Photo credit: Ian DuVernay

Underclassmen have ended the Grosse Pointe North’s varsity wrestling team’s streak of voids. Despite the team’s talent and passion, until this season, the team couldn’t escape voids — automatic forfeits that teams have to give up when lacking a wrestler in specific weight classes. With voids, the team is already behind before the match starts. After a six year slump, the void era has come to an end, with the team’s increase in participants.

In the last six years, head coach Jaron Nelson’s guidance has led North to achieving two State placers and four State qualifiers last season. The team has amassed 17 new wrestlers from last year, almost doubling in size. The team’s success at State’s has led to the growth in participants and interest.

“I believe that getting those four guys to states last year showed the school that it’s possible that anybody can come out to learn and make it to the big stage, “ Nelson said. “The guys on the team that came back have done a really good job of bringing more kids out.”

Given the influx of participants, the team has had to adjust to these new changes, including senior captain Preston Auld. Through taking on a leadership role, Auld admires setting an example for the rookies while also inspiring returning wrestlers.

“I have to play a big leadership role, but it’s nice to give back and coach those with less experience,” Auld said. “In a couple of years, once these kids are grown and know more, they will definitely help the program.”

Being a leader on such a large team means having to inspire many wrestlers. Driven to lead by example, sophomore Derand Sako was granted captaincy in only his second year on the squad. As an underclassmen, Sako hopes to assure the rookies that anything is possible. 

“It feels good helping out the people that are new in wrestling and [it] just feels better for me and the others, inspiring them,” Sako said. 

Gathering such positive feedback from the team, freshman and first-time wrestler Damin Thomas sought joining to get out of the house, be involved, create a new family and grow as an athlete. Although an amateur, Thomas has goals set for the season, motivated to progress in the sport and follow in his captains’ footsteps. 

“[My personal goal is] to at least win one match so I can get a pin,” Thomas said. “[Joining the team] means growth and having a new family to be a part of.”

Recognizing the talent, chemistry and size possessed, Nelson and the team have high aspirations. Nelson is grateful for not having to take voids, as this monumental step brings optimism for a successful season and achieving accolades.  

“The amount of players we have and the fact that it fills up a full lineup really gives us a good situation to catch a district title and then look for regional accolades as well,” Nelson said. “In the past, we have had to take voids and now we don’t have to, which is really good having a lot of kids around.”