BHS wrestler celebrates 100th varsity win, heading to State contest

By Michelle Toth
Austin Koehler, a senior at Belleville High School, just celebrated his 100th varsity wrestling win and will be competing at State starting today with his teammate Jumanty Houze.
Austin has been wrestling since the sixth grade and said he still loves it. He has travelled across the country to practice his moves.
Some of Austin’s signature moves are arm bars, leg riding, and the cradle. His favorite move is the double chicken wing.
“Earning a medal is your paycheck for all of your hard work,” Austin’s coaches have told him. He believes in this philosophy and has his medals proudly on display.
Wrestling is a gentleman’s sport. The athletes shake hands to begin a bout, as well as at the cessation. Win or lose, they shake hands. It is not uncommon to see the opponents help one another off the floor, or even hug each other.
In fact, these lessons learned from competing have lead Austin to mentor and coach up-and-coming wrestlers from MYWAY Belleville Wrestling Club (BWC). He also attends William D. Ford vocational tech school, where he is studying H.V.A.C. After graduation, he hopes to attend college to study mechanical engineering.
Austin and Jumanty have qualified for State competition and will be competing at The Palace of Auburn Hills beginning Thursday, Feb. 27.
These boys are very dedicated wrestlers, and are always entertaining to watch. Congratulations to these young men. Through their hard work, dedication and practice they have paved their way for success in life.