Juniors lead Grosse Pointe South wrestling’s title defense

By Brad D. Bates
C & G Sports Writer
As coach Pat O’Donnell built the Grosse Pointe South wrestling program over the years, he has depended on senior captains to lead the way.

But this season, he’s leaning on his experienced junior class as the Blue Devils begin defense of their Macomb Arena Conference Gold Division championship.

“This year’s senior class is not as experienced,” O’Donnell said. “We’ve got a couple seniors, but they’ve only been wrestling for one or two years.”

South has one senior captain in 189-pounder Dan Sutton, and while his fellow seniors may not be the team’s most seasoned grapplers, they help the team in other ways.

“The seniors are not terribly experienced wrestlers, but each one has an exemplary work ethic,” O’Donnell said.

South’s three All-County junior captains — Sergio Rodriguez, Nolan Goodall and Reggie Lewis — join Sutton.

Rodriguez placed sixth at 103 pounds at the Macomb County Championships Dec. 19 at Grosse Pointe North, while Goodall placed seventh at 130 and Lewis took fifth at heavyweight.

“Having these guys, it helps to set an example,” O’Donnell said of his juniors. “Reggie is the hardest working big guy, and Sergio is the hardest worker at the lighter weights.”

Rodriguez, who’s is back at 103, and Lewis, who returns as the Blue Devils’ heavyweight, are looking to improve on successful sophomore seasons.          

“(Rodriguez) was a regional qualifier last year, and his goal this year is to get through regionals and qualify for the finals,” O’Donnell said. “He’s back at 103, and a couple of the guys that beat him last year have moved up a weight.

“But being older at 103 doesn’t mean it’s easier, because there’s always a lot of new freshman talent at that weight.”

While Rodriguez is looking to make it to the individual state finals at The Palace of Auburn Hills, Lewis is looking to make his way onto the All-State podium after making it to the finals in 2008-09.

“Reggie is at 235, so he’s about as big as you can be,” O’Donnell said. “None of our coaches were heavyweights, so we’re trying to bring in people he can work with.”

“It’s really hard for him to get pushed by kids his age that weight 60 pounds less than him.”

The Blue Devils open defense of their MAC Gold title when they host Mount Clemens High and New Haven High at 5 p.m. Jan. 7.

O’Donnell is quick to point out that even with wrestlers such as Lewis, Rodriguez and Sutton back in the lineup, this year’s team has to prove itself.

“We’re defending (the title), but we want to do it all over again, so we don’t feel entitled,” O’Donnell said. “We do have a number of starters returning, but we see it as a new opportunity.”

You can reach Sports Writer Brad D. Bates at bbates@candg news.com or at (586) 498-1029.