MICHAEL ROWE PROVIDES SENIOR LEADERSHIP FOR PROVIDENCE WRESTLING TEAM

On a team filled with young wrestlers, Senior Michael Rowe is providing quality leadership for the Providence Panthers Wrestling Team.  Wrestling in the 152 pound class, Michael has put together a solid season and recently captured the 152 pound championship in the Mecklenburg County Tournament with three pins.

Michael is in his third year at Providence High School and enjoys spending time with his classmates. Michael’s family situation is unique. His father, Steve is employed by American Oil Company and lives in Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia. The Rowe’s lived in Saudi Arabia from the time Michael was 9 years old.  In an effort to find a top high school education for their family, Michael’s mother Kathleen relocated to Charlotte three years ago with Michael and older brother Colin.  Charlotte was a natural choice with grandparents and an aunt living in South Charlotte.

In between long flights two-three times a year to Saudi Arabia, Michael has found a love for the sport of wrestling.  His brother Collin, a 2006 Providence Graduate also was a member of the team. 

“Wrestling has been a lot of fun for me, I really enjoy the one on one aspect of the sport,” said Michael.  “When you go on the mat, there is no one left to help you, it’s just your opponent and the referee.”

Michael recognizes his team is young this year, but believes in a few years the Panthers will be a very strong team.

“We are really young right now, but my teammates are working hard and in a few years it will pay off. We still have some very strong wrestlers like Matt Houghston, PJ Petrillo and Drew Craig.”

Michael has set a goal of qualifying for the State Tournament.  To accomplish his goal, he will have to finish in the top four of the region, a tough task, but one Michael is prepared for.

At times Michael regrets not starting to wrestle earlier in life.

“My first year of wrestling was my Sophomore season, so I had to catch up with a lot of my competitors.  My best advice I can give is for kids to start wrestling at an earlier age and see where it can take them.”

Away from the wrestling mat, Michael is a strong student and a member of the National Honor Society.  He carries a 3.6 GPA at Providence and was recently accepted to Appalachian State University.