By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Buchanan's varsity wrestling team has had its fair share of recognition this year, thanks to a very successful wrestling season. But if you would have asked about the Bucks two or three years ago, you may not have heard much about them, other than the fact that they were just another team.
"When we started out as freshmen, we were ok, but there were other teams out there who were a lot better than us," Tyler Mitchell said.
Mitchell, along with teammates David Medlin, Travis Reith, Dan Toth, Phil Metz and Jim Connors, make up the seniors of this year's state ranked team.
All six grapplers agreed that their first few years on the varsity level were nothing compared to the success they've seen the past two seasons.
"When we first started out, we had a lot of kids who didn't want to work hard and it makes a difference in how your team performs," Connors said. "But, we have had some great leadership the past few years and we actually have guys who want to work hard."
And these guys are proof that hard work pays off. All have been members of the varsity squad since they were freshmen and have put in just as much hard work in the off season as they have in the regular season.
"This year has been the best out of all of them," Toth said. "Every year has been great, but this is where we see how the hard work has paid off. We've progressed so much and our reward is making it to state."
Head coach Frank Mucha credited the hard work of the seniors and the fact that their leadership is something that has helped carry this team to where they are.
"I have got an unbelievable group of seniors, and juniors, who have shown great leadership this year. This is a great group of kids," Mucha said.
Mucha enjoys his wrestlers (and his mustache) almost as much as he enjoys the sport itself and the seniors seem to feel the same way about their coach.
"He's got a great sense of humor. He even lives up to his bets," Mitchell said.
Mucha, who hasn't been seen without his mustache in over 15 years, made a bet with the team that if they made it to state, he would let them shave it off.
"It was great, we all took turns. He looks like a totally different person," Mitchell added.
"I'm not really feeling it," Mucha said. "It's going to be growing right back."
"Coach Mucha is just an awesome guy who has taught us a lot through the years. He's received a few Coach of the Year awards if that doesn't say enough," Reith said. "Coach Tim (Carrigan) and the junior high coach Andy (Riggs) have also taught us a lot of different things."
"And they're all just as dedicated to the sport as we are," Medlin added.
Connors had a different view though. When asked to describe his coach, he sat back and thought for a moment.
"Coach Mucha," Connors said with a slight laugh. "Wow, I don't even know how to answer that or where to begin. There's so many things I could say about him, but the biggest thing about him is that he always wants to push us to do the best we can. Him and coach Tim never want us to settle for less."
Connors referred to the trip home from the Bucks' regional win.
"This season, we had three goals - win conference, win districts and win regionals - we did all three of those, but coach told us not to settle for just that. He said it was time to reprioritize our goals and win at the next level. I guess to sum it all up you could say he is never satisfied with second best," Connors said.
While Buchanan did achieve all of its goals this season and a state title would put the icing on the cake, the seniors know they will be left with plenty of fond memories of their careers, whether it was an entire team accomplishment or a personal achievement.
"Making it to state is a big reward, but I am also very proud of my record throughout my career, " Reith said.
Reith holds the new school record for most career wins. He currently stands at 172, blowing past the old record of 141. He is also very pleased with the fact that he placed eighth in the individual state tournament last year and will be returning this season to try to place even higher.
Medlin was also excited with the fact that his team will be traveling to the state finals, but his achievement of making the All Southwest Michigan wrestling team will remain among one of his best personal accomplishments in his career.
Whatever the outcome of this weekend happens to be, all of these seniors know their roles and how vital they will be. Leading their team to a state championship would mark a highlight in their lives, but most importantly, they want their leadership skills to rub off on the younger kids and hopefully be an influence to how they lead when they become seniors.
"The best advice I can give is to keep working hard. Everyone starts out just 'ok,' but if you stick with it and never give up, the rewards are great," Mitchell said.
"Just stick with it. You're freshman year is going to be very tough, but as time goes on and you keep practicing, you will get better," Toth said.
"There's a lot to be learned from the juniors and seniors, just keep working hard, even through the though times and you will be successful," Connors said. "I just realized recently that the coaches are created to make us better - remember that and respect them for it."