Lansing New Wire had a chance to catch up with Avery Bustos, Lansing Eastern High’s junior wrestler in the 144 pound division. Here is what he had to say about his wrestling experience in Meet the Quakers Q&A:

Q: What inspired you to start wrestling?

A: My brother.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?

A: My dad and my coach.

Q: What do you love most about wrestling?

A: The tournaments.

Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?

A: I wake up make some breakfast go to school then go to practice and repeat.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in wrestling?

A: My stamina and that scale.

Q: Can you describe your first match? How did you feel?

A: Pretty happy because I won it.

Q: What has been your proudest moment in wrestling so far?

A: Being elected as a team captain by my coaches.

Q: How does it feel to be back with the team this season, what are your individual and team expectations?

A: My individual expectation is to win states and then become a NCAA champ and my team expectation is to win team states, no less.

Q: How has being a student-athlete helped you grow as a person?

A: Wrestling has helped me become more responsible, and less lazy.

Q: What does it mean to you to represent your school as a student-athlete?

A: It means I gotta look good for my school.

Q: What lessons have you learned through wrestling that apply to your life outside the sport?

A: To work hard, and how to improve on your losses.

Q: How would you describe the strengths and overall dynamic of your wrestling team?

A: We are a pretty good team.

Q: What’s your coach’s name and share one piece of advice from your coach that has stuck with you?

A: Coach AP, and I don’t really know he says a lot of good stuff to remember.

Q: What’s one thing you admire most about your coach’s leadership style?

A: That he’s straight forward.

Q: What advice would you give to others who want to start wrestling?

A: “To put in the work, and it will get you somewhere.”

Q: What’s your signature wrestling move, and does it have a cool name?

A: Nah

Q: Have you ever had a match where something hilarious or unexpected happened? What was it?

A: No I don’t think so.

Q: If your team had a karaoke night, who would steal the show, and what song would they sing?

A: Cayden, and he most definitely would be singing Pound Town.

Q: If you could wrestle any celebrity, who would it be, and why?

A: Randy Orton, so I can RKO him.

Q: If wrestling had walkout music like boxing or MMA, what would your theme song be?

A: Eye of the Tiger

Q: What is your favorite classroom subject?

A: Wrestling

Q: What is your dream school/university?

A: A school with a good wrestling program.

Q: What is your favorite place to go eat?

A: Qdoba or the World Buffet

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: Somewhere warm with a beach.

Q: What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of sports?

A: Games

The post Lansing News Wire Q&A: Avery Bustos, Lansing Eastern High’s Junior Wrestler  appeared first on La Prensa Latina.

 By Tanya Garcia | Lansing News Wire

Lansing New Wire had a chance to catch up with Caylob Fulghum, Lansing Eastern High’s senior wrestler in the 190 pound division. Here is what he had to say about his wrestling experience in Meet the Quakers Q&A:

Q: What inspired you to start wrestling?

A: My cousins and grandfather

Q: Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?

A: My cousin, Andre Bradford.

Q: What do you love most about wrestling?

A: 9 second matches

Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?

A: School work and practice.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in wrestling?

A: Guys bigger than me.

Q: Can you describe your first match? How did you feel?

A: No I don’t remember it.

Q: What has been your proudest moment in wrestling so far?

A: Winning my first tournament.

Q: How does it feel to be back with the team this season, what are your individual and team expectations?

A: Great.

Q: How has being a student-athlete helped you grow as a person?

A: Helps keep up my grades, teaches me teamwork and I have made some friends.

Q: What lessons have you learned through wrestling that apply to your life outside the sport?

A: Teamwork

Q: How would you describe the strengths and overall dynamic of your wrestling team?

A: We are dynamic.

Q: What’s your coach’s name and share one piece of advice from your coach that has stuck with you?

A: Coach A.P. and he’s says, “don’t end up on your back.”

Q: What’s one thing you admire most about your coach’s leadership style?

A: He never backs down and he’s there for the athlete.

Q: What advice would you give to others who want to start wrestling?

A: Go for it work hard and don’t quit!

Q: What’s your signature wrestling move, and does it have a cool name?

A: The Wicked Bridge

Q: Have you ever had a match where something hilarious or unexpected happened? What was it?

A: No

Q: If your team had a karaoke night, who would steal the show, and what song would they sing?

A: I have no idea. Only that it wouldn’t be me.

Q: If wrestling had walkout music like boxing or MMA, what would your theme song be?

A: Last of my Kind by Shabozey

Q: What is your favorite classroom subject?

A: Diesal mechanics

Q: What is your dream school/university?

A: I dont have one.

Q: What is your favorite place to go eat?

A: Mom’s house

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: Anywhere I can go fishing.

Q: What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of sports?

A: Hunting and fishing.

The post Lansing News Wire Q&A: Caylob Fulghum, Lansing Eastern High’s Senior Wrestler appeared first on La Prensa Latina.

