Most successful coaches and athletes will tell you that winning happens long before you walk onto the field – or the mat, in this case.

The Southgate wrestling program has pinned down an impressive run over the last few years and coach Ian Norscia is one who believes preparation and dedication equates to success.

“Our team's success has been built through hard work, not just in season but throughout the offseason,” he said. “Our team consists of many wrestlers with limited experience and we have to take advantage of every opportunity to get better. Our team is also one that loves each other, and everyone is supportive and they are all friends.”

The Titans went 27-4, including 8-0 in the Downriver League and won the program’s second straight league title. During the regular season, Southgate took first in the Airport Jack Cooper Memorial Duals, first in the 24-team Orange and Blue Classic at Lincoln Park and third in the 34-team Wayne County Tournament. They also were district champions for a third straight year, including this past season in Division 1.

They lost in team regionals 46-33 to state powerhouse Temperance Bedford, ranked fourth in the state and who reached the quarterfinals.

Southgate had five individual Downriver League Champions: Devin Sears (113 pounds), Sam Wilhelm (120), Nathan King (157), Liam Mcmillen (175), and Johnny Pardo (285). The Titans had eight wrestlers qualify for D-1 Regionals: sophomore Devin Sears (113); senior Habibullah Majedi (126); Junior Devin Jordan (138); sophomore Nathan King (157); junior Cyrus Conner (165); freshman Liam Mcmillen (175); junior Conner Dell'Eva (district champion at 190); and senior Johnny Pardo (285).

Sophomore Joy Schuck was a regional qualifier at 120 pounds on the girls side.

Southgate had four wrestlers qualify for the D-1 State Finals: King, Mcmillen, Dell'Eva and Pardo.

Norscia is in his third season as head coach of the program and the team has improved each season in numbers and in strength.

“My first season we had around 25 kids on the team, and we had a modest 18-10 record and won our first district title in eight years,” he said. “Last season we had over 35 kids on the team and improved dramatically, with a 36-6 record and winning the league championship for the first time in nine seasons. We also won our second straight district title and fell just one match short of a regional championship.”

The Titans were forced to move up to Division 1 this year, which brought greater competition.

“While the record was similar to last season, this season we were by far a better team and unfortunately ran into tougher competition,” Norscia said.

This past season also was special because it was the deepest team they have had in years.

“We struggled with injuries all year; however, we were able to overcome them because we had backups and younger guys who were ready to step up and contribute when they were called,” Norscia said. “We had over 40 wrestlers who show up every day to get better and no matter if they are varsity or JV they want the team to succeed, and they are all wanting to get an opportunity to contribute on the mat or off the mat cheering their teammates on.”

The Titans will lose only three of 14 starters, so the future looks bright.

“Looking forward, our goal is a regional championship next season for the first time since 2011, and looking to have better individual success in the state tournament,” Norscia said.