ONSTED — The reality of shortened seasons and careers cut short by injuries is part of life for some high school student-athletes.

Too often, a student-athlete is not the same after one injury, let alone two or more setbacks.

But for Onsted senior Teagan Cunningham, his wrestling career is not the norm.

A surprise appendectomy slowed his junior season a few months into the 2024-25 season. Once he returned, Cunningham competed at the Lenawee County All-County Wrestling Tournament and captured the 150-pound title. But shortly after that meet, he dislocated his left knee in another meet that derailed the rest of his season.

Cunningham worked out with trainer Tom Schneider during the summer and returned for his senior season with high expectations for the 2025-26 season, only to see another setback slow his momentum. This time, an injury to his right knee occurred toward the end of the season.  

“There were many moments of doubt and frustration being out at the most important part of the season,” Cunningham said. “What drives me to push through obstacles is my love for wrestling and my desire to prove that these setbacks are temporary.

“Every challenge motivates me to work harder and prepare for the next goal,” he added.

That goal included reaching 100 career wins, a pin of Columbia Central’s Auden Kennedy in two minutes during the Division 3 district team championship match in February.

The effort did not go unnoticed, Onsted coach Tyler Boss said.

“Teagan battled through two years of injuries and surgery that definitely slowed things down for him,” Boss said. “A lot of kids might have given up or let that hold them back, but Teagan didn’t.

“He fought through the adversity and worked his butt off to get back and reach that milestone. I couldn’t be prouder of the effort and determination he showed to get there,” Boss said.

“As far as injuries, it’s been rough to watch his seasons cut short,” said Mary Walters, Teagan’s mother. “His high school career has for sure been a roller coaster of emotion and anxiety for me, but even if I knew how it was going to end, I still would have signed him up when he was 4.”

Although his final injury slowed his momentum after taking second at the Division 3 individual district and helping his Wildcats earn a team district championship, Cunningham said the journey was worth the pain.

“Reaching 100 wins means a lot to me,” Cunnigham said. “It represents years of hard work, discipline, and commitment to a sport that has shaped who I am. It’s not just about the number; it reflects the early mornings, tough practices, close losses, and lessons learned along the way.”

Madison’s McClure surpasses 100 career wins: Madison senior Paul McClure recorded an 18-2 technical fall win over Dundee’s Scott Kohlman early in the wrestling season.

“Paul is an extremely hard worker and epitomizes what coaches hope for in student athletes,” Madison coach Scott Hall said of McClure, who qualified for the Division 3 individual state meet three times, including a seventh-place finish in 2026 at 132 pounds.

“He challenges himself to get better and works hard to do so,” Hall said of McClure, who carries a 3.8 grade point average and also earned academic all-state honors. “A true leader on and off the mat, we will miss him.”

Clinton duo joins 100-career-win club: Clinton senior Cliff Jones (165 pounds) reached 100 career wins for Clinton and coach Casey Randolph, while junior Zach Taylor (113) earned 100 wins.

Senior Bryce Randolph (190) earned a 5-3 win over Decatur’s Rowan Bradford for the 190-pound title at the Division 4 individual state meet. Sophomore Gradyn Whelan (215) finished second, while Jones took third, Taylor finished fourth, senior Tanner Bolton (150) placed fifth, and sophomore Braxton Randolph (157) was seventh. Senior Landon Lakotas (175) and junior Hudson Miller (106) qualified for the state tournament.

County wrestlers earn all-state honors at individual state meets: In Division 2, Adrian senior John Breckel placed second in the 190-pound final, while senior Micah Blaker finished third in the 113-pound third-place match. Adrian junior Jace Miller (157) and Tecumseh junior Cruz Torres (175) each qualified and competed at the individual state meet.

In Division 3, Blissfield senior Jude Rosas finished second in the 113-pound final, while junior teammate Gage Rothman (144) qualified and competed at the state meet.

In Division 4, Sand Creek freshman Nathan Bennett finished fifth in the 1113-pound division, while junior teammate Tucker Hulett (285) qualified and competed at the state meet. Addison sophomore Caden Olsofsky finished seventh in the 126-pound division.