Ida Champ's Revenge 3 Years in Making
By
Paul Costanzo
Special for MHSAA.com
March 7, 2020
DETROIT – Hunter Assenmacher had waited three years for this.
The Ida senior defeated Flint Powers Catholic’s Sean Spidle 7-4 on Saturday in the Division 3 119-pound championship match at the MHSAA Individual Finals at Ford Field. The win avenged Assenmacher’s only Finals loss, which came against Spidle their freshmen year.
“It was definitely weighing on my mind, but I knew I had put in the work the past three years,” Assenmacher said. “I worked so hard, I’ve been waiting for this chance to come back at him. A lot of people thought we might try to bump away from each other, but both of us have been great competitors for each other with great sportsmanship. Wrestling him was truly an honor. It was a great match, and I was really looking forward to it all year.”
The title was the third straight for Assenmacher (48-1), and prevented Spidle (35-1) from claiming his fourth.
Assenmacher was clinging to a one-point lead late in the match, but was able to lock up a front cradle on the edge of the mat to extend his lead to three and wrap up the match and the title.
“I know a lot of people were thinking of him as undefeated the past two years, a four-timer possibly, but you just can’t let that get into your head,” Assenmacher said. “Everybody has to take it one match at a time. Once you get to the state finals, it’s a restart button. You’re both 0-0. It’s just whoever goes out there and wants it more.”
103
Champion: Braeden Davis, Dundee, Fr. (38-4)
Technical fall, 16-1, over Dallas Stanton, Almont, Soph. (39-5)
Before Davis could fully celebrate his Finals title, he had to do some wind sprints on field.
With none of his matches making it to the third period, and his final match ending in the first, he may have needed the extra work.
“I’ve done this before, I’ve been to these big tournaments, and it’s just another tournament to me,” he said. “I just went out there trying to do whatever he gave me, and he gave me a bunch of tilts. I never use a plan; whatever they give me, I use.”
112
Champion: Jordan Rodriguez, Chesaning, Sr. (41-1)
Decision, 7-1, over Hunter Keller, Richmond, Jr. (37-5)
Rodriguez and Keller were both a match away from a Finals title a year ago, but it was Rodriguez who was able to climb to the top of the podium this year.
He used a pair of first-period takedowns to take control of the match and never looked back.
“I wanted to score as many points as I could and not give any opportunities up,” Rodriguez said. “I kind of had a feeling he was going to keep his distance and make me come in close.
“(Last year) made me want to dominate. It sucks losing in the finals, so I just used that to say it’s not going to happen again.”
125
Champion: Ryker Johnecheck, Williamston, Soph. (44-2)
Decision, 3-2 (UTB), over Aiden Davis, Dundee, Fr. (42-5)
With five seconds on the clock in the second ultimate tiebreaker, Johnecheck found himself down one point and with few options.
He went big and it paid off, as his last-second takedown wrapped up his first Finals title.
“This is what I’ve been looking forward to,” he said. “I just thrive off the atmosphere, and this year I looked at it a lot differently. I wasn’t as scared of all the people.
“I really don’t know what happened. He got out and I was like, ‘He’s ahead by a point, I need to get a takedown. I need to get something.’ So I just ran at him and did what I could.”
130
Champion: Austin Fietz, Dundee, Jr. (41-6)
Decision, 5-3, over Brock Holek, Durand, Jr. (45-1)
Fietz started a run of six straight Dundee championships.
With a pair of takedowns in the third period, he was able to overcome a small, early deficit and claim his title.
“This one feels good,” he said. “Going from fourth (place) to fifth to now winning it, this just feels awesome. I knew he had a good dump, just off the scouting report and watching him throughout the tournament. I knew he had a good fireman’s dump, so I knew if I could stay inside and I could get to a move that I like from there, I would be good. That’s how I scored most of my points.”
135
Champion: Casey Swiderski, Dundee, Soph. (39-1)
Major decision, 16-7, over Dametrius Castillo, Alma, Jr. (38-8)
Swiderski came out on top in a matchup of former Finals champions.
