The matchups are set for the MWA Classic next month. In the first ever year of the event there are many big time matchups set that feature many state champs and placers from different divisions. We will be releasing match my match outlooks of the Classic over the next couple weeks, first off are the 103, 112, and 119 bouts. More will be released in the coming days.
Outlook: It is usually hard to find senior 103lbers, so hats off to those in charge for getting this matchup of top 103lbers from Division 1 and Division 2. Brackins was dominant in winning the D1 state title this year and while Vanderwall is a 2x D2 placer, Brackins enters this bout as the heavy favorite.
Our pick - Brackins by major decision
Terrance Frank (Grand Blanc)
Tyler James (Grand Rapids Central)
112lbs
- 2008 D1 State Runner-Up
- Season Record 50-8
- 2006 D1 State Qualifier
- Career Record 119-29
- Coach Scott Turnbow
- College Plans - Eastern Michigan University
- 2008 4th in state D2
- Season Record 34-7
- 2x State Placer (3rd, 4th)
- Coach Tom Bucks
- Gold Gloves State Boxing Champion
Outlook: Frank really came on at the end of the year for his state finals run and enters this matchup as the favorite. James is no slouch as he finished 4th in Division 2 this year, losing both matches to the same wrestler. Both of these guys are big, strong 112lbers and very athletic. James is a Gold Gloves boxing champion, which shows his athleticism. Hard to predict what kind of shape these guys will be in, but if James is ready to go an upset is possible here.
Our pick - Frank by decision
Brett Marsh (Dexter)
Jon Hayward (Marlette)
119lbs
- 2007 D2 State Champion
- 3x State Placer (2nd-1st-4th)
- 08 Season Record 57-2
- Career Record 194-12
- 4x Freestyle State Champ
- 2x Greco State Champ
- Coach Andrew Parker
- College Plans - University of Michigan
- 2007 D4 State Champion
- 4x State Placer (3rd-7th-1st-2nd)
- 08 Season Record 50-6
- Career Record 206-20
- 2006 & 2007 AAU World Folkstyle All-American
- Coach Cal Hayward
- College Plans - Central Michigan University
Outlook: This is one of the better matchups of the Classic as these two both won state titles a year ago as juniors. The best part of this matchup is that it is D2-D4 so we get to see state champ from different divisions square off; this is what makes this event great. Marsh had a bad showing at the state meet this year, but do be fooled he is very talented and still won of the best lightweights in the state. Hayward will have his work cut out for him, but he could get some D4 bragging rights with an upset.
