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	The Ypsilanti Courier A Heritage Newspaper Weekly Publication

Lincoln grapplers have tough week

Two key athletes out with injuries

By Bruce Mason, Special Writer

PUBLISHED: January 18, 2007

Lincoln varsity wrestling coach Darren Shulter and his wrestlers had a tough week.

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On Thursday, they lost to Dexter, 54-17. But on Saturday, they did better and finished fourth out of eight teams at a Romulus tournament

Shulter is missing two, big point-getters in the likes of seniors Alex Aldridge (160) and Kirk Phifer (215). (Phifer weighs 190 pounds, but is wrestling in a larger weight class.)

Aldridge is out with a high ankle sprain, while Phifer is suffering from a "broken, dislocated, fractured, sprained, torn thumb," Shulter said.

The good news is the younger guys are performing well. Sophomore Mason Mullins (125) took second place at Romulus as did freshman Brandon Farrell (140). Meanwhile, junior Brandon Freeman (135) took first place.

They are all part of a team with a "horrible" record, mostly because of injuries, not because of a lack of effort or talent, Shulter said.

"At the beginning of the year, we didn't have people who wrestled," Shulter said. "(We had) a lot of people who didn't wrestle before."

Shulter said his team is not at their strongest yet. He said they may not be all that strong this season, but the youth is good for future years. As for now, though, injuries have just compounded things and hampered their overall record.

Another bright spot is Eric Mitchell (171), who is having a really good year, Shulter said.

Mitchell is 19-3 and lost his only matches to Highland Park and then to an athlete from Romulus Summit Academy who was ranked No. 7 among all Division 4 wrestlers.

Another wrestler who is doing well is freshman Jarred Lilyhorn (103.), who actually weighs 95 pounds, but is not having a problem.

"He'll probably stay little for a while," Shulter said. "He's hung with some pretty tough competition this year."

Another freshman, Nate Johnson (119), is injured with a concussion, but has surprised Shulter.

The group is capped off by Farrell, who is dominated by strong upper classmen in the 140-pound weight class, but has two to three times more wins than losses.

"We're hoping to get stronger and healthy for team districts," Shulter said. "If we do, we will have a good shot."

Otherwise, Shulter said, youth and injuries will make it tough for them in dual meets. But there are some teams they may be able to get after.

"We still have quite a bit to go with injuries," he said. "Once those are done, we'll have a good chance for districts. That's our goal."

Bruce Mason is a freelance sportswriter for The Courier. He can be reached through e-mail at editor@ypsilanticourier.com.