 By Tanya Garcia | Lansing News Wire

Lansing New Wire had a chance to catch up with Victoria Carter, Waverly High’s senior wrestler in the 170 pound division. Here is what she had to say about her wrestling experience in Meet the Lady Warriors Q&A:

Q: What inspired you to start wrestling?

A: Wanting to better myself, and to stay fit after finishing my volleyball season freshman year.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?

A: Amit Elon

Q: What do you love most about wrestling?

A: The community and meeting new people when traveling to tournaments in and out of state.

Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?

A: Conditioning, lifting, and getting on the mats. Staying light on lifts before meets.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in wrestling?

A: Slamming my thumb in the door at weigh-in’s the day before states.

Q: Can you describe your first match? How did you feel?

A: My first match was against a guy. I had know idea what I was doing and was very nervous but, I just kept going win or lose.

Q: What has been your proudest moment in wrestling so far?

A: Winning my first match at Fargo over the summer.

Q: How does it feel to be back with the team this season, what are your individual and team expectations?

A: It feels great to be back with the team. I expect us to take another district title this year and make it far into team regionals. Individually, I expect to place top three at states.

Q: How has being a student-athlete helped you grow as a person?

A: Being a student athlete definitely builds character. It can be hard at times to mange both but, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve learned time management and discipline play a big role in being a student athlete.

Q: What does it mean to you to represent your school as a student-athlete?

A: I take pride in being a Warrior. I give a 100% on and off the mat whether I fail or not.

Q: What lessons have you learned through wrestling that apply to your life outside the sport?

A: There have been many ups and downs but, this sport has taught me what it feels like to fail completely and get back up to live another day.

Q: How would you describe the strengths and overall dynamic of your wrestling team?

A: I would say half way through a season when the “flakes” leave the team starts to become really close. Our strengths are going out there and just being aggressive owning the circle even if we’re wrestling someone “better” or may know more.

Q: What’s your coach’s name and share one piece of advice from your coach that has stuck with you?

A: My head Coach is Tyler and one piece of advice he has gave me that stuck with me is to work on the mental side of wrestling as much as I practice.

Q: What’s one thing you admire most about your coach’s leadership style?

A: He’s more of like a “bestie” but, he knows how to get me to dial in when it’s time to lock-in.

Q: What advice would you give to others who want to start wrestling?

A: Just try and indulge yourself into the sport as much as you can. It’s not for everyone but, if you don’t stick around long enough you’ll never know.

Q: What’s your signature wrestling move, and does it have a cool name?

A: I love a good inside trip.

Q: Have you ever had a match where something hilarious or unexpected happened? What was it?

A: Yes, I had a very clumsy moment and tripped over my own foot during leagues. I won but, it was too funny and maybe a little embarrassing.

Q: If your team had a karaoke night, who would steal the show, and what song would they sing?

A: I’m honestly not sure but, I know a few would still the spotlight.

Q: If you could wrestle any celebrity, who would it be, and why?

A: I would wrestle the Rock. Honestly just because he’s so big and it would just be too comical.

Q: If wrestling had walkout music like boxing or MMA, what would your theme song be?

A: Black and Yellow by Wiz Khalifa

Q: What is your favorite classroom subject?

A: Science

Q: What is your dream school/university?

A: Honestly, University of Iowa because they have a D1 wrestling team and my major.

Q: What is your favorite place to go eat?

A: Panera Bread or Macalister Deli

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: Dubai

Q: What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of sports?

A: I love to going shopping and go to the beach.

The post Lansing News Wire Q&A: Victoria Carter, Lansing Waverly High’s Senior Wrestler appeared first on La Prensa Latina.

Lansing New Wire had a chance to catch up with Christian Morgan, Eastern High’s senior wrestler in the 132 pound division. Here is what he had to say about his wrestling experience in Meet the Quakers Q&A:

Q: What inspired you to start wrestling?

A: My brother and the love for the sport.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?

A: My brother, coach.

Q: What do you love most about wrestling?

A: The experience/ winning.

Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?

A: Mon – tue practice – Wednesday wrestle Thursday and Friday practice and Saturday wrestle.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in wrestling?

A: The mental part.

Q: Can you describe your first match? How did you feel?

A: It felt good because I won.

Q: What has been your proudest moment in wrestling so far?

A: Learning new techniques.

Q: How does it feel to be back with the team this season, what are your individual and team expectations?

A: I expect the team to do great, for me I still have to get the mental part down.

Q: How has being a student-athlete helped you grow as a person?

A: Realizing I have to do good in school to wrestle.

Q: What does it mean to you to represent your school as a student-athlete?

A: It means a lot. There is a lot of people that look up to me, so I gotta act right.

Q: What lessons have you learned through wrestling that apply to your life outside the sport?

A: Don’t give up when your tired, give up when your done.

Q: How would you describe the strengths and overall dynamic of your wrestling team?

A: It’s good. We all got close pretty fast and made good bonds.

