Wrestler suspended for finals
By Jeff Chaney
The Grand Rapids Press
Micah Carter was one of the favorites at this weekend’s high school state wrestling finals.
But the Cedar Springs senior won’t even get to take the mat Saturday at The Palace of Auburn Hills.
Carter, who was the Division 2 runner-up last year at 112 pounds and posted a 45-0 record this season at 119, was suspended for violating the school’s athletic code.
According to his mother, Therese Carter, Micah attended a party in Cedar Springs last weekend at which alcohol was present. Micah was not drinking, his mother said. Police were called to the party when a girl became ill, she said.
“He was just at the party, “Therese Carter said. “And when Micah and I talked to (Cedar Springs athletic director) Pete (Bush), he said whenever police are involved, they have to file a report with the school. If there is an athlete involved, he cannot participate in any contest or event for 30 percent of the year.”
Bush met with the mother and son Monday to tell Micah he wouldn’t be wrestling this weekend.
“Micah was found to be in violation of our athletic code, “Bush said. “Obviously he is very disappointed. It is an unfortunate situation.”
Therese Carter agrees it is an unfortunate situation, but one her son may learn from in the long run.
“This is Micah’s one and only offense all through high school, “she said. “I think the pressure of being No. 1 was affecting him. But Micah is a Christian and focusing on the gain, the character building and the consequences of poor decisions. It was a risk he did not think through.”
Therese Carter said the incident will not affect her son’s future in the sport.
“He is going to wrestle in college, “she said. “I know that colleges are still interested in him. He is still undefeated and we are supporting him in every way.”
That means helping him get through this weekend.
“We are talking about taking a trip and doing something as a family, “Therese Carter said. “We want to get his mind off all of this.”
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