A-K Valley Senior Spotlight: Fox Chapel’s Michael Worsen

By: Ted Sarneso
Monday, December 23, 2024 | 12:53 PM

Last season, the Fox Chapel wrestling squad went 15-2 and won its first section title since 1971. This season, the Foxes bring back the bulk of that roster.

“We have 14 seniors on our team, which is unheard of,” coach Michael Frank said.

One of those seniors is Michael Worsen, who wrestles at the 121-pound weight class. Coming into his senior year, Worsen has a 70-32 career record with 40 career pins and started this season with a 3-1 mark.

“He’s a high-paced wrestler,” Frank said. “When he gets moving, we sometimes laugh about him being a Tasmanian devil. He’s able to wear down opponents and is able to work through situations at the only speed he knows: high speed.”

One thing that won’t slow down Worsen is the change in points awarded for a takedown. The long-standing rule of two points for a takedown has changed to three starting this season.

“It’s a different way to look at wrestling now,” Worsen said. “You now have to think about the different number of points that people are getting. You can go from winning by three, and, if you’re not careful, you can be down by seven. It’s a big gap from last year where you could score a reversal and be tied with your opponent.”

Worsen, with his speed and ability on his feet, knows the change won’t affect his wrestling style too much but feels it might help him.

“It definitely gave my game a bit of an improvement,” he said. “Now I want to get that takedown, and I have to be the first one to go on the offensive because it gives me more points. I want to get in there and get that three.”

Worsen took some time for a Senior Spotlight Q&A:

What was it like to win the school’s first section title in wrestling since 1971?

It felt really nice. It was quite the achievement. My brother used to wrestle, and we wrestled together my freshman season. He was really proud of the achievement as well.

What have you and your fellow seniors been trying to teach the younger wrestlers?

We try to get them conditioned in the same way that we were conditioned when we were freshmen. We teach them to be respectful and show opposing schools how our school does things.

What’s tougher to deal with, the physical or mental hurdles that are involved with a wrestling season?

There’s a lot of ups and downs, but there’s a large mental part to the game. In a match, you have to be mentally prepared. You have to know what you’re going to do, what shot you’re going to do and know you’re going to win.

What part of your game are you looking to improve on this season?

Neutral because of the points change. Also, I have been working on my bottom game. I’ve been stuck on bottom a lot and have not been able to get out. I need to be quicker and use what I’m actually doing in practice, moving, using a knee slide and continuing to move.

What are your individual goals for the season?

I wanted to make sure I had a winning record and make sure I make it past regionals and WPIALs this season. Last year, I made it to the second day of WPIALs.

What lessons has wrestling taught you about life?

Teamwork, work ethic and you get a sense of accomplishment or worth from winning.

Favorite high school memory so far?

Dawg Duals my freshman or sophomore year. I was the last match, and it was to determine whether the team would come away with the win. I had to pin the kid, or we would have lost. I went out there and got the pin. Another good moment was when we won the section title last year.

Any hobbies?

I like to ride little mini dirt bikes and quads, and I have a nice go-kart, fishing and hanging with my friends around campfires. When I’m not doing that, I work four different jobs. I work at a diner, a pizza shop, I take care of kids at an after-school program and I also do landscaping.

Post high school plans?

I plan to go to Pitt-Bradford and wrestle with my brother who’s up there.

What do you plan on studying?

I’m currently undecided, and I’ll figure it out when I get up to Pitt-Bradford.

What’s one piece of advice you’d want to leave your teammates?

Stick with it.

Tags: Fox Chapel