Q: What’s your coach’s name and share one piece of advice from your coach that has stuck with you?

A: Coach A.P. “Don’t set a short term goal for yourself always go big, or don’t go at all.

Q: What’s one thing you admire most about your coach’s leadership style?

A: He helps us in the areas we need help with, and I learn really well from his coaching.

Q: What advice would you give to others who want to start wrestling?

A: Just do it. It might be tough mentally, but once you get the hang of it there is no need to be nervous.

Q: What’s your signature wrestling move, and does it have a cool name?

A: High C

Q: Have you ever had a match where something hilarious or unexpected happened? What was it?

A: Yes, big not on my head.

Q: If your team had a karaoke night, who would steal the show, and what song would they sing?

A: Me, I would sing sexy red.

Q: If you could wrestle any celebrity, who would it be, and why?

A: I would wrestle Bo.

Q: If wrestling had walkout music like boxing or MMA, what would your theme song be?

A: Deeper by Sondae

Q: What is your favorite classroom subject?

A: Math

Q: What is your dream school/university?

A: U of M

Q: What is your favorite place to go eat?

A: Chinese

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: Puerto Rico

Q: What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of sports?

A: Reading my bible, and talking to God.

The post Lansing News Wire Q&A: Christian Morgan, Lansing Eastern High’s Senior Wrestler appeared first on La Prensa Latina.

Lansing New Wire had a chance to catch up with Jeremiah Hobbs, Haslett High’s freshmen wrestler in the heavy weight pound division. Here is what he had to say about his wrestling experience in Meet the Vikings Q&A:

Q: What inspired you to start wrestling?

A: My cousin

Q: Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?

A: My cousin

Q: What do you love most about wrestling?

A: Wining

Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?

A: Conditioning

Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in wrestling?

A: Conditioning

Q: Can you describe your first match? How did you feel?

A: Felt good because I won it.

Q: What has been your proudest moment in wrestling so far?

A: Winning 10 matches in a row.

Q: How does it feel to be back with the team this season, what are your individual and team expectations?

A: Idk this is my first year with this team but my expectations are to win some tournament.

Q: How has being a student-athlete helped you grow as a person?

A: More healthy and eating better.

Q: What does it mean to you to represent your school as a student-athlete?

A: To be a good example

Q: What lessons have you learned through wrestling that apply to your life outside the sport?

A: Learning how to cut and eat better

Q: How would you describe the strengths and overall dynamic of your wrestling team?

A: Probably that there fast but big

Q: What’s your coach’s name and share one piece of advice from your coach that has stuck with you?

A: Coach p stand up

Q: What’s one thing you admire most about your coach’s leadership style?

A: The way he teaches the technique and he take the fact that I’m big

Q: What advice would you give to others who want to start wrestling?

A: Learn one move and stick to it

Q: What’s your signature wrestling move, and does it have a cool name?

A: Sprawling

Q: Have you ever had a match where something hilarious or unexpected happened? What was it?

A: One of my team mates first time wrestling he cradle someone

Q: If your team had a karaoke night, who would steal the show, and what song would they sing?

A: Vershawn idk what song

Q: If you could wrestle any celebrity, who would it be, and why?

A: Brock lesnar

Q: If wrestling had walkout music like boxing or MMA, what would your theme song be?

A: Baby Kia

Q: What is your favorite classroom subject?

A: Ela

Q: What is your dream school/university?

A: Penn State

Q: What is your favorite place to go eat?

A: I don’t go out to eat much.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: Home

Q: What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of sports?

A: Gaming

The post Lansing News Wire Q&A: Jeremiah Hobbs, Haslett High’s Freshman Wrestler appeared first on La Prensa Latina.

 By Tanya Garcia | Lansing News Wire

Lansing New Wire had a chance to catch up with Vivienne Conflitti, Forest Hills Eastern High’s freshman wrestler in the 110pound division. Here is what she had to say about her wrestling experience in Meet the Lady Hawks Q&A:

Q: What inspired you to start wrestling?

A: My Dad mostly inspired me to do wrestling because he wanted to teach me self defense but I definitely didn’t want to be the only girl on an all boys team by myself so I encouraged my best friend Lily to do it with me in middle school and later on after a little nudging I got my older sister Gianna to do wrestling with me as well.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?

A: My biggest influences have to be my parents and my sister. My sister has always come to cheer me on in my competitions and even this year when I wasn’t going to have a practice partner she joined the team. My parents have also supported me like no other.

Q: What do you love most about wrestling?

A: I think the thing I enjoy most about wrestling is just being part of another team. We are all there for each other no matter what. As a wrestling team we are all just there to put in the work and really make ourselves and each other better people and a whole team of people trying to push themselves to their limit just happens to be a really great group of people. I truly think it’s amazing how teammates can push you while they are also working so hard themselves.

Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?

A: A typical week of training as a high school wrestler is hard work. We practice everyday after school for about two hours or a little more. Alongside this we have one-two competitions a week. Our practices consist of hard workouts to build stamina and strength.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in wrestling?

