Dundee's Blake Cosby named Monroe County Region Wrestler of the Year
DUNDEE – Welcome to the club.
Dundee has made a habit of sending wrestlers to Division I colleges in recent years.
Braeden Davis (Penn State), Stoney Buell (Purdue) and Casey Swiderski (Iowa State) currently are competing at the highest level.
Next in line is Blake Cosby, who will enroll at the University of Michigan in the fall.
Many are surprised that a high school with about 500 students could produce so many great wrestlers, but it’s no shock to Cosby.
“The people in that (practice) room want to get better,” he said.
Cosby got better by battling fellow state champions Donny Beaufait and Rocco Redmon every day at practice.
He won three straight state championships, including this year when he crafted a 44-2 record, was ranked 12th in the country and helped Dundee capture its ninth consecutive Division 3 state title.
Cosby as been named Monroe County Region Wrestler of the Year for the second straight season. He is one of just seven wrestlers to with the award more than once.
“He has been a tremendous part of the Viking lineup for four years,” Dundee coach Garrett Stevens said.
Cosby was a leader by example.
“Even atter committing to the University of Michigan he stayed focused,” Stevens said. “He kept trying to get better.”
The work paid off most in his mental approach to wrestling.
“He just matured and learned how to handle situations,” Stevens said. “He is very coachable. Even when there was a bad call or something else didn’t go his way, he was always calm, cool and collected.”
Cosby was mature enough to savor the moment while he was in it.
“Knowing it was my senior year, I just soaked it in,” he said.
He even soaked in each individual match, posting many technical falls but few pins.
“I like spending time on the mat,” he explained. “I am more of a takedown person.”
There was another reason for that approach. He knows pins will be rare next year at the Division 1 level.
He wanted to perfect his craft.
“There is always room for improvement,” said the son of Sonya and Eric Cosby of Maybee. “I enjoy putting in the time and knowing I put in more work than most people. That alone gives me confidence.”
Cosby will see some familiar faces next season when he wrestles in the Big 10 with former teammates Buell and Davis.
“It will be nice to see those guys again,” he said. “They would come in during Christmas break and some other times, but I don’t get to see them very often.”
ALL-REGION WESTLING
Landon Barron, SMCC, 150, junior
Became SMCC’s first All-Stater since 2012 by going 40-11 and placing fourth at state. “He maintained the right mindset throughout the season,” SMCC coach Nick Eby said.
Donny Beaufait, Dundee, 165, senior
A CMU recruit who went 38-1 and captured his second state title. “His relentless determination helped him overcome multiple obstacles,” Dundee coach Garrett Stevens said.
Braden Broderick, Dundee, 144, senior
Capped a 45-7 season by winning his second state crown. Will continue his career at Grand Valley. "His ability on the mat sets him apart," said Dundee coach Garrett Stevens.
Justin Crozier, Ida, 190, junior
Crafted a 35-12 record and placed fifth in the state. “Justin grew a lot in commitment and work ethic this year,” Ida coach Bryan Schaffer said. “He is an incredible athlete.”
Cody Duvendack, Bedford, 120, junior
A three-time state placer who went 47-9 and finished sixth in Division 1. “Already has over 150 varsity wins with another year to go,” Bedford coach Kevin Vogel said.
Caleb Frazier, Huron, 106, senior
“Made the state podium after only wrestling for three years which shows you what kind of drive the kid has,” Huron coach Logan Ritchie said. Went 39-6 and placed seventh.
Daniel Gemmel, Huron, 126, junior
Fought through a knee injury to go 55-7 and place sixth in Division 2. “Finished with 26 technical falls and 161 dual meet points,” Huron coach Logan Ritchie said.
Mason Haines, Dundee, 120, senior
Will wrestle at Grand Valley after going 40-7 and capturing his second state title. “He has consistently proven himself as a top competitor,” said Dundee coach Garrett Stevens.
Mason Katschor, Dundee, 132, junior
Will attempt to win his fourth state title next season after finishing 42-7 as a junior. “He proved he can compete with the best in the country,” Dundee coach Garrett Stevens said.
Nolan King, Bedford, 138, senior
Logged more than 150 career wins after going 48-11 and placing sixth in the state. “Nolan worked hard to reach the podium in his first trip to state,” Bedford coach Kevin Vogel said.
