Davison standout tries to block out brother’s condition, wins his eighth title.
By David Goricki / The Detroit News
AUBURN HILLS — Brent Metcalf of Davison earned his place in state wrestling history Saturday night in the Individual State Finals at The Palace.
His place? At the top of the list.
Metcalf, who finished his high school career with a 228-0 record, became the first eight-time state champion in Michigan history. He defeated Braden L’Amoreaux of Clarkston, 19-7, to win the Division 1 145-pound title and finish his senior season 61-0.
Metcalf was more concerned about his older brother, Chase, than history. Minutes before Brent went to the mat, Chase was taken by stretcher out of the arena after suffering a seizure.
“I found out about it during the 135-pound match. I saw my dad running, “Metcalf said. “I was worried, but I’m pretty good at blocking things out once I take the mat. I know he’ll be all right.”
Metcalf helped Davison win its fourth consecutive Division 1 State Team championship last weekend in Battle Creek. He defeated L’Amoreaux, 21-9, in the individual regional two weeks ago.
“It’s awesome to be a four-time state champion, “Metcalf said. “It’s been a goal of mine since my freshman year, but I never worried about going unbeaten … not until now.”
Metcalf was treated to a standing ovation following the match. He then ran off the mat to check on his brother, who is a former two-time state champion and former of University of Michigan wrestler.
Joe Mendez of Lowell joined Metcalf as four-time individual state champions. Mendez defeated Justin Chrzanowski of Lapeer West , 6-3, in the Division 2 135-pound match. Chrzanowski, who was the 135-pound defending champion and two-time state champion, will wrestle at Michigan next season.
“I feel like I’m on top of the world right now, “said Mendez, who finished 49-0 this season and 211-11 in his career. “He’s real tough, a two-time state champion. I won the scrambles, and that’s what won the match for me.”
Trevor Stewart of Detroit Catholic Central finished as a three-time state champion. He did it in style and, in the process, won his 200th career match.
Stewart, who will wrestle at Central Michigan, defeated Kevin Zink of Temperance Bedford, 5-2, in the Division 1 160-pound match to finish 52-0 this season.
“All the work I put in paid off with three state championships, “said Stewart, who was 200-4 in his career. “Winning 200 matches is a great accomplishment. It proves I’ve had a great four years.”
Stewart’s teammate, Sean Dong, won at 135 pounds.
Chad Vallone of Utica Eisenhower also won a state championship with an unbeaten record (49-0). Vallone, a junior, pinned Craig Gin of Temperance Bedford with a second left in the second period of the Division 1 119-pound match.
“I don’t get too excited, “Vallone said. “It’s the first time I think I smiled after I won a match.”
Jon Roddy of Caro closed his career with an unbeaten season and a state championship. Roddy (53-0) dominated his Division 3 215-pound match, defeating Ryan Cutler of Remus Chippewa Hills, 12-1.
“It feels great … everything I expected it would be when I had my hand raised, “said Roddy, who lost in the 215-pound title match to Josh Cross of Montrose the last two years, 9-6 in 2004 and by a pin in 2003. “I worked hard for it. Losing twice (to Cross) was tough, but finishing strong is what it’s all about.”
Finishing strong is exactly what Hafeez Qureshi of Livonia Churchill did. After winning one match his freshman year, Qureshi closed his high school career with a 9-6 decision over Erik Vojtkofsky of Detroit Catholic Central in the Division 1 215-pound title match.
“I worked all my life to finally get it (state title), “said Qureshi who finished 50-1. “I had one win my freshman year, but I kept working hard. I’m finishing with over 100 wins and a state championship. I never doubted myself, and my coaches believed in me, too.”
Michigan-bound football player Terrance Taylor made up for a third-place finish a year ago by overpowering Nick Anurak of Hartland in the Division 1 275-pound title match.
Taylor, a defensive tackle who can bench-press 500 pounds, manhandled Anurak, 14-7, to finish 25-0.
“He’s phenomenal, “Hartland coach Todd Cheney said of Taylor. “I’ve never seen anyone with so much power before. You’ll see him playing on Sundays (in the NFL) one day.”
Martin Rusek of Dundee finished his career 206-14 and with the state record for career takedowns (825). Rusek won the Division 3 152-pound title.
Willy Rodriguez of Detroit Holy Redeemer came up short in his bid for a title, losing 9-1 in the Division 4 119-pound match.
Two-time state champion Jon Reader (152), Kyle Chittick (171) and Trevor Perry (189) joined Metcalf as state champions for Davison.
Tim Lee of Melvindale (53-1, 275) won in Division 3. Ibrahim Abdulla of Dearborn Fordson (59-1, 103) and Jon Gruenberg (53-4, 130) of East Detroit won in Division 1.
You can reach David Goricki at [email protected].
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