Clay Ragon
As a freshman, Clay Ragon watched as senior Foster Bunce became the first wrestler in Dansville High School history to reach 200 career wins.
It was then and there that the up-and-coming grappler vowed to one day do the same.
Three years later, Ragon, now a senior, did what he set out to do. And during the semifinals of last week’s CMAC league meet, the 135-pounder became the second person in school history to join the 200-win club.
The victory was captured on video, along with the post-match celebration, and was voted the LSJ prep video of the week.
“I always did well in youth wrestling, but I didn’t know what to expect when I got to high school,” said Ragon, who also picked up his 201st victory at the conference meet. “When I saw him (Bunce) get that I knew I could do it, so I set that as my goal.
“I would make sure I went to every tournament each week – even if I was a little dinged up. I made sure I got every match that I could in.”
On Wednesday, Ragon, who has a 42-4 record so far this season, helped the Aggies capture their third consecutive Division 4 district championship. Dansville will open against No. 9-ranked Manchester in the regional tournament, at Laingsburg, next Wednesday. Ragon said he believes the Aggies “matchup up really well.”
Mid-Michigan prep wrestling records: Through Feb. 10
Ragon also said that achieving his goal of 200 wins was important, but not his main focus this season. He wants to hoist a state championship.
“It (reaching 200 wins) won’t be as good until I win the state title,” he said. “That was a good goal to get, but I still got work to do.”
Prep athlete of week: DeWitt’s Summer Ward
Contact James L. Edwards III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.