LIVE: Dexter Wrestling Coverage at The Palace

AUBURN HILLS — Dexter High School’s Drew Barnes (152 pounds) took fourth place at the MHSAA Division 2 finals at The Palace Saturday.

Barnes lost to Milan's Tim Sims in the third-place match.

"I've wrestled him before," Barnes said. "He's a great opponent. He's a super-strong wrestler. I wrestled him the best I could. Right now, he's better. That just means I've got to work harder in the offseason and get ready for next year. I know what I did wrong, I've just got to work on it."

Steven Bleise (103) won his first consolation bout, but lost to Lapeer West's Dean Somers in the consolation semifinals. He placed fifth with a 4-3 win he earned in the final seconds with a two-point reversal.

"It feels good to end the season with a win," Bleise said. "It just give me something to work harder on for next year."

Bleise, just a freshman, wants to climb the ranks over the next few years.

"I've got goals to strive for," he said. "I can't always settle for fifth. My goal is to be a high school state champion." 

Bleise and Barnes are the only two Dexter wrestlers who qualified for the state tournament.

“We’ve got to keep cheering for each other and egging each other on,” Bleise said.

Bleise and Barnes both won their first matches by pin.

“All of these guys peaked at the right time of the season,” Barnes said. “This is the best of the best and that’s who I like to wrestle.”

Barnes credits assistant coach Mark Beaudry with helping him to be successful.

“He’s a great practice partner,” Barnes said. “He’s been my partner the whole year. He’s about my weight. He’s a two-time starter for U of M. He’s the best partner I could have.”