Manchester’s state champion wrestler Reese Fry, flanked by his coaches, Steve Vlcek and Mike Bunn.

At 112 pounds, Manchester senior Reese Fry, going into the state championship with a season record of 52-1, was the top-seeded wrestler in his Division 4 weight class. And his performance this weekend did not disappoint.

Reese handily dispensed of his four opponents on Friday and Saturday to win his second state championship, after winning the 103# weight class last year, and also finishing as runner up in the 103 weight class in his sophomore year.

In the first match, Reese met up with Ryan Bower, a sophomore from Colon, and won by a fall at 2:45. Meeting up with freshman Zach Ouilette from Oscoda for his second match, he won that one by fall also, this one in just 37 seconds. For his third match of the weekend, Reese pinned Daniel Villalobos, a senior from Bangor in just 2:52. In the championship round, he overcame Jesse Brumm, a freshman from Maple Valley, pinning him in 1:30.

Over the last three seasons, Reese’s performance has been outstanding, with a 147-9 record. He was one of 23 returning champions to this past weekend’s MHSAA Individual Finals. He will be wrestling at the 125# level next year at Brown University in Providence, RI.

“Wrestling has taught me so many life lessons,” Reese reflected. “I have made so many new friends and met some great people during my 11 years on the mat. Many of these feel like family now. I have had to put in many extra hours to get to wrestle at the level I have both on and off season, but it has been worth it. I developed a true love and respect for this sport.

“State level competition is always exciting.”

Of course, Reese says, he wanted to end his senior season on a good note.

“I have to say this year’s victory was two times the excitement,” he added.

Among his great motivators as an athlete has been helping out the youth wrestlers–including his little sister–in the practice room on a regular basis over the past couple of years.

“I (wanted to) be an inspiration and a good role model for them,” he says. “Hard work and dedication will pay off in the long run. Being able to be a part of my sister’s journey as a wrestler has been a very special experience; it keeps me focused on my goals and helps me be part of creating someone else’s (goals).”

A long-time personal ambition for Reese has been to be able to further his education at an elite school, like Brown. He says he feels “very privileged” to be able to attend an Ivy League Division 1 University, and to be able to continue his wrestling career there.

He deeply appreciates the support of his coaches, his parents, and friends throughout his career. “I would also like to add a thank you to everyone who has supported me–friends, community, and family, especially my mother,” he says. “I think she wanted me to win even more than I did!”

This outstanding young athlete has brought pride to the Manchester community with his sports achievements, his character, and his academic success. Congratulations, Reese, on a terrific season and an exceptional wrestling career. Your accomplishments will continue to inspire many more young competitors for years to come!

Reese Fry stands at the top of the podium after Saturday’s individual wrestling state finals.