Newcomers look to be gamechangers for Central Michigan wrestling


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Redshirt junior Landon Pelham, left, and Cade Dallwitz wrestle in Central Michigan's intrasquad meet Oct. 28 in McGuirk Arena. 

Tom Borrelli is entering his 29th season at the helm of the Central Michigan wrestling team. 

As the Chippewas are set to begin the 2019-20 season, a strong freshman class comes in with a lot of promise. 

Johnny Lovett is one standout to look out for throughout the season. Hailing from Southridge High School in Miami, Florida, Lovett claimed back-to-back state championships during his junior and senior seasons in the 152-pound weight class. Lovett went 58-0 during his senior season, capping off a successful high school career.

Logan Parks is the lone senior on the team and one of its leaders. He praised Lovett following the team's Maroon and Gold intrasquad scrimmage to begin the season. Parks and Lovett squared off during the annual scrimmage in the 157-pound weight class. 

“Johnny Lovett has done pretty good, he’s going to be a good wrestler,” Parks said. “Definitely better than what I was my freshman year so hopefully he goes a long way.”

Vince Perez, another highly touted freshman standout from Tecumseh High School, is a former state champion as well after winning the MHSAA 2019 Division 2 state title his senior season in the 119-pound weight class. 

Borrelli said that the two freshmen have been excellent heading into the season. 

“Vince Perez has impressed me, he’s got a ton of potential. I feel like Johnny Lovett has a ton of potential,” Borelli said. “Both guys are true freshman who had to win pretty tough wrestle-offs to get out here.”

Freshman Ryan Ringler is a former All-State wrestler from Cedar Springs and holds two MHSAA Division 2 state titles under his belt after winning two-straight in 2018-19. 

During his senior season, Ringler finished with a 50-0 record in the 171-pound weight class. He is the first Cedar Springs High School athlete hold an individual state championship since 1998.

Borelli also noted Ringler as another budding prospect on the team.

“Ryan Ringler has been doing well,” Borelli said. “He didn't have to win a wrestle off to get here tonight because of an injury but we feel like he's got a ton of potential.”

Cade Dallwitz is another freshman to keep an eye out for as well throughout the season. The two-time Division 2 state runner up in the 171-pound weight class from Holly High School has shown a lot of promise. Dallwitz will be tackling the 197-pound weight class this year.

The season officially opens for the Chippewas at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Michigan State Open in the Jenison Fieldhouse. 

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