Detroit Catholic Central students, faculty, and staff gathered for the school’s annual wrestling assembly match Thursday, December 10. The Shamrocks were victorious with a 64-4 win over Grandville, and live coverage was provided by student members of the Shamrock United Network.

The assembly match serves as an opportunity for Shamrock Wrestling to share its love for the sport with the wider Catholic Central community. While each year’s assembly match typically raises funds for a community need, this year’s cause was clear: honoring the lives lost last week at Oxford High School.

“It was the idea of our community as a whole,” said Dean of Students and Head Wrestling Coach Mitch Hancock

Students raised $2,040  for the Tate Myre Memorial Scholarship. Myre was a state qualifier on the Oxford wrestling team.

The assembly began with a moment of silence, all praying for the Oxford community. Shamrock wrestlers also wore a sticker on their headgear in honor of the slain students.

Catholic Central wrestling holds a long-standing rivalry with Oxford, losing to it’s team in the 2011 state finals and coming back victorious the following year.

“Our tribute today is a small gesture of solidarity and respect for the Wildcat community,” said Coach Hancock.

The annual assembly match dates back over 50 years, originally begun by Coach Mike Rodriguez in as early as the 1970s. Coach Jimmy Moreau ‘74 recalls the 1972 match’s importance for his wrestling career, attending the assembly match after having been cut from the basketball team the day prior.

“It changed my life forever,” Coach Moreau said. “The next day, I went out for the team.”

Each year, one local team travels to Catholic Central to face off in front of the entire student body—a job not for the faint of heart.

“We're thankful for Grandville making the trip and being so willing to compete in a very loud, exciting, and challenging environment for any away team,” said Coach Hancock. “Coach Gritter and his staff have our respect and do a fantastic job with their athletes. They're always well coached and they compete hard.”

Catholic Central returns four state champions this season: Drew Heethuis ‘23, Dylan Gilcher ‘23, Darius Marines ‘24, and Manuel Rojas ‘22. 

When asked about the season ahead, Coach Hancock said he and his fellow coaches are looking forward to having fun, working hard, and seeing the athletes compete.

“We train for Him. We compete for Him. And we use this season to honor Him through our work on the mat,” said Coach Hancock.

Thank you to students of the Shamrock United Network who provided coverage of yesterday’s match, in particular Production Director and Commentator Ben Flake ‘22, Cinematography Director Colten Baran ‘22, Stream Manager Colin Harris ‘22, and Video Producer Frank Christopher ‘22.