Maplewood Grapplers Second at State Christian Meet
By David Latva

Maplewood Baptist Academy Black Bears wrestling club finished second in the Michigan Association of Christian Schools Invitational. Team members include Coach Bill Lockhart, Assistant Coach Tim Rader, Mason Rowe, Jonah Bailey, Justus Hill, Joey Sullivan, John Miller, James Lockhart, Zach Rader, Jacob Bonnee, Thomas Kovas, Raleigh Frank, Jason Hill, Robin Altoft, Raven Kan, Shawn Rader, Allen Orr, Tony Sherman, Josiah Bush, Erin Holden, Nate Myton, Caleb Knepper, Jon Kelly, Caleb Rader, and Jason King. (Photograph courtesy of Maplewood Baptist Academy)

The Maplewood Baptist Academy Black Bears finished second at the Michigan Association of Christian Schools Wrestling Club Invitational at Faith Christian School in Davison Saturday, March 31.

The Black Bears squad included 23 wrestlers who wrestled from the 66-pound division to the heavyweight division, with six members from Maplewood winning gold medals.

Gold medalists included Robin Altoft, in the 125-pound weight class, Shawn Rader (130), Allen Orr (145), Tony Sherman (160), Caleb Rader (215), and Jason King (275).

Silver medal winners were Josiah Bush and Caleb Knepper. The Black Bears' Jonah Bailey captured the bronze medal.

Remaining members of the Black Bears team were Mason Rowe, Justus Hill, Joey Sullivan, John Miller, James Lockhart, Zach Rader, Jacob Bonnee, Thomas Kovas, Raleigh Frank, Jason Hill, Raven Kan, Erin Holden, Nate Myton, and Jon Kelly.

Maplewood won the championship in 2004, was runner-up this year and in 2005, and finished in third place last year.

"We have been very successful in this tournament over the years," said Pastor Tim Rader, assistant coach for the team. "It shows the strong interest and hard work the athletes put in to prepare for this match."