By Mike Moore
Staff Writer
Photo Courtesy of Western High School
Parma — Team district time has arrived in the state on Michigan in the sport of wrestling.
For Greg Hoffman and his Western squad, that means it’s time to dig in, and really learn.
The Panthers will kick off the 2017 postseason Wednesday night at Charlotte in the tournament, taking on Eaton Rapids at 6 p.m.
“We need to wrestle the best we have all season,” Hoffman said simply. “Eaton Rapids is a good team, ranked 10th right now. So, the plan is to have every kid go out and do the best they can. We’ll see what happens.”
The winner of the opening match takes on Northwest or Charlotte in the team final.
Yet, as he spoke about the district and the postseason in general, Hoffman was quick to caution getting too far ahead of himself.
He’s led the Panthers to a 20-8 record this year, and a third-place finish in the conference standings.
“Solid, but not great,” as he put it.
Understandable considering the overall youth Western’s roster is made of.
The team has just two seniors and another two juniors in the starting lineup.
“Other than that, we are all freshmen and sophomores,” Hoffman explained. “We’re going to be better the next few years as these guys figure it all out.”
And that’s the key Wednesday, taking advantage of what the playoff atmosphere has to offer.
“The idea is to get the experience right now,” Hoffman said. “Even the JV guys are going to be there, see the process of the weigh in, of getting ready for each match and getting excited about the future. Win or lose, this is something we want to build on and make the most of.”
If the Panthers are going to pull the upset, some key guys will likely lead the way.
Hoffman said Luke Raczkowski, in the 140-pound weight class (43-3 on the year), and
Corey Gamet (39-0) in 119, will pave the way.
“We’ll try and match them against some top guys and get some wins,” he said. “Then we need some other things to fall in place.”
Look for Eric Pape (27-7 at 189) to also have a big night.
“Still, the focus is on learning and getting better,” Hoffman added. “That’s the goal in this one.”
Mike Moore is a play-by-play commentator and Sports Writer for JTV Sports.
He’s also a Real Estate agent with Real Estate One, specializing with buyers and sellers throughout Michigan, from the Jackson area to metro Detroit. You can reach him at mjm12@albion.edu or by calling (313) 770-6365 with any inquiries.
