Young grapplers look forward to repeat appearances; Adams senior caps off prestigious career

By Christian Davis
C & G Sports Writer

AUBURN HILLS — It may have surprised some to see Rochester High freshman Josh Wood take the mat March 6 in the Division 1 103-pound state championship, but not his coach.

“He’s been wrestling a long time. He loves it, (and) he puts his whole heart into it and works real hard,” Rochester coach Frank Lafferty said.

Wood lost to Temperance Bedford freshman Mitch Rogaliner after being pinned in the final minute of the match. Until that point, the match was tied at five.

“It was great being a freshman and being able to be in this huge arena, but I’m really glad I made it to the finals,” Wood said. “I wrestled tough, but Mitchell Rogaliner was pretty tough, too.”

“Josh almost had the point, and (Rogaliner) just caught him,” Lafferty said. “Actually, the match was going our way. Even though we gave him four points, Josh fought back really well.”

Wood also fought back this season from injury. Lafferty said his grappler, who finished with a 32-6 record, would have had many more victories if it weren’t for an injury that kept him sidelined for over a month.

“He’s a great competitor,” the coach said. “The quickness, the speed, he’s a smart wrestler. He understands strategy already. He’s already at the level some people don’t reach in their career.”

With three years left in his prep career, Wood expects to challenge for more titles.

“I feel like I have a lot more to go,” he said. “I’m only a freshman, and I think I’ll be back, a lot.”

“Everything happens for a reason. I guess for the better of it, God had me lose this match,” said Vettese, who won state championships his sophomore and freshmen seasons at 112 pounds and 103, respectively.

The grappler finishes the year 41-3 overall, and expects to be battling for another title as a senior.

“I’m going to be thinking about it all the way until next year,” he said. “I want to be on top of the podium next year, so that’s going to be my motivation to get back to first place again.”

 In the final, Keselring scored on a takedown with just 30 seconds remaining in the first period and with an escape in the third. Vettese scored an early escape in the second and nearly took Keselring down as time expired in the third, which would have tied the match.

Avondale coach Ray Went believes Vettese will be back next year even stronger, and that he should still be proud of what he accomplished.

“We can look at second place and think he hasn’t improved, but I think he has,” the coach said. “I’ve seen him mature in so many other ways.”
           
In other local wrestling news:
Wood wasn’t the only freshman to place for the Falcons. Kaelan Richards (43-13 overall) finished seventh at 112 pounds.

Rochester Hills Stoney Creek was also represented on the podium, as sophomore Nick Gajdzik (43-9) was seventh at 215. Lake Orion High senior Willie Stewart (50-14) was sixth in the same class.

Rochester Adams senior Matt Hart (52-5) finished his prep career in fourth at 171.

“Now that it’s done, I look back and it’s just a life-changing experience. It’s one of those moments you’ll remember — the state tournament your senior year. I’m glad I got to be a part of it,” Hart said. “I’ve had a great career. I’m sad, and I’m going to miss it. I know I will.”

Hart still has plenty of big matches left, however, as he’s signed to wrestle for the University of Michigan next season.

You can reach Sports Writer Christian Davis at cdavis@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1062.