Sometimes freshmen have to wait a few years to be team heroes, if it every happens at all.
But Reeths-Puffer’s Bryce Muskovin, a ninth-grade wrestler, got to experience that thrill on Thursday, early in his first season of varsity.
The Rockets trailed Grandville by two points in a dual match at the Marge and Tate Duals at Grandville High School.
Muskovin wrestled in the final match of the day and needed win to put the Rockets over the top.
He accomplished that goal, pinning his opponent in the third round to give Reeths-Puffer an exciting 40-36 victory.
Bryce Muskovin
“Special shoutout to Bryce Muskovin for stepping up and winning a big match to secure the win against Grandville,” said R-P Coach Jared Fleming. “We're starting to piece together what it means to win and lose as a team, and that's a really exciting thing!"
The Rockets went 2-2 in the team tournament, beating Jenison 49-22 and falling to Bedford 53-15 and Grand Haven 39-27.
Jake Rozycki (126 pounds) has the best day for R-P, posting a perfect 4-0 record. Sage Secrest (190), Ian Cook (132), Arin Maynard (106) and Nathan Reeves (165) all posted 3-1 records.
Jake Rozycki
"It's great to come out and wrestle hard matches against tough teams over winter break,” Fleming said. “Each one of our kids was tested today with top quality opponents. We love coming to Grandville for this tournament. They do a great job hosting and we get to wrestle tough teams that we'll see in our district and at the state tournament.
“I'm proud of how we performed and how our team is shaping up as we reach the midway point of the season.”
The Rockets will split up on Saturday to compete in individual tournaments at Grand Haven and Ravenna.
