Congratulations to Joe Walker who committed to wrestle for the University of Michigan last night! We are extremely proud of you and happy for the Walker family. The University of Michigan is getting a great kid and a great family in the Walkers. The last three years have been quite the journey for Joe; seeing him grow and develop in his wrestling and as a man has been an experience we are all thankful to be apart of. We wish you the best as you embark on your new journey next year, but first, let’s take care of some unfinished business in February! Congrats Joe!

Joe had this to say about the commitment to wrestle for and attend the University of Michigan via his Instagram account @AboveTheClimate:

“I’m excited to announce that I’ll be heading back home to further my academics and athletics at the University of Michigan. I first want to thank God for giving me this opportunity and the ability to wrestle. I then want to thank my family for always believing in my and making me strive for greatness. I also want to thank everyone else who saw greatness in me, even when I didn’t. It has been a long journey, and I’m glad to call myself a Wolverine! #GoBlue

Joe began wrestling in 7th grade. His technique, athletic talent, and dedication to the sport has exploded since then. Through middle school, club, and high school wrestling…in the classroom, community, and even international volunteer service, Joe has been committed to excellence. He’s been in and out of the national rankings in his weight class for the past few years, overcome injuries to excel within the high school team and individual national competitions, and most recently earned a 3rd place finish at Super 32 – Largely considered the toughest national tournament in the high school preseason. A special note about that 3rd place finish…Joe wrestled back for 3rd after falling 1 point short of beating the tournament champion in the quarter finals, arguably giving him his toughest opposition of the entire tournament. We look forward to his success this high school wrestling season, and how he will represent the Mishawaka Cavemen with pride at the University of Michigan next year!