By Jeff Patrus
Sports Writer
Josh Cross hopes he can end the constant changing of the guard at the helm of Brandon wrestling.
Cross, a Lapeer West graduate and an assistant on last year’s team, has been appointed as the new Brandon varsity wrestling coach. He replaces Kent Bailo, who resigned after last season.
‘The kids just need stability,? Cross said when asked why he applied for the job. ‘They’ve had four or five coaches in the past four or five years. I know them very well from last year. I keep up with them and make sure their grades are okay.?
After graduating from Lapeer West, Cross wrestled in the 165-lb. class for Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio, about an hour south of Toledo.
However, during a tournament, Cross popped a bursa sac, which ended his wrestling career. He is currently attending Mott Community College.
Two seniors from last year’s team, Cody Sisk and Justin Eimers, will anchor this year’s squad. ‘They’re being looked at to step up a lot,? Cross said. ‘They’ve been working really hard.?
Cross also said goals for the Blackhawks this season are to win a district championship, as well as sending six or seven wrestlers to regionals and one or two wrestlers to the state meet at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Brandon did not qualify a wrestler for the state meet last season.
Cross lives in Davison and is engaged to be married in November to Ashley Burke.