The varsity wrestling team closed out a successful season with a team record of 14-0, pinning down their 12th straight district title after a blowout 69-5 win against Hastings. They grappled their way to regular-season victories against longtime rivals Howell (63-12) and Northville (63-14), making it all the way to state semifinals, where they ultimately took home third place after losing 39-30 in a rematch against Hartland. 

In some aspects, wrestling is an individual sport, as each match is a head-to-head competition between two athletes; however, the team cannot succeed without the cooperation and dedication of every member working together as one. Though each matchup can be individually won or lost, it is the combined performance of the entire team that determines if they advance to the next stage of the competition.

When wrestlers are not busy pounding their opponents, they spend time getting to know each other off the mat, ensuring that no one is left out of the fun.

“We do everything together,” senior Ethan Smith said. “Like, in practice, we’ll all be together. You know, we try and spend as much time as we possibly can to build the team bond.”

Team bonding was not the only thing that grew during the season. Wrestlers also saw physical and mental growth, encouraging each other to perform at their best at all times.

“I just like the team culture that we’ve built,” senior Evan Uphaus said. “I can see everyone on the team as one of my brothers, and also it’s just a good way to go and get some physical activity. And I mean, just, [the] physical growth you can see in the room is amazing.”

Watching teammates grow and succeed adds to the experience; seeing a friend outperform on the mat is enjoyable for all.

“You also get really involved in it because if something’s happening, you feel like you’re in the match wrestling in it, and you just feel really involved and you know exactly what’s going on, and you can cheer exactly the way you’re supposed to be cheering,” Smith said.

In reference to team dynamic, senior Emme DeLisle said she thinks “it’s a lot better this year than the other years. The team feels a lot closer and it’s been really fun.”

This team attitude and mindset, in which every individual is a critical component of a unified whole, embodies the values of sportsmanship that head coach Mr. Matthew Wisniewski aims to promote in his athletes.

“As a coach, I try to instill discipline, respect, teamwork and honestly [to] build a culture where everybody feels welcome,” Wisniewski said.

These values, combined with the physical and mental strength of the athletes, enabled the team to emerge victorious, keeping wrestlers motivated to continue striving for a greater team bond and continued personal growth. After all, it’s quite enjoyable to feel in control after pinning the opponent to the mat for the takedown victory.

“I’ve done it ever since I was young, and I have a really good relationship with the coaches and with other people on the team, and it’s just something that I’ve always done, and I really enjoy it,” junior Rayna Richardson said.