A: The biggest challenge is honestly not giving up. It’s really easy to just give up in wrestling when it gets hard (which it does!). Being on the bottom of someone while they are twisting you around is not easy and it’s sometimes easy to just give up and stop trying.

Q: Can you describe your first match? How did you feel?

A: My first match was it seventh grade and I was not at all prepared and I barely knew what I was doing. I was nervous but I was just ready to try my best even while knowing it probably wasn’t going to end in my favor.

Q: What has been your proudest moment in wrestling so far?

A: So far my proudest moment in wrestling is winning those really hard matches that you won by points. Going the full three periods takes so much effort and stamina. One period is so hard but knowing that you persevered through a whole three matches and scored enough points to win is just an overall feeling of joy. However that is one of my proudest moments, I’m also extremely proud of my sister. It is her first year of wrestling and just recently she placed first place in her first ever tournament. I’m so proud of her and lucky to be her practice partner.

Q: How does it feel to be back with the team this season, what are your individual and team expectations?

A: I love being a part of a team, especially because we all respect each others goals. My individual goal is to just never give up and always try my best and work as hard as on can on that particular day. Not all days I have the same energy especially not after really long days at school, so just working my hardest that I can is my goal. My team is very small, especially our girls team with only four girls so I don’t have many expectations for us.

Q: How has being a student-athlete helped you grow as a person?

A: Being a student athlete has truly helped me grow as a person in many tremendous ways. Being on a team teaches you things you will never learn in a classroom. It teaches you leadership, how to work with other people, determination, dedication, and so many more life lesson. Learning these as a young adult is truly inspiring and I feel so lucky to be part of a team.

Q: What does it mean to you to represent your school as a student-athlete?

A: To represent my school as a student athlete makes me feel proud and confident. I know that all my fellow peers are wishing me well for my season.

Q: What lessons have you learned through wrestling that apply to your life outside the sport?

A: Through wrestling I have learned how to work with others. This helps me in my outside life because I have to work with people all the time for many different reasons.

Q: How would you describe the strengths and overall dynamic of your wrestling team?

A: My teams strength is not giving up. As a small team we can not afford any losses just because one of us didn’t care anymore. We have to work our best to try and win every match. As teammates we know we have to go into every match and not just win it for ourselves but for our teammates and coaches and parents that have supported us.

Q: What’s your coach’s name and share one piece of advice from your coach that has stuck with you?

A: My coaches names are coach Gordon and Coach Max. A piece of advice that my coaches have given me is to not get in a head lock because if you know wrestling you know that does not end well. This has stuck with me because I’ve experienced it, many many times and I never want it to happen again!

Q: What’s one thing you admire most about your coach’s leadership style?

A: I admire my coaches style of teaching. They show the new move many times and help us to understand and really master the moves we learn. However sometimes calm they also push us to make us better which I admire because I think it’s a whole part of the learning and it helps us to improve by pushing over selves.

Q: What advice would you give to others who want to start wrestling?

A: I would tell others to just go for it. If anyone is interested ever hesitant to start wrestling, just try it! It’s a really cool sport and it can help you with any other sport you are doing. I also do soccer and cross country and wrestling has helped me in those sports in many ways.

Q: What’s your signature wrestling move, and does it have a cool name?

A: My go to wrestling move for a takedown is probably the firearm. My coaches call it that and I think it’s pretty cool.

Q: Have you ever had a match where something hilarious or unexpected happened? What was it?

A: I had this one match against a really good girl in my bracket in the championships of a tournament and she is like a state champ or something so I was almost confident she was going to beat me. So I go into the match and she takes me down right away and she cuts me (let’s me stand up) just to pick me up and throw me back down to the mat. Know this was hilarious because I was laughing throughout the whole match even though I was loosing by some many points and my coach after was like, “why were you laughing in he middle of a match”. Which made this one of my funniest matches so far.

Q: If your team had a karaoke night, who would steal the show, and what song would they sing?

A: If my team had a karaoke night I feel like Naomi would definitely steal the show but I’m not sure what song she would choose to sing.

Q: If you could wrestle any celebrity, who would it be, and why?

A: I’m honestly not sure…

Q: If wrestling had walkout music like boxing or MMA, what would your theme song be?

A: Not sure

Q: What is your favorite classroom subject?

A: My favorite subject would probably be math (geometry), science (biology), or english (honors english 9).

Q: What is your dream school/university?

A: I’m not quite sure yet but both my parents went to Michigan State University and our family is big fans of Michigan State but that’s all I have in mind right now.

Q: What is your favorite place to go eat?

A: My favorite place to eat is probably P.F Changs bc they have some really good fried rice and dumplings.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: I have already been to Italy and I would definitely go again sometime. However I also want to go to Alaska, Maine, and Colorado because they should like really cool states.

Q: What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of sports?

A: I do many sports and don’t have much time to do other things. But I do enjoy hunting with my dad and being outside.