Tristan King, Bedford, 132, senior
A four-time state qualifier who went 49-9 and took seventh in Division 1. “Team captain and finishes his career with over 150 varsity wins,” Bedford coach Kevin Vogel said.
Olivia Kemp, Airport, 190, junior
Became Airport’s first girls state champion and fourth overall while compiling a 25-1 record. “Olivia set a new standard for our program,” Airport coach Jon Morris said.
Kyle Link, Airport 132, junior
Reached 100 career wins and set a school record for technical falls while going 46-5 and placing fifth in the state. “Kyle is a great wrestler and coachable.” Airport coach Jon Morris said.
Nathan Matsos, Huron, 150, senior
Gave up basketball after his freshman year and found a home on the mat, going 47-13 and placing sixth at state this season. “Great leader and competitor,” Huron coach Logan Ritchie said.
Zach Miracle, Bedford, 175, senior
Dropped a wild 23-11 battle in the Division 1 state finals to wrap up with a 50-3 record. “Zach is one of the guys we could always count on,” Bedford coach Kevin Vogel said.
Owen Motylinski, Dundee, 190, senior
Took eighth place in the state while going 30-15. “Stepped up for his team on multiple occasions and was a tremendous asset,” Dundee coach Garrett Stevens said.
Holden Otter, Airport, 215, junior
Reached 100 career wins while going 38-2 and placing third in Division 2. “He has set himself up to be the best wrestler in school history,” Airport coach Jon Morris said.
Rocco Redmon, Dundee, 215, senior
Went 35-11, won a state title and earned a scholarship to Grand Valley. “Solidified himself as one of the best upperweights in the state,” Dundee coach Garrett Stevens said.
Stone Redmon, Dundee, 150, sophomore
Won a state title in his second trip to the finals and finished 23-4. “His performance in the finals was an incredible display of his ability,” Dundee coach Garrett Stevens said.
Braxton Shaffer, Ida, 113, sophomore
Came into his own with a 53-4 record and won a state championship. “A sophomore captain and leader of the team,” Ida coach Bryan Schaffer said.
Dom Sindone, Dundee, 106, freshman
“Dom proved himself to be one of the best lightweights in the state,” Dundee coach Garrett Stevens of the state runner-up who finished with a 34-9 record.
Bryan Sterling, Dundee, 126, senior
Posted a 40-6 record and captured a state championship. “Bryan delivered a dominant performance in the state finals, wrestling at the highest level,” Dundee coach Garrett Stevens said.
Phineas Totten, SMCC, 126, sophomore
Recorded a fifth-place finish at state to complete a 41-13 season. “Phineas worked super hard to achieve his goal of becoming a state placer,” SMCC coach Nick Eby said.
Danny VanEeckhoutte, Erie Mason, 120, junior
Adjusted to a new weight class with 42-9 record and took second at state. “He’s an excellent hand-to-hand fighter,” Mason coach Neil Stephenson said. “That’s probably his biggest gift.”
SPECIAL MENTION
Wrestlers: Kyle Balogh, Flat Rock; Matthew Beach, Gibraltar Carlson; Max Benore, Bedford; Kaden Gerth, Ida; PeggyJo Gessner, SMCC; Madelyn Grube, New Boston Huron; Joshua Hubbard, New Boston Huron; Samir Jomaa, Milan; Sam King, Ida; Avery Lane, Dundee; Azaria Lane, Dundee; Brianna Lynch, SMCC; McKenzie Mantei, Dundee; Andrew Marama, Flat Rock; Belle Martin, Gibraltar Carlson; Austin Miller, Dundee; Jacob Morris, Gibraltar Carlson; Patrick McShane, Milan; Ella Otter, Airport; Cody O’Hern, Jefferson; Karson Petit, Jefferson; Ryder Shotwell, Monroe; Morgan Simota, Jefferson; Michael Skowronski, Gibraltar Carlson; Abby Sotelo, Ida; Evan Tengler, Ida; Henry Wickenheiser, SMCC; Ryan Williams, Dundee; Hailey Wisler, New Boston Huron; George Yockey, Bedford.
Coaches: Nick Eby, SMCC; Lance Hassell, Gibraltar Carlson; Jon Morris, Airport; Logan Ritchie, New Boston Huron; Bryan Shaffer and Dennis Gerth, Ida; Kevin Vogel, Bedford.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Dundee's Blake Cosby headlines the 2026 All-Region wrestling team
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