Category: News
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Holt Senior Wrestler Molly Root Earning Her Shot on the World Stage
By TANYA GARCIA HOLT – For Holt High senior Molly Root, wrestling isn’t just about the grind on the mat, it’s about fun, growth, and the lessons she carries with her off the mat. Competing in the 100-pound division, Root has become a determined member of the Lady Rams wrestling team, balancing her passion for…
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Breaking the Mold: Girls Wrestling Surges in Michigan High Schools
LANSING, Mich. — A once male-dominated sport is experiencing a seismic shift in Michigan high schools. Girls wrestling, long an overlooked and underserved athletic pursuit, has transformed into one of the fastest-growing sports across the state. Fueled by recent policy changes, increased visibility, and a groundswell of community support, female wrestlers are not just stepping…
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Junior Wrestler Izrael Canales Finds Purpose, Pride on the Mat for Holt High
By Tanya Garcia HOLT, Mich. — At just 17 years old, Izrael Diego Canales is already making a name for himself in Holt High School’s storied wrestling program. Competing in the 125-pound weight class for the boys varsity team, the sophomore brings intensity, pride, and a deep sense of brotherhood to the mat. His reason…
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Breaking Barriers and Building Bonds: Ayan Rosalee Kelley Finds Strength on the Mat
By TANYA GARCIA LANSING — For Ayan Rosalee Kelley, a varsity wrestler at Lansing Sexton High School, wrestling started as a personal goal—but it quickly turned into something much more. Competing in both the boys’ 165-pound division and the girls’ 155-pound class, Kelley is a proud representative of Sexton’s rising girls wrestling program. “I initially…
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WAAAM States 2025: A Showcase of Youth Wrestling Excellence
LANSING – The Don Johnson Field House in Lansing was alive on May 3, as it hosted the WAAAM States 2025, wrestling tournament that brought together some of the most promising young athletes from across Michigan. Allandale Wrestling Club’s 6-year-old wrestler, Chloe Barker was among the youngest competitors at the event and she was ready…
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Meet Olivia DeLaCruz: Eastern High’s Quiet Force on the Mat
At just 17, Olivia DeLaCruz has already left her mark on Lansing Eastern High’s wrestling program quietly, confidently, and with unwavering dedication. Competing in the 115-120 pound division, Olivia isn’t just one of the few girls on the team, she’s one of its most driven competitors. Now a junior, she’s no stranger to the grind.…
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Lansing Veteran Organizes Golf Tournament to Raise Awareness and Funds for Cancer Battle
Army veteran Justin Gonzales has faced battles on and off the battlefield. A proud service member who spent years defending freedom in the Middle East, Gonzales now finds himself in the fight of his life—this time against colon cancer. “I’m having a golf outing to promote cancer awareness,” Gonzales said. “I’m going through cancer right…
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From Buenos Aires to Mercedes: Martial Arts Journey Unites Continents
For over four decades, Gualberto Moncayo has immersed himself in martial arts, beginning as a young practitioner in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His dedication led him to become an 8th-degree black belt in Kajukenbo, specializing in the Gaylord Method. Recognized as the Ambassador for South America by the Kajukenbo Association of America (KAA), Moncayo’s journey reflects…
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Puerto Rican Martial Artist Reunites with Mentor, Trains Under Grandmaster at Texas Kajukenbo Memorial Tournament
MERCEDES, Texas – Onell Bonilla hadn’t seen his martial arts teacher in over 10 years. During that time, they stayed connected online, discussing training exercises and the Kajukenbo philosophy. Then one day in November, Bonilla,40, received a phone call from his teacher and mentor Professor Gualberto Moncayo. He invited him to attend the Texas Kajukenbo…