Pictured are (from left) coach Joe Schmidt and medalists Justin Palka, Martin Kemp, Jacob Bartos, Laith Francis and assistant coach Dan Haller.

Lutheran Westland wins Summit Academy team tournament

Feb. 10, 2010, 10:45 a.m.

  The Lutheran Westland wrestling team captured Saturday's six-team Summit Academy team tournament, finishing with a 4-1 record.

  The Warriors' Justin Palka was voted the tournament's lower-weights MVP after compiling a 5-0 record.

  Lutheran Westland opened with a 42-26 victory over Caesar Chavez Academy. The Warriors defeated Livonia Stevenson's "B" team on the seventh criteria after battling to a 42-all draw.

  After suffering a hard-fought 38-30 loss to Memphis, the Warriors rebounded to take their final two matches, upending Summit Academy, 42-30, and Onsted's "B" team, 38-32.

  Joining Palka as medal winners were: Laith Francis (gold), Jacob Bartos (silver at 189) and Martin Kemp (silver at 171).

  "It was a good tournament for us going into team districts on Thursday," said Lutheran Westland coach  Joseph Schmidt. "It was a nice surprise to win the tourney because we were missing two seniors: Sean Rowe and Craig Kowalsky.

  "The young kids wrestled the best they have all year. Matt Sankey (140/145) had his best day of his young career, going 3-2."