Six years ago, Oxford resident Kelly Peasley made a promise to his 8-year-old son Jacob.
He promised that if Jacob ever won First Place at the Mid Michigan Wrestling Association (MMWA) state finals that he would suit up and hit the mat himself.
After five years of making runner up, and months of training and practicing, Jacob finally finished first in his weight class of 13 to 14-year-olds at 90 lbs. the beginning of March at the MMWA state finals held at Clarkston High School.
Kelly’s promise was fulfilled just two weeks ago when he wrestled in the Master’s Division AAU World Championship at Cobo Hall in Detroit.
Not having wrestled for 26 years, Kelly admits he was a little nervous.
‘I think I was more nervous of just being in front of that crowd again, and wearing a (wrestling) singlet again,? he said jokingly. ‘I’m still sore.?
With his family cheering him on, Kelly said he looked to his now 14-year-old son before he made any move.
‘When I did my positions I looked at him to find out what he wanted me to do,? he said. ‘It was his call.?
Although he only placed third at the adult wrestling tournament, Kelly knew his getting ‘beat up pretty bad? was all about keeping his promise.
‘I’m proud of them,? said Janie, the proud wife and mom of the Oxford wrestlers. ‘It’s a really hard sport and they’ve worked really hard. For Kelly to back his word ? he could’ve easily said ‘I’m too old, I can’t do it.??
One might say wrestling has become a Peasley family tradition.
Jacob has been a member of the Oxford Youth Wrestling Club for eight years now and has placed first in over 80 tournaments. He has wrestled in national tournaments as well.
‘I enjoy the fun of the competition and things like that,? Jacob said.
His older brother, Dakota, 15, was on Oxford’s Varsity wrestling team this past year; and their older brother, Justin, 24, has since decided to hit the mat, too.
‘It’s a family thing,? Kelly said, noting that that’s what makes it important. ‘Every weekend we all go (to tournaments) together.?
And if there’s not a tournament, the Peasley boys will use any space available in the house to grapple.
‘In the living room, the kitchen ? as soon as they’re bored, they attack each other,? Kelly said.