During his first season with the Brandon varsity wrestling team in 2003-04, Travis Murphy did not have a win the entire year.
Now, Murphy, a senior at Brandon, is heading to the state individual wrestling finals.
Murphy will have the opportunity to cap his high school wrestling career at the finals, scheduled for Mar. 9-11 at The Palace of Auburn Hills. He earned that honor by finishing second in the 103-lb. weight class in Division 2 individual regional wrestling action Feb. 25 at Owosso.
Murphy advanced to the finals of that bracket before losing to Linden’s Josh Freitas 11-4. He will head to The Palace with a season record of 33-11.
In the process, Murphy achieved a significant milestone for the Brandon wrestling program, becoming the first Brandon wrestler in seven years to qualify for the state finals. Matt Marion represented the Blackhawks in 1999.
Brandon coach Josh Cross said Murphy has paid his dues and earned the right to represent the Blackhawks at The Palace.
‘When he first started, he was a sophomore and weighed 80 lbs.,? he said. ‘He didn’t have any wins that year ? he really struggled. Last year, he was up to 90 lbs. and was one win away from regionals. Working hard for the last three years has gotten him this far.?
Murphy, 17, said he has been wrestling for 12 years, starting out in Chesaning before moving to Brandon. He wrestled for Brandon and Goodrich in the Mid-Michigan Wrestling Association.
Despite his struggles in his sophomore year, Murphy, the son of Mike and Eileen Murphy of Groveland Township, said he enjoyed the sport too much to give it up.
‘I’ve been doing it for a long time,? he said. ‘My older brother (Adam) wrestled. I like the sport ? I think it’s fun.?
Murphy is setting his sights on doing the best he can at the state meet. ‘It’s my last year ? I want to give it everything,? he said.
Brandon junior Andrew Hyde will have to wait until next year for another opportunity to reach the state finals, going 1-2 in the regional meet to finish his season at 33-11.
Cross said Murphy’s qualifying for the state finals this season should serve as incentive for the rest of the team next season.
‘It’s really opened our team’s eyes to see what we can accomplish,? he said.