Cory Mclaren Photo Iron Mountain wrestler Shawn McGuire (left) poses for a picture with Chayse Lajoie of Gaylord at Saturday’s Marquette Challenge. McGuire won the 112 pound bracket, while Lajoie, who is a two-time state champion, won the 140 pound bracket.

MARQUETTE — Iron Mountain posted a strong team finish at the Marquette Challenge wrestling tournament, placing 10th out of 20 teams.

“I am thrilled with our results up there, it was our best team finish and we were missing three of our state qualifiers including two who placed here last year,” said IM head coach Cory Mclaren. “Hopefully this tournament sets the tone for us for the rest of the season.”

Mountaineer freshman Shawn McGuire took first place at 112 pounds. After receiving a bye in his first round, McGuire pinned Justin Pressley of Mason in the second period to make it to the semifinals.

McGuire then earned a major decision against Payton Holmstrom of Marquette (9-0) to make it to the finals, where he went up against No. 1 seed Ian Preston of Gaylord. Against Preston, McGuire was down one point early in the third period when he scored a takedown to gain a 7-6 lead. Mcguire was then able to ride him out for the victory.

“Big weekend for Shawn, he showed a lot of poise for a freshman in a big tournament,” Mclaren said. “This is our toughest tournament we go to and to see a freshman take first is impressive.”

Freshman Evan Haferkorn (119) went 1-2.

“Evan had been battling an illness all last week and still looked impressive out there,” Mclaren said. “We will have him healthy and ready for Saturday.”

Sophomore Parker Stroud (125), who took fourth place, went 2-2 on the day. Sophomores Isaac Manier (130) and Preston Roberts (140) both went 1-2. Sophomore Bradon Farragh went 3-2 and took sixth place, wrestling at 171 pounds.

“Bradon has been wrestling up a weight class and looked impressive in Marquette. He will be eligible for (160) Saturday,” said Mclaren.

The Kingsford Flivvers also competed in the Marquette Challenge, entering a limited roster.

“We only sent five guys to the challenge because we were dealing with some injuries and illness,” said Flivvers coach Darren Groleau.

Toby Wilcox scratched because of an illness and Eddie Cardew scratched because of an injury.

Ben Stanish came away with a fifth place at 215 pounds.

“Ben lost to a guy from Mason in the quarterfinals, but he rebounded big time in the consolation side of the bracket,” Groleau said. “He was down big in the consolation semifinal match against a Grandville wrestler, then got a reversal and put the kid to his back for a huge pin.”

In the fifth place match, Standish won with a last second takedown.

“We are proud the way Ben wrestled and how cool and calm he is on the mat,” Groleau said. “Michael Hil-Scott, Josh Peterson, Alaster Johnson and Elliot Johnson all got some valuable mat time and wrestled very well.”

Both the Mountaineers and Flivvers will compete in the Munising Holiday Tournament on Saturday.