Hartland Whiz Kid — Freshman Wrestler Brings Impressive Record to Regionals

Austin Eicher is making a name for himself not only in the wrestling world but across the state by defeating top-ranked rivals and even pinning 19 consecutive opponents earlier this season — all as a freshman.

Eicher is ranked second in Division 1 going into individual regionals Saturday at L'Anse Creuse High School only behind freshman Justin Oliver from Davison. He has been wrestling since he was 5 years old, beginning at Powerhouse club team in Fenton and continuing through Hartland’s club team. With a record of 51-2, he may break Hartland’s most wins as a freshman record, which was set at 56 wins by brothers Matt and Jesse Bain. Eicher’s two losses were to sixth-ranked Mason Cleaver of Division 2 Holly.

“(My parents and coaches) drive me to do better and achieve everything,” said Eicher, who holds a 3.4 grade point average and also plays lacrosse. “My dad is my biggest wrestling influence. Everyday he tells me how to do better, and I spend extra time watching wrestling videos so I can get better. He helps me out a lot.”

Eicher, is hoping to at least finish in the top 4 in his weight class with the ultimate goal of becoming the 112-pound champion. He finished first at districts Feb. 12, pinning Charlie Highlen of Lake Orion in three minutes, 14 seconds in the final match.

Hartland head coach Todd Cheney is impressed with Eicher’s season so far.

“He’s a quiet kid that works hard and likes to smile,” said Cheney. “He probably has over 600 matches in his career, so for him to be a freshman, he has a ton of experience compared to most.”

Hartland senior captain Chase Snider says that Eicher’s experience by competing against other more experienced wrestlers has helped.

“He wrestles with Keith Boldt and Ross Kantola, who are both state placers. By that, he’s improving," Snider said. “He’s a hard worker. He just goes out to every match, takes it one match at a time, and wins.”

• 51-2 so far on the season going into the individual regional tournament on Saturday.
• Currently ranked second in the state for the 112-pound weight class.
• Pinned 19 consecutive opponents at one point during this season.
• Holds a 3.4 grade point average.

• "He’s a quiet kid that works hard and likes to smile," says his coach Todd Cheney.
• "He just goes out to every match, takes it one match at a time, and wins," says Chase Snider, the captain of the Hartland wrestling team.

Editor's note: This story was updated on Feb. 19 to show Eicher was ranked second in his weight class going into regionals.