Advertisement

Breezing through the conference and district competition, Mancelona's record-setting senior wrestler Cody Sehl kept on marching in the regional tournament at Rogers City last Saturday.

Sehl, the school's all-time career victory leader, remained unbeaten on the season at 285 pounds in sweeping to a regional title.

With all of those titles safely tucked in his belt, Sehl takes his 50-0 record into the state finals at The Palace of Auburn Hills next week.

"My goal since the season started was to win the state title," Sehl said. "It's odd to think that it's only one week away now.

"The first goal I had was to help our team to a league and district title, or at least that we'd reach the regional tournament.

"When the team was eliminated, then it was me wrestling for myself. I've got one more goal to reach."

Just how well Sehl is able to maintain his mental focus was demonstrated when he captured the Northern Michigan Championships title in Gaylord just days after the death of his grandfather.

Despite carrying a heavy heart into the competition, Sehl would not be swayed from attaining his goal.

"I wanted to win that title for my grandfather," Sehl said. "I knew he wanted me to do my best."

Sehl opened the regional tournament by pinning Trevor Cole of Charlevoix in just 34 seconds.

He took only 27 seconds to nail Joe Baldwin of Mio in the second round, and he capped the day off with an 8-6 decision over Nick Wollom of Iron Mountain in the finals.