BY DAN STICKRADT
CORRESPONDENT
dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com
Twitter: @LocalSportsFans
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AUBURN HILLS — Davison’s AJ Facundo decided to incorporate some gymnastics moves with his wrestling.
The Davison junior captured his second state title in three years and followed that up with a back flip to entertain the crowd at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
Facundo toppled Southgate Anderson’s Donte Rivera-Garcia, 2-1, in overtime in the Division 1 112-pound title bout, scoring the deciding point when Garcia fled the mat when Facundo attempted a takedown.
It was only Rivera-Garcia’s second loss of the season (49-2). Facundo finished 39-5.
“I was going to just toss up the (ankle bracelets) one by one, but than I said, ‘screw it’ I’m doing the back flip,” smiled Facundo. “I was so pumped.”
Facundo couldn’t contain himself following the victory. He was part of Davison’s loss to Novi Detroit Catholic Central in the Division 1 Team Tournament seven days prior and wanted the season to end up on a high note.
“I have worked my tail off all year. I have been doing two practices a day to prepare for this moment,” said Facundo. “I came in with the mindset of I am a fierce competitor and I’m going to win this no matter what. I didn’t want the (disappointing feeling) of the team states. My focus coming in was to attack. I pushed the pace to win this match and I came out on top.”