Four Olivet College wrestlers named to 2023 All-MIAA team

HUDSONVILLE, Mich. – Four Olivet College wrestlers have been named to the 2023 All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Team. The honorees are senior Kam Bush, senior Owen Guilford, sophomore Tyler Herrema and junior Donovan King. All-MIAA honors were based on a student-athlete's performance in the four league dual matches and the MIAA Individual Championship.

At 165 pounds, Bush won each of his four MIAA dual matches. He won a 17-0 technical fall over Brendan Kurtze from Alma College, 12-2 major decision over Ethan Nash from Trine (Ind.) University, 8-4 decision over Thomas Potter from Albion College and 9-2 decision over Zach Altman from Adrian College. Bush did not wrestle at the individual championships due to illness.

"Kam is a seasoned competitor who has given us a very steady presence at 165," said Olivet head coach Brandon Brissette. "His contribution to the team this year has been extraordinary, and his passion and knowledge of the sport has benefited his teammates greatly."

At 174 pounds, Guilford earned a 16-0 technical fall win over John Browning from Trine, and decision victories over Tanner Beach from Albion (4-1) and Derick Duvall from Adrian (10-7). At the individual championships, Guilford pinned Trey Tobias from Trine in 2:18 before medically forfeiting his remaining matches due to an injury. He is now a three-time All-MIAA selection.

"As a captain and competitor, Owen leads in a very emotional way," stated Brissette. "He brings both energy and vocal support to his teammates. You can see this on the mat with his explosive offense and top game."

At 149 pounds, Herrema had a combined a 7-0 record at the two championships. In the duals, he won 18-3 over Cael Dempsey from Alma, 9-4 over Isaac Hawkins from Trine, 14-9 over Max Honiss from Albion and 3-1 over Zach Platte from Adrian. Herrema took first at the individual championships, winning 8-0 over Dempsey and 9-2 over Platte. He received a medical forfeit win over a teammate in the championship bout.

"Dash (Tyler) built off his freshman year success and has thus far amassed the second-most varsity wins this season," said Brissette. "He has been a stalwart in the lineup and his future in this post season along with future years are very bright."

At 285 pounds, King posted a combined 6-0 record in the two championship events. He pinned Andrew Captain from Trine in 2:38 and Christopher Krum from Albion in 1:38, won a 16-0 technical fall over Joe Maier from Alma, and earned a forfeit victory against Adrian. At the individual championships, King pinned Gavin Babb from Trine in 2:12 and claimed a 28-13 technical fall win over Kyler Bills from Trine.

"Donovan was our anchor for every dual this season," stated Brissette. "We can always count on him to deliver and in a big way. We have nothing but confidence every time the outcome is in his hands."

Olivet hosts the Mid-States Invitational Saturday inside the Cutler Event Center, starting at 9 a.m. The starters will return to the mat Saturday and Sunday, February 25-26, at the 2023 NCAA Division III Regional Meet at Case Western Reserve (Ohio) University. The top three wrestlers in each weight class will advance to the 2023 NCAA Division III Championships March 10-11 at the Berglund Center in Roanoke, Virginia.