Senior John Evashevski (140) of St. Ignace won the Outstanding Wrestler Award for the second consecutive year with a perfect 5-0 mark at the Rudyard Brawl Invitational Friday, December 18. The St. Ignace Saints’ young wrestling team won the Upper Peninsula division of the Bridge Brawl Invitational and LaSalle High School senior John Evashevski was named Outstanding Wrestler during the meet at Harris Kahl Gymnasium in Rudyard Friday, December 18.

The Saints had a 3-2 overall record on the day, defeating the Cheboygan Chiefs 54-24, Mancelona Ironmen 50-30, and the Charlevoix Rayders 60-18, and falling to the Alpena Wildcats 42-41 and Benzie Central Huskies 42-32. The Huskies won the Lower Peninsula division with a 5-0 mark.

The U.P. teams include the host Bulldogs, Saints, Munising Mustangs, Newberry Indians, and Manistique Emeralds.

"I was pleased with the results, but we lost tough matches against Benzie Central and Alpena," said Saints Coach Harvey Bentley.

The Saints’ Galloway Thurston (160) posted an undefeated 5-record at the Rudyard Brawl Tournament. Evashevski defended his Outstanding Wrestler Award with a 5-0 record in the 140-pound class and Galloway Thurston went undefeated at 5-0 in the 160 class.

Finishing with 4-1 overall records were Dakota McLennan (103-112), Richard Bentley (119), Dan St. Onge (152), and Joey Ostman (171-189), while Billy Bentgen (103-112), William Pechta (125), and Cody Swagger (135) were 3-2. Caleb Litzner (145) 2-3, and Wyatt Orm (171- 189) went 0-5. The Saints compiled a 42-19 record with 12 wrestlers competing.

Each wrestler with four or more victories received a medal and the Saints brought home the team trophy.

St. Ignace will travel to Rogers City to compete in the Hurons Super Dual with competition scheduled to begin a 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 30.