He had won at 103 pounds a year ago and had made a big jump throughout the season by wrestling at 125. He jumped up even further for the postseason.
“I was ranked No. 1 at 125 all year, but I’ve got two good teammates that had the possibility to win it at 125 and 130, so I went to 135 weighing 130 maybe,” he said. “We had a state finalist at 125 and a state champ at 130, so I’m just proud of my teammates that they got it done. … My big goal is to get eight (titles) total – four as a team and four individual. That would mean the most to me.”
Castillo had won his individual championship in 2018.
140
Champion: Christian Killion, Dundee, Sr. (46-6)
Decision, 5-3, over William Bradley, Paw Paw, Soph. (49-5)
After finishing second at each of the past two Finals, Killion was able to finish his career on top.
He went up 5-0 in this match, and was able to hold Bradley off down the stretch.
“It’s outstanding – to be a two-time runner-up and finally win one,” he said. “I’m thankful to even be where I am today. When I was coming into high school out of eighth grade, I didn’t know how serious I was going to be in this sport. My buddy Zach Bellaire whipped me into shape and got me to love this sport again. To think I’d even make it this far, to do this good at a tournament is just outstanding to me.”
145
Champion: Tyler Swiderski, Dundee, Jr. (47-3)
Decision, 6-2, over Kael Bunce, Stockbridge, Sr. (33-2)
Like his teammate, Killion, Swiderski finished the past two seasons one step short of the top of the podium.
He used a strong performance on his feet to make sure that wouldn’t happen again, earning a takedown in each period to claim his first Finals title.
“It’s a lot better than sitting on the ground crying – a lot better,” Swiderski said. “I was like, ‘I can’t be a three-time runner-up. That can’t happen.’ So, I was just more free and let my mind take care of things and wrestle.”
152
Champion: Dominic Lomazzo, Dundee, Jr. (24-4)
Decision, 8-5, over Peyton Brooks, Midland Bullock Creek, Soph. (48-6)
A year ago, Lomazzo watched his teammates from the Ford Field stands.
This year, he was able to join in on the fun and claim a Finals title of his own.
“I saw all my friends win last year, and I was so proud of them,” Lomazzo said. “But it just burned that I couldn’t compete. It feels great to win it this year. It feels amazing. It’s dominance – we set that in the beginning of the year, that we’re working for dominance. We have great talent on this team and I’m proud of all these guys, everyone. Even the kids that weren’t in the finals, they did their part this year.”
160
Champion: Stony Buell, Dundee, Jr. (45-3)
Major decision, 12-4, over Randy Pyrzewski, Gladwin, Soph. (47-6)
Buell’s title was the sixth straight for Dundee, and seventh on the night, tying an MHSAA record (set by Detroit Catholic Central in 2019 and St. Johns in 2013).
It also gave Buell his third title in as many tries, putting him on track to become a four-timer next season.
“Ever since I was a child, it’s been one of my biggest goals to be a four-time state champ,” Buell said. “So, really I’m just going to reset the board next year and still be hungry for that next title.”
171
Champion: Dillon Kroening, Gladwin, Sr. (52-1)
Decision, 7-5, over Jaxon Guinn, Dundee, Sr. (36-10)
A year ago, Kroening was a match away from bringing a title back to Gladwin for the first time since 1989. This time, he accomplished the feat.
Kroening came back from an early deficit with a nearfall in the second period, and a reversal and a takedown in the third to wrap up the victory.
“Adversity, I’ve learned to fight through adversity my whole life,” Kroening said. “I started out with my coach from the Pittbulls (club); he’s pushed me hard and never let me quit, and that’s what I showed right there. It just means so much to me. This is for Gladwin.”
189
Champion: Jonathan Clack, Lake Odessa Lakewood, Sr. (52-0)
Decision, 6-4, over Noah Montanari, Richmond, Sr. (35-4)
Clack finished his unbeaten season with his 200th career victory.
He took a 6-1 lead into the third period and held off a late charge from Montanari.
