Reading's Eathan Westfall qualifies for Super 32 after Michigan tourney

HILLSDALE COUNTY — Reading senior Eathan Westfall left the 2021 MHSAA wrestling state finals unsatisfied with his results. The then-junior Ranger was the last wrestler standing of his team and posted a respectable state finish. However, the senior, who has national and collegiate aspirations, is out for blood and revenge this year and the path back to the state finals becomes clearer after his rampage through a tournament this past weekend that qualified him for the National tournament called 'The Super 32'.

Eathan won the Michigan Grappler Fall Classic Elite Division tournament held at the Wings event center on Oct. 1 and 2. With the win, Westfall solidifies his ranking as Michigan's number one heavyweight across all four divisions, according to the Michigan Grappler.

Eathan won via pinfalls in nearly all but two matches. Eathan's matches against Lionel Baldwin and Shane Cook of Michigan were all decisions. Still, Eathan managed to win each match and combined with his other preseason events this summer, has qualified for the Super 32 national event.

Winning the Michigan Grappler tournament has been a goal this year and has been something Eathan has worked towards since his eighth-grade year.

"I went into it my eighth-grade year and I took fourth place," said Westfall. "The tournament has slowly grown into one of the biggest national style tournaments and it really helps with your high school rankings in the preseason. I've been looking forward to this all year and I told my dad it was my goal to win this event."

Eathan has wrestled all over the country so far this summer, and these recent events are just the next steps in line for Eathan to make his return to the wrestling mats at Reading High School and eventually at whichever college he picks to wrestle at. The Super 32 is next on his list of events to tackle. It is one of the largest and arguably toughest preseason tournaments in the country. The tournament takes place on Oct. 15 and 16 in Greensboro, North Carolina. This his first time qualifying for the Super 32, ranked 10th overall heading into the event. The event is not only a major competition opportunity for Westfall, but also a chance to get out and showcase your skills to dozens of colleges in attendance.

"My goal was to get top three but being ranked 10th is still pretty good," said Westfall. "During the finals of Super 32, you pretty much have your choice of college who watch you and you get your pick at colleges you want to talk to."

This isn't the first national event this year he has attended. Westfall has wrestled in events as far as Pennsylvania and West Virginia. He has already visited a college in Kentucky and has more lined up in the future.

Westfall has received immense support from the home front. Westfall's parents have helped support his dream of achieving his wrestling goals. This summer, catering events the family did together helped fund his senior tournament schedule traveling.

Beyond the mat, Westfall enjoys traveling to these tournaments with his parents. He's taken the time this year to take in the smaller moments with his family. Westfall's father plans things to do together before the tournament starts. They've been making the most out of their trips this year.

Winning the state championship is his goal this school season. In order to achieve his dreams at Ford Field, Westfall has been working hard to perfect his craft at these national tournaments. He hopes to help lead the Ranger wrestling team to great things this winter. Reading looks to return more numbers than in recent years. "We are usually missing our lower weight classes, so it's exciting to see that we may have a full lineup this year," said Westfall.

Westfall says the team expects to have three or four other wrestlers get ranked in the state preseason rankings.

"I'm pretty excited because it's always fun going to the State Finals with teammates."

As his time as a Ranger comes to a close, Eathan believes his journey wouldn't have been possible without his support system at home and at Reading High School.

"I have a really supportive family and I'm grateful for the many opportunities presented to me by my family and coaches."

The Rangers look to take the mat in the winter and compete for a conference title. Stay tuned for more updates as Eathan wrestles his way to North Carolina on Oct. 15.

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This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Ranger Eathan Westfall qualifies for Super 32 after Michigan tourney