Title in Hillsdale is just the start for Northwest wrestling program according to Gumbert
By Mike Moore
Staff Writer
Jackson – Wrestling remains one of those sports where veteran leadership, or that veteran presence on a roster, is one thing.
But just having veterans to throw their weight around is another.
The Northwest squad has neither, which makes what the Mounties are doing this winter even more spectacular.
“We only have one varsity senior, but a real good group of younger guys and freshmen,” coach Bruce Gumbert said. “I think, when you look at what we’ve done, it’s a little better than any of us expected. And that’s mainly because of how young we are.”
The Mounties’ season was going just fine up until the holiday break, and then came the exclamation point — so far.
On Jan. 2, the team went to Hillsdale for the Dan Taylor Invitational, and when the dust settled, sat alone on top in the 15-team event.
The Mounties earned the top spot with a team score of 178.5. Waterford Kettering was second at 169, while Harper Creek was third with 156.
Reese Darrow took first in the 103-pound weight class, while other placers included Tanner Beach (second at 152), Austin Wetzel (third at 125), Jehan Bostic (third at 135), Noah Jakubus (third at 160), Adam Taylor (third at 171), Nick Leach King (fourth at 189), Josh Lewis (third at 215) and Jordan McGuire (fourth at 285).
The Mounties also won Pool B in the JAWS invitational earlier in the season, and entering Wednesday night, had a 9-4 overall record as a team.
“It’s been a series of basics,” Gumbert said in trying to explain the success. “We’ve been focusing on the key aspects and growing. It’s a process, but these guys are doing a great job.”
With a lineup getting some key pieces back very soon, Northwest only expects to get better as the season gets older.
The team district event won’t be easy, especially with a likely second-round matchup with a very good Eaton Rapids team looming, “but we want to be in a spot to compete with them,” as Gumbert put it. “If we can compete, we’ll see what happens.”
Beyond that, Gumbert said he’s got some individuals more-than capable of qualifying for the state finals.
Freshman Adam Taylor is 14-1 so far in the 171 class, just to name one.
But an eye toward the future isn’t just focused on the rest of this winter.
With so many younger guys contributing, and a firm effort to strengthen the youth programs, Gumber said Northwest could develop into a consistent power on the mat.
“That’s the biggest thing right now,” he said of building the program up. “We’re at a point where this entire program is unified. We have the middle school teams on board. We have a great little-league program. We’re building for a long-lasting future around here.”
Photo Courtesy Northwest High School
Mike Moore is a play-by-play commentator and Sports Writer for JTV Sports. You can reach him at mjm12@albion.edu. He’s also the author of ‘Love, Defined; A Dedication to the Love, Sacrifice, and Magic of Motherhood.’
Love, Defined is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Tate Publishing or by contacting Mike directly.