IMLAY CITY — Just a few days from now when the Division 3 individual wrestling state final gets underway at Detroit’s Ford Field, Imlay City brothers Anthony and Dominic D’Ambrosio will be aiming to add to their already impressive list of laurels.
The two are certainly no strangers to the sport, getting their start on the mats 12 years ago after joining a youth wrestling club.
Imlay City’s Dominic (L) and Anthony (R) D’Ambrosio won their weight classes this season at the BWAC Tourney.
Their dad, Imlay City Coach Tony D’Ambrosio, points to those early beginnings as key contributors to the success of his sons.
Both are enjoying stellar 2022-23 campaign thus far.
Dominic, a junior 132-pounder, and Anthony, senior 150-pounder, are currently at 94 combined wins for the season.
Both have earned the distinction of BWAC champions in their respective weight classes during the 2022-23 campaign, a tough accomplishment to attain given there were 28 state-ranked individuals from that league at one point this season and half of the teams were ranked in the top-ten in their respective divisions.
They also claimed titles at a Division 3 district hosted by Mount Morris.
Anthony was also a regional champion at Richmond, while Dominic garnered a third.
Dominic, who is ranked fifth in Division 3 among 132-pounders, is 50-2 for the season.
He is now just two pins away from equaling his school’s single season pin record of 38, currently held by Kyle Ahrens.
Anthony, who is ranked third in Division 3 among 150-pounders, is 44-6 for the season.
Tony is looking forward to watching his sons compete at the same venue for the final time in their high school careers later this week.
Win or lose, he knows they will bring all they have to the mat this Friday when the state tournament begins.
“I don’t know what the future holds for them but I feel its a pretty special moment for them to get out and help promote the sport of wrestling.” Tony said.
“Hopefully 12 years from now we will be reading about another pair of brothers (one five and one six) getting their start with a youth club and going on to have successful high school careers.”
Kevin Kissane
Kevin Kissane has been covering high school sports for the Tri-City Times since 1985. When not standing on a field or court with his camera and notepad, he enjoys golf, travel and family. Kevin is a 1980 graduate of Capac High School, and is also a grad of St. Clair Community College and earned a degree in journalism from Central Michigan University.
