Hazel Park High School’s wrestling team, under the leadership of Head Coach Donald McGinnis, delivered one of the most memorable seasons in school history during the 2024-25 campaign. From smashing long-standing program records to developing new leadership, the Vikings proved they’re a rising powerhouse in Michigan wrestling.
A Season to Remember
The team capped off a phenomenal season with a 17-4 record, claiming titles as Mac League Champions, Conference Duel Champs, and Back-to-Back District Champions—the first time in 13 years the school has achieved this feat. Adding to that, Hazel Park was a regional finalist, falling only to the eventual state champions, solidifying their status among the top 16 programs in Michigan.
Notably, this was also the first Mac League title in Hazel Park history and the first championship of any kind in a decade.
Trailblazing Captains & Standouts
This season also marked a milestone in leadership as Hazel Park had its first-ever female team captains: Katie Miller and Alex Walker, alongside standout male captain Andrew Whitney. These leaders set the tone all season, staying committed both in-season and during the offseason, ensuring their teammates showed up and put in the necessary work.
Coach McGinnis credited their leadership as a key factor in the team’s consistency and drive: “They made sure the team stayed focused and accountable. They set the culture.”
Individual Accolades & Milestones
2 State Qualifiers, including Kendra Miller, the first female state qualifier in school history
1 State Placer – the school’s first top-8 finisher in 9 years
8 Regional Qualifiers
5 Macomb County-level Wrestlers
2 Athletes Named to the Dream Team
8 All-Honorable Mentions across multiple teams
Turning Point: A Statement Win
The season’s momentum truly kicked off with an early dual meet win over Division 1 powerhouse Warren Mott, ranked top 8 in the state. “That match changed everything,” Coach McGinnis said. “After we beat them, I knew we were going to win leagues and repeat as district champs.”
Breakout Wrestlers & Development
Several young and newer wrestlers stepped up in major ways. First- and second-year competitors like Antonio Harris, Ray Hartbarger, Cory Battle, Trell Parker, Kennedy Hodgson, Katie Miller, Nathan Goodson, and Kendall Goodson showed exceptional growth throughout the season, playing pivotal roles in Hazel Park’s success and building a strong foundation for the future.
Handling Adversity with Maturity
Despite having a relatively young roster, Hazel Park thrived in pressure situations. “We keep it simple,” McGinnis shared. “We break it down for the kids so they know their job—and everyone focuses on just doing that job.” This calm, structured approach kept the team unified through injuries, tough losses, and high-stakes matches.
Senior Leadership That Delivered
Seniors like Andrew Whitney and Nathan Goodson, both captains, provided steady leadership. Their efforts kept the team’s focus on long-term goals—league and district titles—and their contributions on and off the mat were crucial to the program’s resurgence.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
With a core of regional and state qualifiers returning, Hazel Park’s program is in a strong position moving forward. Coach McGinnis is especially optimistic: “We have more returning postseason talent than we’ve ever had. The future is bright.”
Offseason Focus
As the team prepares for next year, the focus will be on mat awareness, refining technique, and maintaining strong attendance throughout the offseason.
Follow the Vikings
For match results and individual stats, check out TrackWrestling and visit the Hazel Park High School Athletics Office.
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