Geoff Mott
Sports Scene
Nouvel Catholic Central senior wrestler Austin Hughes has placed in all three state finals in which he’s competed, finishing runner-up the past two seasons and fifth as a freshman.
Hughes is tweaking his form to assist in his quest for that elusive state title medal.
“I really worked on my shooting,” said Hughes, who is ranked No. 44 in the state according to michigangrappler.com. “Last year I didn’t shoot well at all. I’m getting better on my takedowns. I have more of an abundance of moves and variety of what I can do to take them down.”
Hughes called on his brother Robert for training during the summer. Robert Hughes wrestles at Michigan State University.
“I don’t really go to summer camps, but I get a lot of information practicing against my brother,” Austin said.
Austin became the third wrestler in the Freeland Invitational’s 50-year history to win four individual titles.
“I had no clue only three people have done it,” Hughes said. “It’s a very cool honor, especially in the 50th anniversary of the tournament. I like the tournament. Every year except this year I had someone ranked in the state in my weight class.”
The 18-year-old is unsure where he will wrestle collegiately but is looking to major in engineering. He has interest in Michigan State.
In the meantime, he’s fine-tuning his skills for another push for a state title.
“I’m looking to stay healthy and be ready for anything once the state tournament comes,” he said. “I’m not too concerned with [opponents at the state meet]. We’ll see what happens when it comes up.”