Hazel Park Wrestling Makes Historic Strides in 2025 Season Under Coach Donald McGinnis
Hazel Park High School's wrestling team just wrapped up one of its most remarkable seasons in program history. Under the guidance of Head Coach Donald McGinnis, the Vikings not only broke records, they shattered long-standing droughts and set a new standard for excellence on the mat. The 2025 winter season was one of milestones, growth, and grit, powered by standout leadership, a unified team mentality, and a dedication to doing things the right way, both in and out of competition.
Making History, One Match at a Time
The numbers speak for themselves: a 17-4 overall dual meet record, back-to-back District Champions for the first time in 13 years, and MAC League Champions—a feat not achieved in over a decade. This season also marked the first time Hazel Park took home both the league dual and conference titles in the same year. The team reached the Regional Finals, only falling short against the eventual state champions, placing them firmly among the top 16 programs in Michigan.
These accomplishments weren’t just wins in the column; they were milestones that redefined what Hazel Park Wrestling can be. For Coach McGinnis, this was a season built not only on talent but also on the hard work of athletes who bought into the culture of commitment and development.
Leadership That Led the Way
A key factor behind Hazel Park’s success was its leadership, anchored by a group of determined captains who led both vocally and by example. For the first time in program history, the team was captained by female wrestlers, a significant milestone reflecting the evolving and inclusive culture of the sport.
Captains Katie Miller and Alex Walker brought a strong sense of accountability and unity to the team, while Andrew Whitney, a senior with year-round dedication to the sport, ensured the boys’ team stayed focused on their goals. These leaders not only trained consistently during the season but also put in critical work during the offseason, setting the tone for the rest of the squad.
Senior captains like Nathan Goodson also played crucial roles in guiding the team through the long grind of the season, particularly in pursuit of team goals like winning leagues and districts.
Groundbreaking Achievements and New Firsts
Among the many triumphs of this season, one of the standout moments was Kendra Miller making school history as Hazel Park’s first-ever female state qualifier. Her journey symbolized the rising opportunities for women in wrestling, and her performance has already inspired the next generation of young female athletes.
Adding to the accolades, Hazel Park also celebrated its first state placer in nine years, once again proving the program is moving in the right direction. With eight regional qualifiers, five Macomb County honorees, and two wrestlers earning Dream Team selections, the Vikings showed that their success wasn’t limited to the team level—individual talent and development were equally on display.
Defining Moments That Sparked a Season
For Coach McGinnis, there was one match in particular that lit the fire for the 2025 campaign: an early-season victory over Division 1 powerhouse Warren Mott, ranked among the top eight teams in the state. That win, against a team of that caliber, convinced McGinnis that Hazel Park was on the path to another league title and a district repeat. The team never looked back.
Rising Stars and New Roles
The development of young and first-time wrestlers played a huge role in Hazel Park’s team depth and success. New contributors like Antonio Harris, Ray Hartbarger, Cory Battle, Trell Parker, Kennedy Hodgson, Katie Miller, and brothers Nathan and Kendall Goodson stepped up as the season progressed.
These young athletes grew into larger roles, demonstrating promise and grit beyond their years. With so many of them returning next season, the future looks incredibly bright for Hazel Park.
Responding to Adversity
The 2025 Vikings were not just successful—they were resilient. Faced with the usual challenges of injuries, tough losses, and high-pressure situations, the team adopted a "next person up" mentality. Coach McGinnis emphasized breaking down responsibilities so each athlete knew their role and could focus on executing it. This simple but powerful approach helped the team stay focused and bounce back from setbacks, never letting adversity derail their mission.
A Senior Class That Raised the Bar
This year’s senior class left a legacy of leadership, effort, and belief. Wrestlers like Andrew Whitney and Nathan Goodson embodied the team-first mindset, working hard in practice and keeping the team focused on championship goals. Their presence helped lay the foundation for a culture that younger wrestlers will carry forward.
Building for the Future
Perhaps what’s most exciting for Coach McGinnis is what lies ahead. With a young and talented core of wrestlers who already have regional and state experience under their belts, the Hazel Park program is poised to not only sustain its success but to elevate it further.
In the upcoming offseason, the focus will be on mat awareness, perfecting techniques, and maintaining consistent attendance—all essentials for taking the next step toward becoming a perennial state power.
Another exciting development is that every returning wrestler will have had experience in McGinnis’s system for multiple seasons. That kind of continuity is rare in high school athletics and will provide a major advantage heading into next year.
Where to Find More
For those interested in stats and match results, you can find Hazel Park’s season details on Track Wrestling:
https://www.trackwrestling.com/
Additional information is also available through the Hazel Park High School Athletics Office.
In just two years under Coach Donald McGinnis, Hazel Park Wrestling has undergone a dramatic transformation, breaking long-standing records, establishing a winning culture, and proving they belong among the best in Michigan. The 2025 season was one for the history books, but if the returning talent and commitment are any indication, it may just be the beginning of a new era for the Vikings.
Coach Donald McGinnis
(248) 251-3583
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