The post Lansing News Wire Q&A: Vivienne Conflitti, Forest Hills Eastern High’s Freshman Wrestler appeared first on La Prensa Latina.

 By Tanya Garcia | Lansing News Wire

Lansing New Wire had a chance to catch up with Gianna Conflitti, Perry High’s junior wrestler in the 115 pound division. Here is what she had to say about her wrestling experience in Meet the Lady Hawks Q&A:

Q: FULL NAME

A: Gianna Conflitti

Q: What high school do you represent? 

A: Forest Hills Eastern

Q: What grade are you?

A: 11

Q: What weight class do your wrestle?

A: 115

Q: Gender

A: Female

Q: What inspired you to start wrestling?

A: My sister! Watching all of her matches in years previous made me realize her immense strength and determination. Also, because wrestling is a male dominated sport, she could have been the only girl on her team so I decided to join the team to be her practice partner and to grow stronger myself.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?

A: My biggest wrestling influence and supporter is my dad who encourages me to try my best each and every day. He continuously hypes me up for my matches and sends me videos to help improve my technique, to teach me new skills, and to strengthen my mindset.

Q: What do you love most about wrestling?

A: I love that each of my teammates and coaches are so supportive of one another. Wrestling is not easy but constant support from my coaches and teammates helps me get through tough matches or practices.

Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?

A: Practice every day after school and tournaments or matches typically on Wednesdays and Saturdays!

Q: What has been your proudest moment in wrestling so far?

A: I won my first tournament! I started the day not feeling very confident in my abilities but I focused on a couple of my favorite skills each match and eventually was titled champion of my weight class.

Q: How has being a student-athlete helped you grow as a person?

A: Being a student-athlete has helped me connect with other students I wouldn’t normally meet otherwise. Connecting with my peers and working together through common adversities such as balancing homework, friends, and extracurriculars has definitely grown my community at school.

The post Lansing News Wire Q&A: Gianna Conflitti, Forest Hills Eastern High’s Junior Wrestler appeared first on La Prensa Latina.

 By Tanya Garcia | Lansing News Wire

Lansing New Wire had a chance to catch up with Grace Spiess, Perry High’s senior wrestler in the 140 pound division. Here is what she had to say about her wrestling experience in Meet the Lady Ramblers Q&A:

Q: FULL NAME

A: Grace Spiess

Q: What high school do you represent? 

A: Perry High School

Q: What grade are you?

A: 1 2

Q: What weight class do your wrestle?

A: 140

Q: Gender

A: Female

Q: What inspired you to start wrestling?

A: Watching my older brothers wrestle.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?

A: My brother Jacob.

Q: What do you love most about wrestling?

A: The growing of woman’s wrestling, and the friendships I’ve made.

Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?

A: Practice everyday; working out on the weekend.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in wrestling?

A: Staying consistent in training and keeping a good mind set.

Q: Can you describe your first match? How did you feel?

A: My first match I wrestled was when I was 6, and I was terrified and I got beat and I wanted to quit.

Q: What has been your proudest moment in wrestling so far?

A: Being on team Michigan.

Q: How does it feel to be back with the team this season, what are your individual and team expectations?

A: It feels good to be back with the team but I’m sad that it’s my last year. My individual expectation is to make it to states this year. My team expectations is for everyone to wrestle tough and make it to states.

Q: How has being a student-athlete helped you grow as a person?

A: It gives me good drive and motivation.

Q: What does it mean to you to represent your school as a student-athlete?

A: It means a lot especially with the way women’s wrestling is growing.

Q: What lessons have you learned through wrestling that apply to your life outside the sport?

A: Once you put your mind to something don’t quite until you succeed.

Q: How would you describe the strengths and overall dynamic of your wrestling team?

A: It’s like a second family.

Q: What’s your coach’s name and share one piece of advice from your coach that has stuck with you?

A: Jason Spiess, if you ain’t first your last -Ricky bobby.

Q: What’s one thing you admire most about your coach’s leadership style?

A: The unwavering support and dedication to not only me as his daughter but to the whole team.

Q: What advice would you give to others who want to start wrestling?

A: Don’t give up it’ll always get better.

Q: What’s your signature wrestling move, and does it have a cool name?

A: It’s called a Turk

Q: Have you ever had a match where something hilarious or unexpected happened? What was it?

A: Yes, I puked after every match last year.

Q: If your team had a karaoke night, who would steal the show, and what song would they sing?

A: Me and most likely this girls on fire by Alicia keys.

Q: If you could wrestle any celebrity, who would it be, and why?

A: Amit Elor, cause she’s an icon.

Q: If wrestling had walkout music like boxing or MMA, what would your theme song be?

A: Jackle and Hide

Q: What is your favorite classroom subject?

A: English and Chemistry

Q: What is your dream school/university?

A: Iowa University

Q: What is your favorite place to go eat?

A: Taco Bell

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: Greece

Q: What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of sports?

