Stockbridge Wrestling Finds Its Grit: A 2025 Season of Growth, Heart, and Determination
The 2025 wrestling season at Stockbridge High School was one marked by grit, perseverance, and a rebirth of a team culture rooted in legacy and loyalty. Under the leadership of Head Coach Jacob Adams, the Panthers took meaningful strides forward, not just in wins and stats, but in shaping a foundation that promises long-term strength for the program.
Compared to the prior year, Stockbridge Wrestling made a dramatic leap. The team nearly doubled in size, grew its coaching staff threefold, and showed up strong across tournaments and dual meets. The program nearly maxed out its allowable schedule and secured notable achievements, including multiple regional qualifiers, winning records for many wrestlers, and a revitalized energy that buzzed through the wrestling room.
“Things are continuing in a profoundly positive way in the off-season,” said Coach Adams. “We had two regional qualifiers, Mateo Ortiz-Martinez at 157 and Landon Allen at 106. We also more than doubled our meet wins from last year and had a lot of kids with winning records.”
But the season wasn’t just about numbers—it was about the individuals who made those numbers possible.
Leading from the Front: Key Contributors
Senior Mateo Ortiz-Martinez embodied what Stockbridge wrestling strives to be. His natural talent, relentless work ethic, and love for the sport were contagious. “He epitomized Stockbridge wrestling,” said Adams. “His spirit embodies what we are.” Ortiz-Martinez not only wrestled with passion but also served as a role model whose attitude elevated the room.
Junior captain Jayson Conant also stood out this season. After refining his technique and mental approach from his sophomore year, Jayson’s growth was evident every time he stepped onto the mat. Despite battling a tough ankle injury, his resilience never waned. “He has an excellent ear for his coaches and teammates,” Adams shared. “He soaks it up like a sponge.”
His older brother, senior Chris Conant, contributed selflessly to the team’s cause, often bumping up weight classes with no complaint. “Chris pulled through in undesirable situations with a good attitude,” Adams noted. “He loves the sport, and it shows.”
Sophomore captain Marcus Pikur added silent strength. Even after sustaining a shoulder injury, Marcus remained an integral presence on the mat when possible and always beside the team. “He's like a backbone to the team that I feel most may not recognize that he even is,” said Adams.
Rounding out the leadership was longtime Coach Mills, whose return brought seasoned insight and unparalleled wisdom to the mat. “He has the eye and feel for wrestling, unlike many others,” said Adams. “Everything he touches goes from good to great.”
Season Highlights and Turning Points
The season opened on a high note—with a win—and momentum continued to build. A joint practice with Pinckney High School helped boost morale and sharpen technique. A key moment came in a post-practice speech where Coach Adams urged his wrestlers to stop being content with losses. “To be able to count on you as a likely victory is huge,” he said. The impact of that moment was immediate. “They stepped up to the plate.”
Individual highlights were plentiful. Jayson Conant scored an unforgettable overtime win at the prestigious 33-team Observerland Tournament in Livonia. Kaleb Regan showed major growth at the Napoleon Invite, transforming his competitive demeanor. Freshman Brennen McCalla earned a crucial varsity win against Quincy in a Big 8 dual, signaling the program’s bright future.
Facing Adversity with Courage
Injuries and tough losses tested the team, but the Panthers didn’t fold—they rallied. Marcus Pikur fought through a severe shoulder injury, competing until coaches had to pull him for safety. Despite the setback, he remained a vocal leader and even scored points by taking forfeits.
Jayson Conant faced a particular opponent three times, leading each match by a wide margin before unfortunate mistakes cost him the win. Yet he never let it break his spirit. “He came up to me and said, ‘Coach, please tell me I'm going to Bath again,’” Adams recalled. “He wanted to end that rivalry on a different note.”
Mateo Ortiz-Martinez’s story was equally compelling. Earlier in the season, he was technically dominated by a future regional opponent. But by the time they met again at regionals, Ortiz-Martinez nearly won, losing by just one point—a testament to his development and resilience. “It was a heartbreaker,” Adams said, “but he prayed afterward and thanked God for being able to be there.”
Seniors Set the Standard
The senior class left an indelible mark on the program. “Less words and more action,” Adams said. “Their wins often ignited consecutive wins with the others; it was a beautiful wildfire.” Seniors like Mateo and Chris provided behind-the-scenes leadership that inspired younger teammates to train harder and stay committed.
“When someone needed correction, I’d pair a senior with them,” Adams said. “They naturally led from the soul. What they did wasn’t forced—it was who they are.”
The Future Is Bright
Looking ahead, Coach Adams is optimistic about the future of Stockbridge Wrestling. A strong offseason is already underway, with returning wrestlers eager to train and youth programs feeding into the high school team. Sophomore Landon Allen, a regional qualifier this year, is just one of several promising athletes.
“Their off-season training and affinity to do so excites me most,” said Adams. “The youth wrestlers coming up, our returners' mindsets—everything is pointing in the right direction.”
Room to Improve
Despite the success, Coach Adams remains focused on continuous improvement. Top goals for the offseason include building strength and power, increasing attendance, and deepening the team’s hunger for growth. “We want to be better not just in skill, but in our overall presence and desire,” he said.
For Fans and Families
Wrestling stats for the season can be found on Trackwrestling.com by searching for Stockbridge under the Michigan High School Athletic Association section, or via MHSAA.com, navigating to the wrestling page.
The 2025 season was a turning point for Stockbridge Wrestling—not just in terms of wins and qualifiers, but in identity. The team rediscovered its purpose, its heart, and its resilience. With strong leadership, passionate youth, and a coaching staff committed to excellence, Stockbridge Wrestling isn’t just building a team—it’s building a legacy.
Share With