Roseville High wrestlers get set for state meets

By Brad D. Bates
C & G Sports writer

ROSEVILLE — With four wrestlers ranked in the top 10 of their weights by the Michigan Wrestling Association and michigan grappler.com, Roseville High wrestling is setting its sights on state titles.

But its not the rankings that drive 103-pound sophomore Doug Zundel, 152-pound senior Kevin Nash, 160-pound senior Josh Roberts and 215-pound junior Chris Nash as much as it’s the drive that has them ranked.

“I have to watch them in practice because they will break out in a fight, because they don’t know half speed,” Roseville coach Major Mickens said of coaching grapplers like brothers Kevin and Chris Nash.

“I have to try and keep them on an even keel, but I like that they have that grit and fire that they don’t want to lose.”

That “fire” saw Chris Nash place third in the state in Division 1 at 215 last year and Roberts take home sixth at 135.

But Bobby Nash, who won the D-1 state championship at 152 before graduating last year, best exemplified the Panthers’ championship formula.

“If you mention Roseville wrestling to anyone, the first name they come up with is Bobby Nash,” Mickens said. “Bobby worked so hard, and if you could write a book on how to get it done, it would be about Bobby Nash.

“He was the type of person that would not take no for an answer. He never made an excuse, and he always did 100 percent.”

The Nashes and many of their teammates are examples that while natural ability helps, to become a champion in the Panthers’ program, work ethic is valued above all else.

“I’ve had great kids come here before that weren’t great leaders because they weren’t willing to work,” Mickens said. “They’re kids that are very good, but if they just work a little harder, they could be national champions.

“You can’t teach natural ability, but I’ll take a kid with a little natural talent that is willing to learn and work.”

Kevin Nash fits that mold almost perfectly.

After seeing Bobby win a state title and his younger brother, Chris, take All-State honors, Kevin has been on a mission this season while also helping his teammates elevate their level of competition.

“These guys want to get better,” Mickens said of his captains, Chris and Kevin Nash, and Roberts.           

“Kevin, last year I showed him a move on Friday, and the next day, he did exactly what I told him perfectly.

“To see that and to see him have that maturity to take a lesson from the wrestling room and put it into practice perfectly on the mat means a lot.”

While the rankings haven’t changed how the Roseville grapplers have prepared throughout the 2009-10 season, it has changed the way their opponents approach them.

“When they see you’re ranked, they wrestle you a little harder,” Roberts said. “I feel like I’m competing at a whole new level because of it, and I’m definitely the best I’ve ever been right now.”

One of the main reasons the Panthers have been able to take their opponents’ best shots is because they have been put through the fire of being prepared by their teammates’ best shots in practice.

Aside from the physical preparation that goes into winning titles, the Panthers are careful not to overlook the importance of being ready mentally.

“You have to get your mind right and stay focused on what you want to do,” Kevin Nash said. “Eating, sleeping — everything you do and your whole mind has to change so you can focus on what you have to do.”

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