Warren, Mich. – Macomb Athletics would like to congratulate Club Wrestling student-athletes Michael Hazelton and Antonino Tranchida on becoming wrestling's first All-Americans in program history! Adding to his historic All-American status, Tranchida also became Macomb Wrestling's first national champion when he took home the National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA) title in the 165-pound weight class.
Led by head coach Eric Julien and assistant coach Raymond Filipek, Macomb Wrestling has developed into one of the top NCWA programs in the country, consistently producing competitors who are amongst the best in the region and at the national level. In March, Hazelton and Tranchida went to the NCWA National Championship and achieved history. Here's a look at each wrestler's season and nationals experience (information provided by Coach Julien).
Michael Hazelton – Sixth Place – 133-Pound Weight Class
Hazelton is a second-year student-athlete who authored a resilient story during his time at Macomb. Two years ago, Hazelton lost to the eventual national champion in the final five seconds of the match. The talented product out of L'Anse Creuse High School came back this season because the way the season finished two years ago did not sit well. This season, Hazelton was the team leader, helping his teammates fight through the grind of a long wrestling campaign.
Hazelton made his mark throughout the 2021-22 season, earning third place at the conference meet while only losing to the national finalist from Iowa State University. The sophomore captain earned the 18th-seed at nationals and fought extremely hard at one of the toughest weights. Behind a valiant effort, Hazelton was able to become Macomb's first All-American by taking sixth place out of 64 student-athletes. Hazelton's leadership was unmatched and was a catalyst for the team's success this season.
Atonino (Nino) Tranchida – National Champion – 165-Pound Weight Class
Just picture this for a moment…you win your final match, your hand gets raised and boom, you're a National Champion! For Tranchida, the dreams of many became reality in March when he earned the designation as national champion, defeating the tournament's No. 1 seed from powerhouse Liberty University all while wrestling up a weight class at 165. In all, Liberty had eight wrestlers in championship matches and went 7-1 with Tranchida being the only athlete to defeat a Liberty Wrestler in the finals. By virtue of his national champion finish, Tranchida joined Hazelton as an All-American this season.
Tranchida started the 2021-22 season injured but showed up every day to practice in support of his team. He worked the table at the program's first home meet of the season just to be a part of the action and was cleared to wrestle shortly thereafter. From there, the former Anchor Bay standout made his presence known by winning the NJCAA Henry Ford Hawks Invite and later placing fifth at the NCAA Spartan Classic. Tranchida went into nationals on a hot streak after winning the conference championship by defeating an Ohio State University student-athlete who was fourth at nationals in 2020. Before winning the national championship was possible, Tranchida rolled through the semifinals with a dominant 10-1 victory over a 2020 finalist from James Madison University.
From Coach Julien
"It has been a pleasure working with the team this season, especially Michael and Nino," head coach Eric Julien said when reached for comment. "They have left a lasting impression on the program and made coaching fun this season. Because of their success, we have guys like Jack Schuessler coming back for another year, as well as multiple state placers, and Macomb County champions who have already reached out to be a part of the team next season."
Congratulations!
Congratulations once again to both student-athletes and the entire Macomb Wrestling program on their fine accomplishments this season! Big things are in the works for next season and beyond!
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PHOTO GALLERY*: SMUGMUG
*Photo Credit: Coach Julien and Joe Whitman