“It feels awesome; I trained my whole life for this,” Clack said. “Every day. I trained harder than anyone in the room, I trained as hard as I could, pushed myself to the limit, did extra practices, extra work and it all paid off. I trained my whole life for this. It’s awesome.”
215
Champion: Luke Davis, Richmond, Sr. (42-2)
Decision, 11-9, over Boe Eckman, Constantine, Jr. (38-4)
Davis spent the year atop the rankings in this weight class, and was dominant on the weekend.
But Eckman put a scare into him, putting him to his back late in the second period. The Richmond senior was able to regroup, however, and grab his first Finals title.
“It’s a big stress relief,” Davis said. “Being a senior and everything, it feels like there’s a giant load off my shoulders. You’re carrying that weight the whole year of being ranked first, to have a close match like that and have some quick scares – I got rolled over to my back there and I was like, ‘No. I could cower up and be a coward and let myself get pinned, make excuses for myself. Or I can fight my way out of it.’ Not to toot my horn, but that’s why I’ve been ranked No. 1 all year. Everyone believes that I can do it, but I believe that I can do it.”
285
Champion: Grant Clarkson, Lake Odessa Lakewood, Sr. (40-0)
Decision, 5-2, over Terrance Watson, Birch Run, Sr. (44-2)
Clarkson was the only heavyweight in the state to finish the season unbeaten, as he capped off his perfect year with a Finals title.
He led 3-2 late in the match, and sealed the victory with a late takedown.
“I’m on cloud nine. I’m ecstatic,” Clarkson said. “I’ve worked at it for four years. After my freshman year watching the state finals, I said I wanted to win a state title. Here we are, four years later. (Going unbeaten) was a goal I set, and I like to achieve my goals. I had to push myself every day to get better, and that’s what I did all year.”
PHOTO: Ida’s Hunter Assenmacher (left) and Flint Powers Catholic’s Sean Spidle face off in the Division 3 119-pound championship match Saturday at Ford Field. (Click for more from HighSchoolSportsScene.com.)
Lowell's Blum Joins Pair of Elite Clubs with 4th Individual Finals Title
By
Drew Ellis
Special for MHSAA.com
March 1, 2025
DETROIT – Lowell senior Jackson Blum entered rarefied air Saturday at the 2025 MHSAA Individual Wrestling Finals.
Not only did Blum become one of 40 wrestlers to win a fourth individual championship, but he also became one of just seven in MHSAA history to win four individual titles and four team titles when he claimed the 132-pound championship in Division 2.
“It’s an amazing feeling. God has blessed me so much,” Blum said of the accomplishment. “The road has had a lot of ups and downs, but in the end, I was able to come out on top because of Him.”
Blum was one of three wrestlers to become a four-time individual champion Saturday, and he admitted the pressure of fulfilling that goal got to be challenging this season.
“At the beginning of this year, I felt pressure on myself. I felt like I had to win my fourth and be the next one,” Blum said. “But, that’s when I really just tried to let God guide me and take off that pressure.”
Blum (47-0) was in control of his opponent, Gull Lake junior Rasler Warner (33-4), throughout the bout.
Blum scored four takedowns in the first round and added two more in the second to secure the 19-4 technical fall 2:53 into the contest. He was one of four Lowell wrestlers to claim an individual title Saturday.
106
Champion: Pilot Swab, Stevensville Lakeshore, Soph. (45-7)
Decision, 8-1, over Tyler Cooper, Plainwell, Fr. (39-10)
Behind a late takedown in the third period that led to near-fall points, Swab claimed his first championship with a decision win over Cooper.
Swab avenged a pair of losses to Cooper during the season to claim the title.
“I just decided to pick up the pace during the last 30 seconds of the match,” Swab said. “I knew I had to pick it up. It means a lot to be a state champion.”
113
Champion: Jarrett Smith, Lowell, Jr. (42-3)
Major Decision, 8-0, over Carson Blum, Lowell, Fr. (37-7)
Facing off with a teammate at the Finals for the second consecutive season, Smith came away with a second championship.
“It’s tough, but it’s also really cool because you know you are training with the best guy in the state at your weight, every day in practice,” Smith said. “I have some years on (Blum), but he’s going to be great. He’s a great wrestler.”
