The Milford family of wrestlers looks strong going into the 24-25 season. Despite losing graduating seniors like Miller Parker and Kamia Fielder, the Mavericks filled an entire roster with zero voids. In the world of high school wrestling, a roster with all of the weight classes filled is almost unheard of.
With six returning seniors, there is no lack of leadership; they have the ambition to lead the younger classes in the right direction and to show them what it means to be a Maverick. Along with outstanding team leaders, there are also well-seasoned coaches and ex-Milford wrestlers in the room to improve each wrestler throughout the season.
The coaches on the team include head coach Jason Rhodes and his brother Vince Rhodes as an assistant coach; their father Dean Rhodes is also in the wrestling room as often as he can to spread his knowledge of the sport to the younger generation. Assistant Coaches John Skarret and Jensen Parker as well as two former Milford wrestlers from previous seasons 2024 graduate Miller Parker, and Sam Haddad (2020) round out the staff. Milford wrestler Griffin Hudechek, a senior in the 145 weight class, loves the coaching staff. Last year he broke his ankle and the support reaching out that this coaching group gave him through the winter and summer made him feel cared for and valued.
”I am excited for this season,” he said. “I can’t wait to bounce back this year and overcome what happened with my ankle. I feel like this is my season to succeed and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.” Hudechek is one of the best seniors on the team, has a great shot at making it to States, , and will dominate in his weight class.
Looking on the younger side of this program is freshman Ayden Bowers, a multi-sport athlete who always looks forward to wrestling. He started wrestling in middle school and fell in love with the sport. He is excited about this new high school chapter and is striving to make varsity. “I am trying to make an impact by helping out where I can,” Bowers stated. “I want to lead by example and show good sportsmanship.” Bowers has high expectations for the season but based on his attitude he should have no problem accomplishing these goals.
Senior Ike Stufft pinning down Lakeland wrestler (Photo courtesy of Ella Stufft Photography).
Coach Rhodes has been a coach of the program for multiple years and has built the program from the bottom up by also coaching the middle school team that feeds into the high school. His positive attitude and demeanor help him lead the program in the right direction on and off the mats. Jason Rhodes stated, “Having the opportunity to share what I’ve learned about hard work and motivation with the next generation is what I enjoy most about coaching at Milford.”
The outlook for the Milford wrestling program season looks very positive under the leadership of the coaching and senior class the wrestling program looks to pin down some victories.