A: Hanging out with my family and friends.

The post Lansing News Wire Q&A: Grace Spiess, Lansing Perry High’s Senior Wrestler appeared first on La Prensa Latina.

Lansing New Wire had a chance to catch up with Morgan Barkman, Dewitt High’s sophomore wrestler in the 105 pound division. Here is what she had to say about her wrestling experience in Meet the Lady Panthers Q&A:

Q: What inspired you to start wrestling?

A: My twin brother was always beating me up so I wanted to beat him back.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?

A: My captains, Jamie, Ryleigh, and Eliana have been my biggest influences in wrestling.

Q: What do you love most about wrestling?

A: I love the team spirit of the girls team.

Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?

A: Practice Monday-Friday with some extra wrestling practices and trips to the gym.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in wrestling?

A: The biggest challenge I’ve faced in wrestling has been cutting weight to make 100.

Q: Can you describe your first match? How did you feel?

A: During my first match, I felt unstoppable and like I could do anything I had my mind set on.

Q: What has been your proudest moment in wrestling so far?

A: My proudest moment in wrestling so far was getting 3rd place at the Howell tournament with some tough competition.

Q: How does it feel to be back with the team this season, what are your individual and team expectations?

A: It feels amazing to be back with the team this season. My team expectations are to support each other and do the best teammates to each other that we can be. My individual expectations are to impress myself more than I ever thought I could.

Q: How has being a student-athlete helped you grow as a person?

A: Being a student-athlete has helped me learn how to time manage.

Q: What does it mean to you to represent your school as a student-athlete?

A: It is very important to me that I get to represent my school as a student-athlete, and I pride myself on making my school and team proud.

Q: What lessons have you learned through wrestling that apply to your life outside the sport?

A: A lesson that I have learned from wrestling is to be patient. Slow and steady wins the race.

Q: How would you describe the strengths and overall dynamic of your wrestling team?

A: My girls wrestling team is made up of the strongest people I know. I have not seen people stick up for each other and pull each other up like I have with my girls wrestling team.

Q: What’s your coach’s name and share one piece of advice from your coach that has stuck with you?

A: Brian Byars: Relax, don’t get in your head

Q: What’s one thing you admire most about your coach’s leadership style?

A: I admire how my coach tells it like it is and is always my biggest supporter. Even though he gives us hard practices, he knows that we can handle it and will always be there for us.

Q: What advice would you give to others who want to start wrestling?

A: Don’t expect everything to happen for you right away. Work on what you need to and build up piece by piece.

Q: What’s your signature wrestling move, and does it have a cool name?

A: My signature wrestling move is the cradle.

Q: Have you ever had a match where something hilarious or unexpected happened? What was it?

A: I wrestled a guy who seemed to know what he was doing, but a minute into the match I had him pinned and his entire team was going crazy.

Q: If your team had a karaoke night, who would steal the show, and what song would they sing?

A: Jamie would sing any kind of country.

Q: If you could wrestle any celebrity, who would it be, and why?

A: Hugh Jackman because he’s hot.

Q: If wrestling had walkout music like boxing or MMA, what would your theme song be?

A: Thunderstruck-AC/DC

Q: What is your favorite classroom subject?

A: English

Q: What is your dream school/university?

A: University of Michigan

Q: What is your favorite place to go eat?

A: I love Chick Fil A.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: The Virgin Islands

Q: What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of sports?

A: I enjoy swimming.

The post Lansing News Wire Q&A: Morgan Barkman, Dewitt High’s Sophomore Wrestler appeared first on La Prensa Latina.

LANSING — Wrestlers from across the state made a stop in the Capitol city to tangle on the wrestling mat for a chance to win the 64th Annual Don Johnson Wrestling Invitational.

Among the 13 teams were the reigning Don Johnson Invitational’s back-to-back Champions St. Johns Redwings. Standing in their way this year were the host team Eastern High Quakers and hometown, Everett High, Lansing Catholic Central and other schools from across the State.

Springport High took the tournament crown defeating the Redwings with a combined score of 198 points to lead all teams in the tournament.

The team scores results are: 1st, Springport High, 198; 2nd St. Johns High, 161; 3rd. Battle Creek Central High, 147.5; 4th Forest Hills Northern High, 147; 5th Catholic Central High ( Grand Rapids) 116; 6th Lake Fenton High, 105; 7th Everett High, 101, 8th Maple Valley High, 97.5; 9th Lincoln Park High, 94; 10th Cass City High, 93.5; 11th Eastern High, 61.5; 12th Lainsburg High, 60.5 13th; Okemos High, 52.0; 14th Lansing Catholic High 41.5.

Of the many champions who emerged from the tournament, Lansing Eastern’s Wrestling Captain Olivia Delacruz finished the day undefeated (3-0) taking home the first place championship in the 130-pound girls division.

“I am very happy to have won the championship in my division at my home team’s tournament,” Delacruz said. “The competition was hard.”