Smith managed a takedown in each of the first two rounds and then scored a reverse to control the match and keep Blum off the scoreboard.
120
Champion: Cristian Haslem, St. Clair, Jr. (41-0)
Decision, 17-12, over Devan Garcia, Battle Creek Harper Creek, Soph. (37-2)
Haslem avenged a loss to Garcia at the 2024 Finals at 113 pounds, coming away with a win in a high-scoring championship match.
“I had been working all season toward getting my revenge and getting that title,” Haslem said. “It motivated me every step of the way this season. I made sure to wrestle my match at my pace this time around, and it feels amazing to be a state champion.
The key moment came in the second period when Haslem got a takedown on an ankle pick that put him ahead for good at 9-6. He followed that up with a takedown to open the third and controlled things from there.
126
Champion: Jeremiah Brown, Flint Kearsley, Sr. (25-0)
Decision, 6-5, over Quinten Cassiday, Cedar Springs, Soph. (47-2)
Trailing 5-3 late in the third period, Brown scored a takedown to go up 6-5 and held on from there to complete an unbeaten senior season.
“I knew I had nothing to lose at that point,” Brown said of the late takedown. “I was already down, it was my senior year, I had to just go. It feels great. I am living on a high right now.”
They had met in the Regional Final last weekend with Brown winning 13-7, but he knew Saturday’s rematch wouldn’t be so easy.
“I wasn’t sure if I could beat (Cassiday) again. He improved a lot,” Brown said. “He’s just a sophomore, and he’s a phenomenal wrestler. I’m really happy to have been able to win.”
138
Champion: Trenden Bashore, DeWitt, Sr. (59-1)
Decision, 8-4, over Luke Egan, Cedar Springs, Jr. (50-3)
Takedowns in the second and third rounds allowed DeWitt’s Bashore to close out his high school career with his first championship.
“All I ever wanted to be was a state champion, and I always came up short. But, not this time,” Bashore said after the win.
Bashore finished runner-up at 132 pounds at the 2024 Finals, but took the loss to heart and let it motivate him to Saturday’s victory.
“Last year, I got my butt kicked by one of the best, and I took what happened and let it drive me,” he said. “This year, I put focus on the small part of my technique and being on the attack.”
144
Champion: Jaron Bensinger, Gaylord, Jr. (47-0)
Ultimate Tie-Breaker, 2-2, over Buddy Leonard, Freeland, Sr. (46-3)
Bensinger let the pain of finishing runner-up last season drive him to winning his first title.
A 1-1 match in regulation was ultimately decided on an ultimate tiebreaker, with Bensinger riding out Leonard to claim the championship in the final stage.
“I knew it was going to be a battle, but I never stopped wrestling and never stopped pushing the pace,” Bensinger said. “I was confident I could ride (Leonard) for those 30 seconds. I worked my whole life to be a state champ.”
Leonard and Bensinger each scored escape points in regulation and in the overtime periods to force the ultimate tie-breaker.
150
Champion: Lane Button, Wayland, Sr. (52-0)
Decision, 11-4, over Dylan Granger, Mason, Jr. (44-2)
Button closed out a two-year undefeated run with a decision win over Granger to win his second consecutive championship and finish 100-0 over his final two prep seasons.
The senior celebrated by honoring the Detroit Lions in their home, doing an Amon-Ra St. Brown headstand, following by the Kerby Joseph cartwheel and back flip.
“That was the plan all along,” Button said of the celebration. “(Granger) was my last high school loss, so it was good motivation for me all year. I felt like I had the pace and the speed and knew what I needed to do to finish with a win.”
Button’s early takedown in the first period set the tone, and he followed up with two more in the match, as well as a reversal, to keep Granger from getting within striking distance.
157
Champion: Johnathan Ford, Bay City John Glenn, Soph. (42-6)
Decision, 7-3, over Drew Ladach, New Boston Huron, Sr. (55-4)
After an injury during the District tournament kept him from competing for a Finals title in 2024, Ford made the most of this opportunity, winning a hard-fought contest with Ladach.
