The following was submitted to White Lake-Highland Patch by Lori Sokoll.

On Saturday, Dec. 8 the Lakeland varsity wrestlers kicked off their season with a trip to Northville High School to compete in the Todd Schoenheide Challenge. The team went 2-3 for the day with several matches being decided in the final seconds. Senior Captain Tanner Graham led his team by going 5-0 for the day against some tough competition while sophomore Dominic Paterra showed what wrestlers are made of as he fought through the pain of severely bruised ribs to end the day at 4-1.

This season has brought some big changes for the team with the introduction of a new coaching staff. Taking over as Head coach is Waterford Kettering graduate and former CMU wrestler James Tippin. Chris Cokley, also a former wrestler, has accepted the position of assistant coach. The wrestlers and coaches have worked together to achieve a smooth transition and their success so far on the mat shows they are moving in the right