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Gaylord’s Season Ends in Div. 2 Wrestling State Semifinals to Lowell

KALAMAZOO – After advancing to the sixth sate semifinals match in eight years, the Gaylord wrestling team fell 50-6 to eight-time reigning state champion Lowell for the fifth time in the Div. 3 semis on Saturday.

The Blue Devils were down 13-0 when Benny Blyveis recorded the win in the 152-pound weight class with a 3-1 decision for the team’s first points of the day.

Ty Bensinger notched a crucial takedown at the 160 weight class on his way to a 5-1 decision win.

Those were the only two wins for Gaylord as Lowell dominated the state semifinals match in the team’s fifth overall playoff meeting since 2015.

Regardless of the outcome for the Blue Devils, the team said they were proud of their efforts and thankful for the memories.

“I thought Blyveis wrestled really well and so did Bensinger today. The kids all battled so I was pleased with everybody and we had some big moments yesterday to squeak out a one point win. We’re in the top four in the state, it’s nothing to hang your head on,” said Gaylord head wrestling coach Jerry LaJoie.

“I remember coming into the wrestling room as a freshman and seeing on the board all the people who have gotten 100 wins. That was just — all four years that was a big goal of mine. So it’s really meaningful to me just to get that 100th win,” said Gaylord senior Kaeden Yocum.

Gaylord is handed its only loss of the season and ends a memorable year with an overall record of 28-1.

The Red Arrows went on to win the program’s 9th straight state championship in their 11th consecutive state finals appearance with a 46-16 victory over Goodrich.

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