“It was a stressful match, but I knew I had to just keep attacking,” Ford said. “I’ve been envisioning this moment for a long time. Getting injured last year really motivated me and pushed me this weekend.”
Ford held a 4-1 lead in the second period before Ladach was able to cut the margin to one thanks to an escape and a stalling point. As the match closed, Ford secured another takedown to seal the deal.
165
Champion: Owen Segorski, Lowell, Sr. (45-4)
Decision, 9-7, over Zane Willobee, Gaylord, Jr. (32-2)
In a matchup of two 2024 champions, Segorski, the 144-pound title winner last year, overcame a deficit to grind out a 9-7 win over Willobee, the 157-pound champion from a year ago.
“I just had to trust in my training. I know the match is only six minutes, so I know I can go hard for six minutes, no matter how tired I get,” Segorski said.
Segorski trailed 6-5 early in the third period, but tied the match up with an escape and then scored a takedown on Willobee with 35 seconds remaining to get the win.
It was the third Finals championship for Segorski, who also won the 125-pound title as a freshman.
“It feels a lot better to win here, for sure,” Segorski said. “It was really important (to win). I didn’t want to go out with any regrets.”
175
Champion: Fabian Facundo, Freeland, Sr. (43-1)
Decision, 8-1, over Zachary Taylor, Gibraltar Carlson, Sr. (53-2)
Coming up one match shy of a championship in 2024, Facundo pushed himself late to break a 1-1 tie with Taylor and earn his first title.
The two were tied 1-1 in the closing moments of the match before Facundo blitzed for a takedown and got near-fall points to secure the victory.
“I could see (Taylor) was backing up and that’s what I wanted,” Facundo said of the late takedown. “It feels good, really good.”
190
Champion: Casey Engle, Lowell, Sr. (42-8)
Decision, 9-3, over Martin Knight, North Branch, Jr. (53-3)
The Lowell senior came out fast, scoring nine points in the opening period and then fending off Knight from there to secure the 190-pound title.
“I was just trying to score the first points of the match and set the tone. It always puts you in a good place,” Engle said. “I knew (Knight) was going to throw everything at me in a state final. I just had to stay composed and not get too excited.”
Engle would be the fourth and final Red Arrow to win a championship on the night.
“It’s just being part of the legacy,” Engle said. “It means a lot to be a part of it and to be able to be a champion for the program.”
215
Champion: James Mahon, Goodrich, Sr. (38-3)
Fall (1:35), over Holden Otter, Carleton Airport, Soph. (49-5)
After winning the 285-pound championship in 2023 and 2024, Mahon made the move down to 215 pounds this season.
The change didn’t keep him from adding a third title, as he scored a takedown early in the match and eventually worked it into a pinfall.
“It was tougher (this season at 215). I wasn’t used to people shooting on me. I had to make my stance a lot lower. I couldn’t just run through people,” Mahon said. “At points, (I doubted if I could win), but it didn’t last long. If I had that thought, I just told myself, ‘I am the best. I am going to win a third (title).’”
285
Champion: Dustin Warner, Sparta, Sr. (56-3)
Decision, 4-0, over Caden Sides, Gaylord, Sr. (42-4)
In a rematch of a Regional championship from last weekend, Warner avenged a loss to Sides with a 4-0 victory.
“I wrestled smarter this time around,” Warner said. “I took advantage of my strengths. I felt really good coming into the match, and it feels awesome to be a state champ.”
The two were scoreless through two periods, but Warner opened the third with an escape and then added a takedown with 34 seconds left in the match.
“I had to use my conditioning. I know I am in better shape than everyone,” he said. “So, if the match lasts, they’re going to gas. I had to keep pushing the pace.”
PHOTOS (Top) Jackson Blum’s arm is raised in victory Saturday after he claimed his fourth MHSAA Individual Finals championship. (Middle) Wayland’s Lane Button, right, prepares to lock up with Mason’s Dylan Granger at 150 pounds. (Click for more from High School Sports Scene.)