Delacruz defeated three opponents to take the championship in the 130-pound weight class. On her way to winning the division Delacurz defeated Saint Johns’ Olivia Pettigrew, and Lori Morris and Lansing Everett’s Yadira Sandoval-Sotoyo.

Pettirew finished in second and Sandoval-Sotoyo third respectively.

On the individual side more than 100 wrestlers competed in the tournament.

“I’m a big supporter of Olivia Delacruz, I think she is amazing, she comes out with a tenacious style, quick, fast; reminds me of myself. She’s honestly in my opinion better and she just has a work ethic that is slim to none,” said Camryn Jackson, Lansing ISD’s Pattengill Magnet School Dean of Students and former Eastern 2011 State Champion Wrestler.

At this year’s opening of the tournament Lansings Eastern Head Coach, Arnold Pulliam said, the Don Johnson Field House is so big, that the State tournaments were once held there.

Many wrestlers got their taste of the competition on a big stage for their season’s duals and district competition at the Don Johnson Invitational that was held on Saturday December 7, 2024.

There were many tough matches. Lansing Everett’s Antonio Williams went 3-0, and also finished in first place in the 157-weight class. Finishing behind Williams respectively were, 2nd place Sa`Darion Holloway of Lincoln Park HS; 3rd place, Daniel Dysert of Springport High; 4th place, Casey Shelton of Catholic Central High (Grand Rapids); 5th place, Fletcher Whitford of St Johns High and 6th place – Luke Meyer of Forest Hills Northern High.

Who is Don Johnson

Don Johnson was one of Lansing Easterns High School wrestling coaches and most legendary principals at Lansing Eastern High School. Johnson made such a huge impact the school’s Field house was named after him. Johnson has remained one of Lansings most prominent beloved figures, and who left an amazing legacy.

“Don Johnson is one of the most legendary coaches to come through here, literally led the most state championship teams for a while, most state champions to come out of here, so Don Johnson is literally legendary for sure – big time,” Jackson said.

According to the National Wrestlers Hall of Fame, “Don Johnson found plenty of success during his lifetime on the wrestling mat. But being a state champion wrestler and coach barely even touched the surface of what Johnson meant to many in the Lansing area. Johnson is remembered as a defining Eastern High School figure because of his contributions to the Quaker community and beyond.

“He was a tremendous leader and mentor with not only his wrestling prowess and success, but the way he related to the kids,” Eastern grad and longtime wrestling official Sam Davis states on the NWHOF website. “Don Johnson was a no-nonsense principal, he was a no-nonsense coach, but he was a community member and quite a leader. “I remember when he retired, as part of his retirement gift he was given a Jeep. Who makes that kind of impact in a community that they would give them a brand new car as part of his legacy, and then name a field house after him.”

Johnson guided the Quakers to five team state titles from 1948-1957. He also coached more than two dozen individual state champions, according to the National Wrestlers Hall of Fame website.

Many agree that Don Johnson would be very proud of where The Lansing Quakers are today and of the 64th Annual Don Johnson Invitational.

“The Don Johnson Invitational is the longest running Invitational tournament in the state of Michigan and it’s one of the best tournaments in the State,” said Tony Gladstone, former Lansing Eastern wrestling coach.

Tournament Results

Boys 

106 weight class

• 1st Place – Ayden Ringler of Catholic Central HS (Grand Rapids)
• 2nd Place – Dylan Furlo of Forest Hills Northern HS
• 3rd Place – E`Zion Miller of Everett HS
• 4th Place – Joshua Jordan of Springport HS
• 5th Place – Dylan Ping of Okemos HS
• 6th Place – Jeilani Ali of Eastern HS

113 weight class

• 1st Place – Mason Thurber of Springport HS
• 2nd Place – Brody Birchfield of Springport HS
• 3rd Place – Gotti Peralta of Forest Hills Northern HS
• 4th Place – Brenden Knoblauch of Laingsburg HS
• 5th Place – Tristin Begley of Battle Creek-Central HS
• 6th Place – Roman Schliz of Maple Valley HS

120 weight class

• 1st Place – Owen Thomas of Springport HS
• 2nd Place – Shamus O`Hearon of Springport HS
• 3rd Place – Brody Hurley of Catholic Central HS (Grand Rapids)
• 4th Place – Zebulun Brown of Forest Hills Northern HS
• 5th Place – Jameson Halsey of St Johns HS
• 6th Place – Liam Mcdonald of Laingsburg HS

126 weight class

• 1st Place – Collin Andrews of Lake Fenton HS
• 2nd Place – Jacob Potter of Springport HS
• 3rd Place – Marlon Graham of Laingsburg HS
• 4th Place – Davion Garza of Everett HS
• 5th Place – Zayden Moon of Battle Creek-Central HS
• 6th Place – Cayden Root of Eastern HS

