In the region covered by Hometown Life, which extends across much of the western side of metro Detroit, nine competitors advanced to the MHSAA individual wrestling state finals at Ford Field on Saturday. Impressively, eight of these contenders emerged victorious, clinching state titles.
Among the notable achievements were five wrestlers from Detroit Catholic Central securing state titles, with senior Darius Marines making history in the MHSAA and five grapplers successfully defending their state championship titles.
Let’s take a closer look at the results:
GIRLS
Tyler Swanigan, South Lyon East
Accomplishment: Secured the 125-pound state title by pinning DeWitt’s Jamie Cook in 3 minutes and 45 seconds.
Grade: 12
Record: 12-1
Previous Best Finish: Claimed the 130-pound state title during sophomore year.
Key Highlight: Successfully avenged last year’s defeat in the 130-pound championship match, where Milan’s Angelina Pena emerged victorious.
Nakayla Dawson, Westland John Glenn
Accomplishment: Won the 110-pound state title by pinning Oxford’s Cheyenne Frank in 2 minutes and 25 seconds.
Grade: 10
Record: 9-0
Previous Best Finish: Secured the 105-pound state title as a freshman.
Key Highlight: Concluded her second season with back-to-back state titles and is poised for continued success in the upcoming season.
DIVISION 1
Mason Stewart, Detroit Catholic Central
Accomplishment: Clinched the 150-pound state title by defeating Hartland’s Vinney Abbey 3-1 through decision.
Grade: 12
Record: 50-3
Previous Best Finish: Finished as the state runner-up at 138 pounds in the junior year.
Key Highlight: Managed to avenge last year’s defeat and secure his first state title.
Darius Marines, Detroit Catholic Central
Accomplishment: Secured the 157-pound state title by defeating Roseville’s Jay’Den Williams 10-2 with a major decision.
Grade: 12
Record: 50-0
Previous Best Finish: Achieved the 157-pound state title in the junior year, adding to previous titles won in freshman and sophomore years.
Key Highlight: Joined the ranks of Michigan’s wrestling history by becoming the 36th wrestler to win an individual state title in all four high school years, a feat only two other Shamrocks have accomplished.
Connor Bercume, Detroit Catholic Central
Accomplishment: Won the 215-pound state title by edging out Grand Ledge’s Logan Tollison 5-3 through decision.
Grade: 11
Record: 43-3
Previous Best Finish: Secured the 215-pound state title as a sophomore.
Key Highlight: Became a two-time state champion with strategic takedowns that made the difference in the closely contested match.
Wyatt Lees, Detroit Catholic Central
Accomplishment: Secured the 113-pound state title by pinning Traverse City West’s Matthew Quigley in 1 minute and 42 seconds.
Grade: 10
Record: 49-5
Previous Best Finish: Won the 106-pound state title as a freshman.
Key Highlight: Joined the ranks of repeat state champions alongside Marines and Bercume.
Grayson Fuchs, Detroit Catholic Central
Accomplishment: Won the 126-pound state title by defeating Hartland’s Bohdan Abbey 8-5 through decision.
Grade: 9
Record: 42-6
Previous Best Finish: Not applicable
Key Highlight: Started the match with a 5-0 lead against the top-seeded wrestler in his weight class and maintained the advantage to clinch his first state title.
DIVISION 2
Ricardo Saenz, Brother Rice
Accomplishment: Secured the 126-pound state title by defeating Gaylord’s Jaron Bensinger 7-1 through decision.
Grade: 11
Record: 49-3
Previous Best Finish: Finished fourth at 126 pounds during sophomore year.
Key Highlight: Celebrated his victory with a roundhouse kick on the mat, marking a significant achievement after previous fourth- and fifth-place finishes in earlier years.