Two Grayling wrestlers earn spots in the state tournament

Two Grayling High School wrestlers – Logan Malonen and Mandy Andrews – qualified for the state finals over the weekend by placing in the top four during regionals. 

Grayling High School hosted the Michigan High School Athletic Association Region 9-3 tournament on Saturday, February 18. The Vikings had three regional qualifiers for the event: Malonen, Caleb Baker, and Alex Moore.

Malonen (285) won his first match during the Region 9-3 tournament with a pin. Malonen then lost a 5-3 decision vs. Reed City. In his third match during regionals, Malonen pinned a wrestler from Hart to clinch a state finals berth. In his final bout of the day, Malonen scored a pin to finish third in the 285-pound division.

“Super excited for Logan,” Coach Andy Moore said. “He’s been working hard this week. It’s well deserved.”

Malonen, a junior, is now a two-time state qualifier. He will go into the 2022-2023 state finals with a season record of 45-3.

Baker and Moore qualified for regionals in the same weight class (106).

Baker lost by pin vs. Standish Sterling Central during his first match of the Region 9-3 tournament. Baker then pinned a Boyne City wrestler. He lost by pin vs. Reed City, ending his season one victory short of being a state qualifier.

“A little disappointing for Caleb. He controlled that match in the first period. He was facing a good wrestler,” Coach Moore said.

Baker, a junior, finished his season with an overall record of 15-7.

Moore lost his first match during regionals, falling to a Gladwin opponent via pin. Moore lost by pin vs. Gladstone during his second bout of the day, ending his season.

Moore, a freshman, posted an overall record of 33-14 during his 2022-2023 campaign. Coach Moore said Alex wrestled underweight all year and he expects big things from him next season.

“I’m really happy with Alex. He’ll definitely be back next year at a full 106 and be a force to be reckoned with,” Coach Moore said.

Andrews (120) competed in the MHSAA Girls Regional Red 2 tournament at Grayling High School on Sunday, February 19.

Andrews won by pin during her first bout at regionals. She lost a 14-2 decision during her second match of the day. Andrews won by technical fall, 16-1, during her third bout of the Regional Red 2 tournament. Andrews scored a pin during her fourth match of the tournament to clinch a state finals berth. In the battle for third/fourth place, Andrews lost a 6-1 decision; she finished fourth.

Andrews, a junior, has a 20-10 record so far this season.

“I am really happy for Mandy. Her hard work has really paid off. She has battled through some injuries this year that at times has slowed her down. Sometimes when you battle injuries like Mandy did this year you can lose your focus. She did not. Mandy stayed positive with her end goal to wrestle at Ford Field,” Coach Moore said.

The state finals are slated for March 3-4 at Ford Field.