Senior Billy Osborne took the top spot this weekend at the MHSAA Wrestling State Tournament. Long time Bedford fans said Osborne put together some of the best wrestling matches of his career. Osborne easily defeated a Freshman in his first match. Then the 140 pounder beat Nick Bohn from East Kentwood who’d defeated Osborne earlier in the year. This time Osborne emerged victorious with a 9 to 5 win. Osborne also defeated John Glenn’s Jimmy Mann 4 to 2. In the final Billy Osborne faced down a senior from Rochester, Stoney Creek who’d defeated the top seed to get to the finals. Bedford fans watched Osborne “wrestle smart” and all in attendance agreed, ”he didn’t leave anything on the mat!” Osborne won in the finals 7 to 6!
Congratulations to Billy Osborne from Bedford Wrestling fans across the country.
Senior Nick Whitenburg made Bedford Wrestling history this weekend. As a freshman Whitenburg placed 6th at the State Tournament (171 pounds), as a sophomorehe placed 5th (189) in individuals. During Whitenburg’s Junioryear he distinguished himself in a tough weight class and achieved 7th place at States. This year fans watched Whitenburg fight his way to the finals. He faced Evan Gros from Lake Orion for the top spot. In a tight match “Whit” lost 10 to 9. Whitenburg finished his last year as the Runner Up on the brackets but Bedford fans agreed he is a true champion. Whitenburg set a new record for Bedford Wrestling as a FOUR TIME STATE PLACER. In a program filled with record breaking accomplishments Whitenburg set an example and threw down a challenge for future Bedford wrestlers to equal.
One Bedford fan in attendance Saturday summed up the feeling of all Bedford fans about Nick, “He is a champion.”
Junior Mason Cole - Way to go Big Guy said many a Bedford fan on Saturday to Junior Mason Cole. Mason had a great year in the Heavyweight Division. Cole pinned his guy in the first round. He then won a decision in the second against Macomb Lincoln. He lost to the eventual State Champion from Holland West Ottawa 8 to 4, Before storming back with a decision and a pin for 3rd in the state. This All-State football lineman really came through this year and he’s just getting warmed up. Congratulations to Mason Cole!
Junior T.J. Romijn finished sixth in the state on Saturday at 152. Romijn started off with a 13-3 Major win over a wreslter from Hartland. Next up he beat Scholl from Rockford 9-8. Next he lost a decision to the eventual State Champion. Wrestling commentators covering the tournament noted, “This Romijn kid is tough.” That he is and announcers best learn to pronounce his name as he enters his Senior year, they’ll be saying it a lot - it’s Roe-MINE!
Way to go Mules, you did the community and Bedford Wrestling proud at the State Tournament.
**Thanks to long time #1 Bedford Wrestling Fan Ken Vance for contributing to this report.**
***Check back later for Pictures from States***
