Catholic Central Wrestling delivered a workman’s performance in front of 1,500 roaring fans, defeating #3 Davison 40-25 in the Mike Rodriguez Annual Assembly Match. 

This storied tradition, initiated by Coach Rodriguez in the late 1960s to showcase wrestling at Catholic Central, has evolved into a benchmark event in high school wrestling, celebrated nationwide for its unmatched energy and excitement.

This year's Assembly Match drew the attention of FloWrestling, which is chronicling the top five high school dual wrestling environments in the nation. Their presence at Catholic Central is a testament to the event's impact, often imitated but never replicated.

The Shamrocks demonstrated their depth and determination, winning 9 of the 15 matches in a dual packed with star power from both sides. Highlight performances included pins from Connor Bercume (HWT) '25, Nathan Walkowiak (132) '25, and Ryan Totten (120) '27. 

Cadon Waatti '27, Wyatt Lees '26, Caden Krueger '27, and Lee Krueger '25 also contributed key victories, earning major decisions to secure the team's win, with Junior Alex Buskirk '26 earning a decision at 150lbs. 

In perhaps the most anticipated match of the night, sophomore state champion Grayson Fuchs '27 defeated returning state finalist Tanner McDunnah, showcasing his technical prowess and poise under pressure.

Elite Competition on Display

The dual featured a clash of titans, with Catholic Central and Davison combining to win the last eight Division 1 team state championships. This year's matchup could foreshadow another thrilling postseason run, as six of the 14 top-ranked wrestlers in Division 1 and over 15 ranked wrestlers overall competed in the dual.

The assembly match is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of Catholic Central's wrestling culture, blending tradition, excellence, and a community of passionate fans.

Looking Ahead

The Shamrocks return to action this weekend, with the White Team traveling to the Fraser Duals and the Fr/JV heading to Howell for an individual tournament. Follow @DCCWrestling on Twitter for updates.

Did you miss the assembly match? Watch below.