MARQUETTE — Kingsford’s wrestling team began their 2021 season at Marquette Senior High School on Saturday. The Flivvers and head coach Darren Groleau went 3-0 on the day.

Kingsford defeated Travers City St. Francis 29-21, Boyne City 30-27 and Marquette 33-30.

“It felt so good to be back on the mat and back to some normalcy. We had a solid day and had some very good matches,” Groleau said. “We knew we were going to be a little behind the eight ball with mat time and conditioning.

“Everyone went out there and competed, and I couldn’t be happier with how we did. We have a lot of work to do but that is as expected.”

Toby Wilcox and Elliot Johnson both went 3-0 on the afternoon. Wilcox defeated state-ranked and 2020 state qualifier Wyatt Kuhman from Marquette.

Michael Bird and Matt Wilson split matches at 285 to go 2-0 and 1-0 as well.

The Flivvers have their home opener Thursday night, hosting Negaunee, Menominee and Escanaba.

Kingsford returns 11 wrestlers from last year’s squad.

“We will be led by state qualifier Toby Wilcox and our lone senior Elliot Johnson,” Groleau said. “We also have Josh Peterson and Mac Kalcec returning as regional qualifiers. We have a good mix of youth and veterans on the team. We are excited to be able to finally compete and wrestle.”

2021 KINGSFORD 

WRESTLING ROSTER

SENIOR: Elliott Johnson.

JUNIOR: Toby Wilcox, Michael Hill-Scott, Alaster Johnson, Michael Bird, Matthew Wilson, Ethan Gribble.

SOPHOMORE: Trent Maki, Josh Peterson, Josh Early,Mac Kalcec.

FRESHMAN: 

Allison Allard; Elizin Rouse “Eli”; Alex Rittenhouse; Noah Johnson.

Assistant manager: Jake Lockhart; Assistant coach: Assistant Coach Chris Wilcox.