Two Brighton Grapplers to Wrestle as Michigan Wolverines in the Fall

Brighton High School Seniors Jordan Amine and Aaron Calderon will soon trade up their familiar black and orange wrestling singlets to maize and blue as the two head to the University of Michigan to compete in the fall.

"It's always been a dream for me to go to the University of Michigan, but to be honest, I didn't know that they were interested in me as a wrestler, but when I found out, I was pretty excited," Aaron said. 

The two are Brighton High School's 'most winningest' wrestlers, according to Coach Sam Amine, Jordan's father. 

Amine said that both students have 3.5 grade point averages (GPAs) and were academic all-staters. Jordan hit his 200th career win during his senior season, while Aaron had 183 and won the state championship last year in the 152-pound weight class. 

"They're both humble," Amine said. "They won't tell you any of that."

Jordan, who injured his ankle during the state championships and stood on crutches, said that leaving his high school and team behind as he enters college was "bittersweet."

"I'll miss the team and coaches, but I'll be moving onto another level," he said. "I'll start another four years there."

In addition, Jordan said it will be a little strange for him not having his dad as a coach. 

"I know he'll still be in the stands or in the corner screaming for me no matter where I am," he said.

"I'm excited to watch these guys at the next level, hoping they'll compete for a national title and also be on a national champtionship team," Amine said. "With Michigan being one of the top three recruiting classes in the country - they grabbed three number 1 ranked kids - it's going to be great for them to be in such a great program, but being an alumni there, I'm kind of selfish."

The two young men will join fellow Bulldogs alumni Grant Pizzo (2009) and Brandon Hill (2011). 

"I'm excited - I"ll have four Brighton Bulldogs in a Michigan singlet," Amine said.

Both young men will start their freshman year as undeclared majors.

"Wrestling is a big part of it (attending UM), but mostly it's the academics because that's going to be my future," Jordan said. 

Aaron said he had a set goal to break into the Varsity starting line - rather ironic for a kid who hated the sport when he began learning it in the fourth grade. 

"My dad definitelely pushed me towards it - he didn't wrestle in high school because there weren't enough kids for a full line up," Aaron said. "I hated it at first. I saw WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) on TV and that was my mindset coming into wrestling practice, so I was all pumped up about that. Then I got into the room and it was completely different. It was the disappointment that runied it for me. But then after my first tournament, I won that, and I liked it again." 

Both young men said they were happy to be heading into the next level together. In fact, they are looking to room together this fall.