Detroit Catholic Central High School

1988 WRESTLING STATE CHAMPIONS

"The Dream Team" is about as close as you can come to describing the 1987-88 Catholic Central (CC) wrestling team. The CC line-up was one of the strongest in state history. Ranked fourth nationally, the Shamrocks repeatedly punished opponents, finishing the season with a perfect 13-0 record in dual meets. The Shamrocks then continued their reign over the Catholic League at the Catholic High School League Championship (CHSL) meet with nine (9) CC wrestlers winning individual CHSL titles and setting a record for team points on the way to another team title. 

1988 was the first year of the new Michigan High School Athletic Association's (MHSAA) forma for the state tournament consisting of separate competitions for individual and team titles. In the individual tournament, CC was led by senior Tri-Captain and returning All American Toby Heaon and junior Lee Krueger, both of whom were State Champions. Seniors Brendan Rock and Tri-Captain Chris Lemanski finished strong, taking second and fifth, respectively. Juniors Matt Helm and Chris Rodriguez also did well, finishing second and fourth. With team spirit kept high by Tri-Captain Ted Rieple, CC coasted to the team state title by thrashing every opponent they faced. With this impressive accomplishment, the team continued the winning legacy of CC wrestling as the MHSAA's first team tournament "State Champions".

First Row (L to R): Mr. Tony Tedesco (Asst. Coach) • Russel Fowler • Kevin Rowe • Mr. Mike Rodriguez (Head Coach)
Second Row (L to R): Fr. Dennis Andrews, C.S.B. (Principal) • Mr. Robert Santello (Athletic Director) • Michael Gentile • Scott Christian • Brendan Rock • Chris Rodriguez • Jay Helm • James Raglow • Mr. Ralph Alcala (Asst. Coach) • J. Scott Herbert (Mgr.)
Third Row (L to R): Fr. Norbert Clemens C.S.B. (Moderator) • Jose Tandoc • Lee Krueger • Brian Tulley • Matt Helm • Ted Rieple III • Chris Lemanski • Toby Heaton • Matt Becker (Mgr.)
Fourth Row (L to R): Robert Sylvester • Patrick Moylan • Jeffrey Pinto • M. Martin • Antonio Pacheco • Michael Sherman • Derek DiManno • Louis Yeager • Justin Snyder • Steve Christian (Asst. Coach)
Not Pictured: Dan Sullivan

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME