Macoy Michaeli doesn’t have to say much to strike fear into his opponents. The tall, 170-pound athlete at Bayfield High School lets his abilities do the talking.
Michaeli is in the midst of a special senior sports season at Bayfield High School as he pursues the goal of qualifying for the state wrestling tournament. In the fall, he was a force for the state semifinalist football team. BHS had the top defense in Class 2A, and Michaeli played a big role in that success.
Now, he’s 41-5 overall this wrestling season and coming off a win in his weight class at the Butch Melton Invitational tournament in Ignacio. He had a masterful comeback after being in big danger in his championship match and pinned his opponent only seconds later with a slick reversal. He did it with an injured elbow, too.
“Gotta take top four at region to get to state, “ he said. “That’s what I’m thinking about.”
Michaeli transferred to Bayfield High School in 2015 as a junior. He came from Vernal, Utah, known as a strong wrestling town. He joined the football team that year and was part of the state championship team his first few months in a new school.
“It was hard changing from a Utah school to a Colorado school,” he said, “but I feel like I was able to fit in well with the Bayfield students and get along well. I was able to compete with all of them in sports.”
Playing a larger role on the football team this year, he was a formidable defensive end and offensive lineman. On defense, he had 47 tackles with 13 for a loss including two sacks. He also forced and recovered one fumble.
Michaeli said he prefers wrestling to football and was eager for the start of the winter season since summer. If he continues his strong season, he’ll have a chance to end his wrestling career on the podium in front of thousands of fans in Denver.
“Macoy is a fun wrestler to watch, because I never know what he’s going to do next,” BHS wrestling coach Cole Baughman said of Micaheli after the teams win earlier this month against No. 3 Centauri. “One match he’s really offensive, the next he waits for his opponent to make a mistake and capitalizes. He comes from (Uintah High School) where they know wrestling, and he’s no exception.”
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
Behind the scenes
Do you have a favorite football team: Denver Broncos
What is your dream car?: A first generation Chevrolet Camaro
What is your favorite outdoor activity?: Hunting and fishing.
What is your favorite restaurant in the area?: The Pine Cone
do you have a favorite pregame meal or something you like to eat after making weight?: I try to keep it as light as I can. I’ve got a bad stomach, so I stick with the basics. Peanut butter and honey and nuts.
What is your favorite movie: “Joe Dirt”
What is your favorite genre of music: Country
Do you have a favorite artist?: George Strait
Is there a teacher who has had a big influence on you?: I had an auto teacher (Tyler McKee) back in Vernal that opened my eyes to life.
What do you want to do after high school?: I want to be a welder.
