Troy Athens senior wrestler wins county title; looking for more By Christian Davis TROY — Troy Athens senior Jeremy Stoian remembered just how bad it hurt when he lost in regionals, one round short of qualifying for the state wrestling tournament last season. “That put so much stress on me,” Stoian said Jan. 8 as practice began. “I had to think about that, and it pretty much pushed me throughout the whole summer, and still to this day right now, and it’s going to push me until I get to regionals again.” At press time, Stoian was 26-0, including an Oakland County Tournament championship at 130 pounds Dec. 19 at Oxford High. He also won the county title last season at 119 pounds, making him only the second individual in school history to win two county titles. Stoian said his biggest weakness last season was his mental toughness. So to help prepare for his final prep campaign, Stoian wrestled with the Team Michigan club over the summer and took on some of the best wrestlers the state, and beyond, had to offer. “All of that was to mentally prepare myself and get myself stronger in the head,” he said. “He’s a lot more settled as a wrestler,” the coach said. “He’s a lot more mature.” “His leadership overall amongst his own peers is his greatest attribute,” Bastianelli said. “The kid is a non-stop machine in regards to working. The kid works, works and works. Stoian said his goal is much more than just qualifying for the state finals; he hopes to finish in at least in the top five. Bastianelli said he believes the grappler has what it takes to finish as the best in the state. “I think he’s just as good as anyone else, if not better, than most kids at 130 in the state,” he said. You can reach Sports Writer Christian Davis at cdavis@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1062.
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