sports Writer

Seventy-six wrestlers representing 37 schools in C & G Newspapers’ coverage area will take the mats at The Palace of Auburn Hills March 4 for the individual state finals.

All the wrestlers are hoping to earn a spot on the All-State podium, which recognizes the top eight grapplers at each weight in four divisions, and some have higher aspirations — a state championship.

First-round matches start at 2:45 p.m. Prior to that, all 896 competitors — the largest high school wrestling finals in the United States — take to The Palace floor for the grand march at 2:30 p.m.

Consolation first-round matches are March 5; wrestling starts at 8:30 a.m.

Championship quarterfinal matches begin at approximately 11 a.m., and the second round of consolation matches start at approximately 2 p.m. Championship semifinal bouts start at 7 p.m and end the second day.

March 6 kicks off with consolation third round at 8:30 a.m.; consolation semifinals get going at approximately 10:10 a.m.; and consolation finals begin at approximately 11:30 a.m. The Palace is then prepped for the state championship matches.

Another march of all 896 wrestlers takes place at 4:15 p.m., followed by the finals at 4:45 p.m.

You can reach Sports Writer Brad D. Bates at bbates@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1029.