Sault High senior heavyweight Sawyer Kuenzer (45-10) made his run for the individual wrestling state title earlier this month at Ford Field. Working his way there after qualifying in the District and Regional tournaments, Kuenzer was ready to finish job he set out to do at the beginning of the season. In the first round, Kuenzer won by decision over Tristian Philbeck of Airport HS in Carleton, (7-0). In the quarterfinal round, Adin Young of Plainwell won in a tie breaker (5-1). In the blood round, Kuenzer had another tie breaker match, winning by decision over Johnny Pardo of Southgate Anderson, (5-3). This victory extended his season, and guaranteed him a place on the podium. Kuenzer started the second day of competition with a win by fall over Malek Zawaideh of Orchard Lake St Mary Prep (5:00). In the consolation semifinals, Harland Begg of Marshall won by fall (1:32), sending Kuenzer to the fifth place match. Ricky Johnson of Harper Creek won by fall (1:57) and Kuenzer placed sixth overall, in what was noted to be the most competitive heavyweight division in the state tournament. He joins an elite group of Blue Devils to earn all-state status. The last Blue Devil to make the podium was Chase Boucher in 2016, also a heavyweight.
Kuenzer spoke of his success. “Ending my career at Ford Field was something I never expected and was one of the best moments of my sports life. The whole experience is almost surreal, as your surrounded by thousands of other wrestlers looking for the same goal as you and doing whatever it takes to achieve it. The atmosphere is electric the whole 2 days. My favorite memory of the weekend was winning in the blood rounds to achieve all-state status, getting a takedown as time expired to win the match and continue to the next day. The whole weekend was a great way to cap off the end of my wrestling career as it’s the last time I’ll ever be putting my shoes on to represent my school. I appreciate everything my coaches and teammates have done for me over the last 4 years since they’re the reason I made it.”
Head Coach Jacinto Arreola praised Kuenzer’s grit. “Sawyer’s ability to stay in the fight, round after round, is impressive. He didn’t back down, even when the matches were tight. Not being satisfied with being a state qualifier and determined to break the podium.” Arreola was assisted by Matt Vieira as well as Brendin Cryderman. This season marks the third year in a row where a Blue Devil has qualified for the State tournament, a testament to the hard work and dedication of the coaches and athletes.
- True Grit: Kuenzer Earns All-State Status - March 16, 2025
- Blue Devil Wrestlers Achieve Post Season Success; Kuenzer Earns 100th Win - February 24, 2025
- Blue Devils Wrestlers Battle for District Title - February 8, 2025
