Manchester wrestlers bring home a state champ for 2022
Jacob Bunn won a 5-2 decision in the 112 weight class over his opponent at State Wrestling Championships last Saturday, March 5. Photo courtesy Steve Vlcek.
“When it came to the end of the season, our young squad really showed up,” said coach Steve Vlcek.
But in the end, one standout wrestler came home a State Champion, and that was Senior Jacob Bunn.
“Jacob had an amazing weekend which ended with what every wrestler dreams of — a State Championship,” Vlcek said. “He controlled the Finals match and won convincingly, 5-2.”
This was Jacob’s fourth time at the State meet, previously placing in all three years, but never reaching higher than seventh place. This year, he became the team’s fifth wrestler to be All-State all four years, winning a total of 47 matches on the year, and collecting his 150th win during the season. He’s also the program’s 15th State Champion.
“Congratulations on a great ending to a great career,” Vlcek said.
But Jacob was not the only standout as the 2022 season drew to a close. At District competition, Manchester had 10 placers; gathering first were not only Jacob, but his brother Jared and Mason Schmitt. Taking second were Onyx Ostrom, Dominic Kelley, Zach Jarels, and Garret Pope. Third-place finishers were Nathan Meyer, Adam Grebe, and Gunner Carson.
“And although they didn’t place, Drake Neff, Austin Pomorski, Nathan Fletcher, and Thomas Gautz all wrestled well,” Vlcek said.
Progressing to Regionals, the team qualified six of the 10 for the State Tournament. Freshmen Onyx Ostrom and Adam Grebe continued their great seasons, both with a fourth place finish and showing their importance to our line-up this year; taking third was junior Mason Schmitt. “Mason has done so much for the team, moving up and down the line up, it was great seeing him qualify for state,” Vlcek said.
Senior Jared Bunn, who had one of the toughest weight classes, earned a hard-fought third place. Garett Pope had to wrestle back from a tough first-round loss with three wins in a row for third. And Senior Jacob Bunn won a great match in the finals in triple overtime to capture his first Regional Crown.
Dominick Kelley had a tough day, going out in two, but really showed great improvement throughout the year. “He will be counted on as one of our leaders next year,” Vlcek commented.
In the “blood round,” which means if you win you go to State; if not, you go home, Manchester wrestlers lost three really tough matches. “The kids wrestled tough but came up short,” Vlcek explained. “Nathan Meyers lost a 3-2 match but ended up 29 matches on the year; this kid will be at States very soon. Sophomore Zach Jarels lost a tough 6-3 decision; he ended up with 32 wins on the year and I expect big things from him next year.
“Freshman Gunner Carson lost a hard-fought 8-5 match; I don’t remember the last time we had a freshman wrestling from 145 to 171 win over 40 matches.”
At the State meet at Ford Field, Vlcek said, all six kids wrestled well. “Onyx was one match away from placing; he lost a tough 9-6 decision to a junior. Onyx ended up with 24 wins in a really tough class. Adam lost both matches but handled the big stage great, losing to the kid who took fourth, and then wrestled a solid senior 11-6. Adam ended up with 32 wins. And Mason Schmitt was a match away from placing. He by far worked the hardest in the off-season and it showed, finishing with 41 wins and was a great leader.”
Jared Bunn, who was a four-time state qualifier, ended his great career with a well-deserved fifth place finish. “Jared led the team this year in wins with 50 wins; also this is the third time he became an All-State Wrestler and he ended up with over 150 career wins. Congrats on a great career!” Vlcek said.
Garett Pope, who was a two-time State qualifier, also ended his career in a great way, finishing in seventh place with a pin. “This is the second time he was an All State Wrestler; he also reached over 100 career wins and he had 43 wins on the year this year,” said Vlcek.
It has been an exciting and productive season for the wrestling team and for many of the individual wrestlers. The pride Vlcek feels in his team and the optimism for its future is reflected throughout the wrestling community. Although the season is finished for this year, the off-season brings lots of hard work and plenty of promise for 2023! Congratulations to all!
Coach Steve Vlcek (left) with his state placers: Jared Bunn, Jacob Bunn, Garett Pope. Also pictured are coach Brock Vlcek (rear) and Mike Bunn (right). Photo courtesy Steve Vlcek
Manchester’s All State Wrestlers and their coaches. Congratulations to all!
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