Imlay City grad becomes All-American for Mott CC

IMLAY CITY — Mott Community College freshman Eric Pawlaczyk, an Imlay City High School graduate, claimed a placewinning performance at the NCWA National Championship this past week.

Allen, Texas is where the tournament was contested.

Pawlaczyk saw to it that he would not leave disappointed, bringing home a fourth-place finish at 125 pounds.

He began his successful run at nationals with a win by pin against a Richland College foe, requiring 1:38 to accomplish the feat.

Imlay City’s Eric Pawlaczyk (R) took fourth for Mott at the NCWA Nationals last week.

Pawlaczyk then went to 2-0, picking up a 5-2 victory over the Apprentice School’s Raekwon Jackson.

He followed that up with a 7-5 quarterfinal triumph against Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Keith Skaggs.

Pawlaczyk then incurred a 9-2 semifinal setback to Grays Harbor College’s David Campbell, the number two seed.

Next up was a consolation semifinal clash versus Fresno State University’s Mathew Gamble. That battle drew to a close with Pawlaczyk up 2-1.

He then met Grand Valley State University’s Kameron Kempker for third place honors.

When that contest ended, Kempker prevailed via a 3-1 count in sudden victory.

For his performance, Pawlaczyk earned All-American accolades.

With his help, Mott Community College placed fourth overall.

Kevin Kissane has been covering high school sports for the Tri-City Times since 1985. When not standing on a field or court with his camera and notepad, he enjoys golf, travel and family. Kevin is a 1980 graduate of Capac High School, and is also a grad of St. Clair Community College and earned a degree in journalism from Central Michigan University.