132 weight class

• 1st Place – Philip Chamberlain of Forest Hills Northern HS
• 2nd Place – Tevin Crawford of Everett HS
• 3rd Place – Dayton Flores of Battle Creek-Central HS
• 4th Place – Tristan Densmore of St Johns HS
• 5th Place – Alejandro Eno of Eastern HS
• 6th Place – Trenton Hamilton of Springport HS

138 weight class

• 1st Place – Mattis McNally of Catholic Central HS (Grand Rapids)
• 2nd Place – Tyler Riedel of St Johns HS
• 3rd Place – Cellyon Benning of Everett HS
• 4th Place – Jacob Kubiak of Springport HS
• 5th Place – Robert Schilz of Maple Valley HS
• 6th Place – Christian Morgan of Eastern HS

144 weight class

• 1st Place – Christian Garces of Forest Hills Northern HS
• 2nd Place – David Marvin of Lake Fenton HS
• 3rd Place – Avery Bustos of Eastern HS
• 4th Place – Diego Hernandez of Lincoln Park HS
• 5th Place – Tanner Severns of Springport HS
• 6th Place – Charles Sims of Battle Creek-Central HS

150 weight class 

• 1st Place – Mikey Wilson of Catholic Central HS (Grand Rapids)
• 2nd Place – Filip Nowak of Maple Valley HS
• 3rd Place – Ethan Delafosse of Okemos HS
• 4th Place – Carter Jullian of Lake Fenton HS
• 5th Place – Benjamin Hall of Forest Hills Northern HS
• 6th Place – Diego Buendia of Lincoln Park HS

157 weight class 

• 1st Place – Antonio Williams of Everett HS
• 2nd Place – Sa`Darion Holloway of Lincoln Park HS
• 3rd Place – Daniel Dysert of Springport HS
• 4th Place – Casey Shelton of Catholic Central HS (Grand Rapids)
• 5th Place – Fletcher Whitford of St Johns HS
• 6th Place – Luke Meyer of Forest Hills Northern HS

165 weight class 

• 1st Place – Kaden Sizemore of Springport HS
• 2nd Place – Kai Mishler of Lansing Catholic HS
• 3rd Place – Brady Heibeck of St Johns HS
• 4th Place – Joshua Shroll of Battle Creek-Central HS
• 5th Place – Aaron Pietrzak of Cass City HS
• 6th Place – Miles Melton of Lake Fenton HS

175 weight class 

• 1st Place – Brody Briggs of Lake Fenton HS
• 2nd Place – Ethan Harris of Battle Creek-Central HS
• 3rd Place – Jackson Burpee of Maple Valley HS
• 4th Place – Armen MacMillian of Lincoln Park HS
• 5th Place – Nicolas Campos of Forest Hills Northern HS
• 6th Place – Derek Busch of Cass City HS

190 weight class 

• 1st Place – Brody Abendroth of St Johns HS
• 2nd Place – Parker Pisarek of Cass City HS
• 3rd Place – Valorie Risk of Okemos HS
• 4th Place – Devon Thomas of Battle Creek-Central HS
• 5th Place – Tyrese Robinson of Maple Valley HS
• 6th Place – Taliaferro Cook of Okemos HS

215 weight class 

• 1st Place – Gavin Moreno of St Johns HS
• 2nd Place – Abram Matice of St Johns HS
• 3rd Place – Chris Vatter of Cass City HS
• 4th Place – Carter Jeffries of Battle Creek-Central HS
• 5th Place – Jose Mares of Lincoln Park HS
• 6th Place – Vincent Alcaraz of Lincoln Park HS

285 weight class

• 1st Place – Rylan Kruse of Cass City HS
• 2nd Place – Eli Worth of Springport HS
• 3rd Place – Travon Harouna-Maiga of Battle Creek-Central HS
• 4th Place – Joseph Long of Maple Valley HS
• 5th Place – David Magaway of Lansing Catholic HS
• 6th Place – Harvey Montgomery of Laingsburg HS

GIRLS RESULTS

115 weight class 

• 1st Place – Hailey Upthegrove of Cass City HS
• 2nd Place – Haley Prohaska of St Johns HS
• 3rd Place – Corrin Bryant of Eastern HS
• 4th Place – Regan Del Rio of Okemos HS

130 weight class 

• 1st Place – Olivia DeLaCruz of Eastern HS
• 2nd Place – Olivia Pettigrew of St Johns HS
• 3rd Place – Yadira Sandoval-Santoyo of Everett HS
• 4th Place – Lori Morris of St Johns HS

145 weight class 

• 1st Place – Chelsea Roach of Cass City HS
• 2nd Place – Akira Shepherd of Battle Creek-Central HS
• 3rd Place – Marlene Arriaga of Lincoln Park HS
• 4th Place – Sadie Witt of Cass City HS
• 5th Place – Aniya Brown of Okemos HS

Source: www.trackwrestling.com

The post Wrestlers clash at Lansing Eastern’s 64th Annual Don Johnson Invitational appeared first on La Prensa Latina.