Standish wrestlers finished their season in a big way fine performances in recent off-season tournaments.

Representing Standish at the Southern Youth Regionals in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. were Matt Bingham and Duncan Liden. Bingham placed fifth and Liden seventh.

A combination of youth and high school age wrestlers competed at the World Folkstyle Championships held at Ford Field in April. Bingham, Liden, Rob Bingham, and James Bashor held their own against some of the best wrestlers in the state and from around the country.

Dewey Milan, representing Standish-Sterling Central,  placed seventh at this tough competition.  Milan also recently placed second and third in the state, respectively, in  the Greco-Roman and Freestyle state tournaments recently held in Battle Creek. 

"It was a great feeling seeing so many of our wrestlers at different levels being able to compete on a national level," said coach Leigh Liden. "For these kids to set high goals and work to achieve them reflects not only on the support of their families, but of the Standish-Sterling athletic program as well.

"Milan is definitely going to be one of those jewels in the rough with his great potential. SSC coach Jim Hergott should have another state qualifier next year."

After finishing fourth at the World Championships himself, coach Liden retired in the traditional manner by leaving his shoes in the center of the mat. Although done competing, Liden will continue coaching.

"42 years of being on the mat takes its toll,” he said. “But I'll always be involved with wrestling in some manner. I look forward to hearing of the success of our area wrestlers.”

Liden, a long-time high school teacher at AuGres-Sims, will be moving this summer to Martinsville, Indiana where he has accepted a position as an English teacher and wrestling coach.