The St. Ignace Saints wrestling award winners include (front, from left) Joey Ostman-Coach’s Award, Louie Radecki-Most Improved, Galloway Thurston-Coach’s Award, John Evashevski-Most Valuable, Dan St. Onge-Most Improved; (back) Assistant Coach Mike McNeely, Head Coach Harvey Bentley, and Assistant Coach Stefan Saffian. Senior John Evashevski, the first LaSalle High School (LHS) athlete to receive the Upper Peninsula Mr. Wrestler Award after placing second in the Michigan High School Athletic Association state finals, added the Rob Matelski Most Valuable Wrestler Award to his accomplishments during the 35th annual banquet to honor the St. Ignace Saints wrestling team Sun day, April 11.

Saints Coach Harvey Bentley called Evashevski the most dedicated and hard working competitor he has coached in his eight years with the Saints program.

"John is like having an assistant coach on the mat. He is always willing to help the younger wrestlers."

Evashevski will hold two individual records that are displayed in the high school gymnasium, including the most career victories with a 183-28 overall mark and most consecutive wins at 48. His career winning percentage is second all-time at 86.72%. Wade Huskey holds the school record at 86.8.

This year’s Josh Brown Memorial Most Improved Wrestler Award is shared by senior Dan St. Onge and sophomore Louie Radecki.

St. Onge went 6-6 last year and compiled a 37-19 record in his final season on the mat for the Saints.

"Dan has always competed in a tough class and this season had his opportunities and made the most of it," Coach Bentley said.

Radecki went 8-4 last season and recorded a 35-15 record in his second season with the Saints program.

"Louie wrestles above expectations,” the coach said. “He leads well with his hard work and is also a verbal leader."

Coach’s Awards were presented to a pair of freshmen who combined for 99 victories and both placed sixth in the state finals at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Galloway Thurston posted a 53- 10 record, the most by a freshman in the history of the school.

"Galloway is a physically gifted wrestler. He gives 100% in practice and during each meet. A soft-spoken athlete, but he leads by example," said Coach Bentley.

Joey Ostman recorded a 46-11 mark.

"Joey has a lot of raw talent and he put together an outstanding season. He is willing to learn from his teammates," the coach said.

"The one aspect that each of these five wrestlers all have in common is that the team comes first before individual success," said Coach Bentley.

Remaining Wrestlers Records

Freshmen: Richard Bentley 39- 15; Billy Bentgen 37-18; Joe Krause 25-15; Dakota McClennan 15-15; Wyatt Orm 3-12; Brandon Marshall 0-0.

Sophomores: Dylan Brown 5-9; Levi Thompson 1-0.

Juniors: William Pechta 15-14; Cody Swagger 12-13; Caleb Litzner 10-20; Lucas Thurston 0-1.

Seniors: Rob Sayles 32-15.

Coach Bentley Earns 200th Win

Coach Harvey Bentley won his 200th career coaching win during the 2009-10 season and has recorded 208 total victories in his eight years as the Saints head coach.

Bentley won 22 in 2003, 29 in 2004, 22 in 2005, 24 in 2006, 28 in 2007, school record 30 in 2008, 28 in 2009, and 25 in 2010.