Six varsity wrestlers competed in the regional tournament, junior Camden Bertucci, junior Antonio Reyes, junior Aaron Cummings, senior Dakota Juarez, senior Connor Morley and junior Chase VanHoef . The top four wrestlers from each weight class advance to the individual state tournament. Out of the six Buccaneer wrestlers that qualified three will be advancing, Cummings, Juarez and VanHoef.
“I am thrilled for these three wrestlers, these guys do work hard,” assistant varsity coach Vince Gervais said. “It’s fantastic to see their goals being accomplished.”
Aaron Cummings, weighing in at 152 pounds , has only been wrestling for two years, but in his short career has already achieved major goals. Cummings has taken the wrestling world by storm with winning first in conference, first at districts, second at regionals and earning a spot in Michigan Grappler’s (a wrestling ranking website) honorable mentions.
“I’m pumped for this opportunity,” Cummings said. “This is something not a lot of people get to take part in.”
Dakota Juarez, weighing in at 160 pounds, is a well known name to the wrestling community considering he has been wrestling for 13 years. Not only is this his fourth time qualifying for state but he has also been undefeated since his junior year. Along with winning first in conference, districts and regionals he is also currently ranked number one in the state for his weight class.
“I’m looking forward to my last chance to win a state title,” Juarez said. “This will be my last chance to compete in a high school sport and I’m just going to leave all on the mat.”
VanHoef, weighing in at 285 pounds , has been wrestling for four years. VanHoef took first in the conference and third in regionals and districts. This is his first year qualifying for state and he recently broke into the top three ranked in the state.
“I’m really excited, this is an opportunity of a lifetime,” VanHoef said. “It is a goal I have been working towards for awhile.”
The Buccaneer wrestlers will be competing against the best wrestlers in the state at the Palace of Auburn Hills February 28- March 1. To watch all the action click here.
