Promising future for young Timberwolves

MILL CREEK

The youngsters did their part.

With a lineup bereft of varsity experience, Jackson still had enough muscle to pull off a 37-32 victory over Archbishop Murphy in a non-conference dual wrestling match billed as the Battle of Mill Creek Dec. 7 at Jackson High School.

The Timberwolves only return a pair of seniors with the rest of the team made up largely of freshmen and juniors.

“I like the way our young kids stepped up,” Jackson head coach Gustavo Anaya said.

One of the highlights for Jackson was freshman Ryan Feiock’s 5-3 decision over Archbishop Murphy’s Eric Miller in the 152-pound weight class.

“That win was crucial,” Anaya said.

This was the third year of the Battle of Mill Creek, which was conceived by Archbishop Murphy coach Blaine Smith, the former coach at Jackson.

“It was a fun night. A lot of people showed up,” Anaya said. “That’s what make the competition a lot of fun. It was close. It was exciting.”

The Wolfpack does have some experience back with senior Myles Bittinger the clear leader of the team. The senior standout recorded a pin over Stephen Street at the 1-minute, 25-second mark at 171.

“We were on our feet most of the time,” said Bittinger, a regional qualifier last year. “I was trying to get a feel for him and what what his strengths and weaknesses were.”

Bittinger finished fourth at districts but then struggled at the regional tournament.

“I wasn’t really prepared,” said Bittinger, who also earned honorable mention football honors in the fall. “It’s going to be a little bit different this year. I’m going to make sure I’m prepared for it. I won’t be stopping until I get to state this year.”

The younger wrestlers look to Bittinger for leadership, especially at practice, Anaya said, and Bittinger has risen to the challenge.

“It’s tough having a young group because we need people to step up in the practice room and Myles is one of those kids who does it,” Anaya said. “That’s been a benefit to the program.”

Junior Jared Mead, who pinned Brett deChadendes at 119, expects the Timberwolves to grow as a team as his teammates gain more experience. Bittinger is a good example to follow, Mead said.

“He’s a real leader,” Mead said. “He knows how to motivate us and teach us. We have a lot to learn from him.”

Mead came into the season a little bit unsure of how he would fare since he is moving up two weight classes. He previously wrestled at 103 and was a regional qualifier. Mead grew two inches since last year and also has spent considerable time in the weight room.

So far he’s done well in his new weight class, including a third place finish at a tournament in Auburn.

“I was nervous going up two weight classes. That’s a lot,” Mead said. “I didn’t know what to expect.”

Mead was going to try and wrestle at 112 but he couldn’t safely make the weight.

Another key returner for Jackson is junior Conner Martin, who pinned freshman Daniel Marshbank 57 seconds into their 135-pound match.

“I knew he was a younger wrestler,” Martin said. “I just went out there and watched his feet and I just went out for the attack.”

Martin advanced to the finals of the Auburn tournament but ended up finishing second. His work during the summer has boosted his confidence.

“I feel amazing,” Martin said. “I went to so many camps this summer, clinics. I worked out with my coach and wrestled in the offseason. I picked up a lot of tips. It’s just really helping me out.”

Junior Michael Shapiro won a 11-2 decision over Blake Torres at 145. Shapiro earned the majority decision with only a few seconds to go in the match.

“Conner Martin and Michael Shapiro are two kids that put in a lot of time in the summer,” Anaya said. “They’ve got the technique and the skill.”

While his younger teammate make lack the skills right now, they have the drive to succeed, according to Bittinger, who’s been impressed by what he’s seen.

The effort is there, Bittinger said. “You couldn’t ask for anymore. They’re really just going out and trying their hardest and it pays off because they’re in a lot better shape than most of the guys we go out and wrestle. They’re winning a lot of matches over guys that are technically better than them and have wrestled for longer. But our guys just work a little bit harder in practice and it pays off in the matches.”

JACKSON HOSTS GIRLS TOURNAMENT: The first annual Lady Timberwolves Invite is scheduled for Dec. 22 at Jackson High School. The Timberwolves had two girls place at last year’s first-ever girls state tournament – Tara Miller (second at 103) and Tawnyrae Richards (fourth at 119). Richards graduated but Miller is back for her senior season.

Miller, Andrea Shore and Danika Shaffer all took first place at a recent tournament at Emerald Ridge High School.

Eight teams from across the state are scheduled to participate in the Jackson invite.

“We’re looking to promote the sport,” Jackson head coach Gus Anaya said.

Promising future for young Timberwolves