NEW LOTHROP - Jan. 4, 2007 - Ogemaw Heights took 12 wrestlers to the New Lothrop Invitational on Saturday, and earned a fifth place finish and eight medals despite having two open weight classes.

"Strong competition was present for this tournament," said Ogemaw coach Darryl Keeton. "This was a good test for our veteran wrestlers to see how they stack up against quality opponents."

Matt Franklin won the 160-pound weight class, with Zach Jameson (145) taking second. Other medalists included Andrew Funsch (6th, 125), MIchael Lentz (4th, 130), Rob Goulette (3rd, 140), Josh Taylor (6th, 152), Scott Kimball (4th, 189) and Carl Worthy (3rd, 215).

"Having eight out of 12 medaled at a tournament with this caliber of competition was encouraging," Keeton said. "It was also good experience for the wrestlers. This gave them an opportunity to see where they are in their conditioning and technique development at this point and to set goals for future meets and tournaments as well."

Other squads at the 17-team tournament included Addison, Bay City Western, Birch Run, Caro, Carson City, Chippewa Valley, Corunna, Durand, Lowell, Marquette, Montrose, Perry, St. Charles, Whitehall and the hosts.

The Falcons are at Standish-Sterling for an NEMC double-dual with the Panthers and Tawas Area on Thursday, Jan. 11.