Observer-Reporter Athlete of the Week
Name: Mike Carr
School: South Fayette
Class: Junior
Sport: Wrestling
Weight: 138
Carr’s week: Carr wrapped up his second consecutive PIAA Class AA Southwest Region title with a relatively easy 8-2 decision over Tom Opdenhoff of Central Cambria.
Carr came into the tournament as the top-seeded wrestler in the weight class and received a first-round bye. He knocked off Nick Hoenstine of Central in the quarterfinals, 7-1, and followed with a 12-2 decision over Dalton Clark of Ligonier Valley.
Carr took control of his match against Opdenhoff, a District 6 champion and second seed in the weight class, by taking a 5-2 lead after one period. He outscored Opdenhoff, 3-0, the rest of the way.
All in the family: If the last name rings a bell, it should.
Seth and Nick Carr had distinguished careers at South Fayette before they ended up at Washington & Jefferson College. Nick is a 157-pound junior who became South Fayette’s first state champion in school history and Seth is a 125-pound freshman, who was a state runner-up two years ago.
“I have a lot to look up to,” said Mike Carr. “You see them be successful and that puts the pressure on you. But then you get there and you have their support. Then it’s the next year and you are right where they (were).”
Interestingly, the Carr brothers distinguished themselves by each reaching 100 victories in their scholastic careers. Nick Carr finished at 128-17 before graduating in 2011 and Seth Carr finished in 2013 with a 125-40 record. Mike Carr is 113-15.
The last trio of brothers to accomplish the feat locally were the Wonsettler’s of Bentworth. Cliff was 104-29 before graduating in 2000, C.J. was 123-28 before leaving in 2002, and Charlie was 104-41 before graduating in 2007.
Secret to his success: The Carr family has a wrestling mat in their home, providing a place for the family to compete against each other. The wrestling can become intense at times.
“Those are the two individuals I train with the most,” said Mike Carr. “They have given me the motivation. The mat is in the basement and we roll around on it.”
Mike Carr said he doesn’t try to copy the style of his brothers, but uses them to become a better wrestler.
“I take a piece from each one and use to my style of wrestling,” Mike Carr said. “That’s what makes me different. I have a piece from each of them.”
Compiled by Joe Tuscano