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“Wishawoulda” By Matt Fields

Often times, the desire to try new things is trumped by a fear of stepping out of your
comfort zone. For Nick Perry of Cass City high school, the desire to try a sport he had never
participated in until his senior year of high school, was something he had wrestled with for a
few years. Nick had just capped off an impressive senior year of football, selected to the first
team in the GTW at fullback. So when Cass City Athletic Director and Head Varsity Wrestling
Coach, Don Markel was approached by Nick’s parents, Troy and Julie Perry, about his interest
in wrestling, coach Markel made sure to meet with Nick. Having never wrestled before was
not the only obstacle in the way, Nick was also a starter on the varsity basketball team.
While dual sporting is not entirely uncommon, it is rare to find an athlete with the skills
to find success in both basketball and wrestling. “I told Nick don’t be a “wishawoulda”, as
I have had several former students tell me that they “wish they would of” tried wrestling,”
said coach Markel. Nick had some growing pains along the way, losing some early matches
due to rookie mistakes. It would not take long to rebound from those losses though, as Nick
went on to win a league championship at 215 lbs., as well as a 3rd place finish at the regional
meet, qualifying Nick for the MHSAA State Championship tournament at Ford Field. This
is where Nick would put the final feather in his cap and avenge his regional loss to Charlie
Depp of Manchester by way of a double overtime victory. This win placed Nick Perry third in
the state at 215 lbs. in his first year of wrestling, proving that stepping out of your comfort
zone can sometimes lead to great success.

Caro Community Hospital is now

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