Fraser’s wrestling team is poised to make a significant impact in the regional semifinals as they host Macomb Dakota at 17:00 on March 15, 2024. Despite a history of near misses, the Ramblers are determined to break through and secure a spot in the MHSAA state tournament. The match-up is set against a backdrop of fierce competition, with L’Anse Creuse facing St. Clair Shores Lakeview in the other semifinal.
Fraser, with a commendable season record of 22-6, is looking to prove their mettle. “We’ve come close a few times,” said head coach Richard Julien, reflecting on the program’s struggle to qualify for the state tournament. This will be the Ramblers’ fifth consecutive appearance in the Division 1 team regionals. Julien expressed optimism about the upcoming match, noting, “We face Dakota, and we’re hoping for a good result. They are always very tough, but we match up with them in certain weight classes.”
The Ramblers’ journey to this point has been marked by notable achievements. At the Macomb Wrestling Invitational Classic in December, they finished 10th out of 38 schools, showcasing their competitive edge. Their season also saw them dominate the Macomb Area Conference White Division with a perfect 5-0 record and secure a sixth-place finish at the MAC Red-White Tournament on February 7. Additionally, seven wrestlers from Fraser excelled at the recent Division 1 Individual District competition, qualifying for the regionals.
In a unique twist, Richard Julien is also the father of Eric Julien, head coach for St. Clair Shores Lakeview. The familial connection adds an intriguing layer to the competition. “I would love the chance to wrestle Lakeview,” Richard Julien remarked with a smile. “After all, my son is their head coach. I’m sure that is something that doesn’t happen every day.”
Despite facing challenges this season, including the loss of over a dozen wrestlers from the previous campaign, Fraser’s team has shown resilience. “Fraser is a team on the rise,” Julien stated. “We will bring back several kids again next year if everybody comes out. The kids we do have worked hard for us to have the type of year that we’ve had.”
Macomb Dakota’s Dominance
On the other side of the mat, Macomb Dakota enters the semifinals as a formidable opponent. The Cougars have established themselves as one of the most consistent wrestling programs in Macomb County, marking their 14th consecutive appearance at the team regionals. Under the leadership of head coach Ed Skowneski, Dakota has claimed 12 regional titles in the past 14 years and reached the Division 1 state semifinals three times.
Dakota is expected to continue their winning streak, having secured eight regional qualifiers at the recent competition hosted by Chippewa Valley, one more than Fraser. The Cougars aim for their 13th regional title with victories in both semifinal matches.
Other Regional Highlights
Across the region, other high-profile matches feature traditional powerhouses such as Romeo and Rochester Adams, who will compete at the Dearborn Fordson regional. Both teams have been ranked in the Division 1 top 15 this season and are set to clash in the semifinals. Meanwhile, unranked Berkley will face host Fordson in the other semifinal.
In the Warren Woods-Tower regional, Algonac, a strong contender, is looking to maintain their winning streak after capturing the last two Macomb Wrestling Invitational Classics. The Muskrats have opted to compete in Division 2 for a two-year period and are favored to advance.
As the regional competitions unfold, Fraser’s Ramblers are set to face a significant challenge against Macomb Dakota. With a blend of tenacity and skill, they aim to make their mark and possibly turn the tides in their favor, defying expectations in the pursuit of a championship berth.
