Local teen wrestler reaches international ranks

FOWLERVILLE, Mich. - Dalton Roberts has the aggression any wrestling coach hopes to see in an athlete.

He's got the confidence. He's mature beyond his years.

The only thing the sophomore from Fowlerville lacks is size.

What he lacks in build, he makes up for in heart. At the Asics University and FILA Cadet National Championships in Akron, Ohio June 1, he made those who underestimated him pay.

"I lost my first match, then fought my way back. I was pretty pumped," Roberts says of his National Championship.

The victory earned the 15-year old a spot on this year's Cadet World Team. Roberts will spend a week in July and August at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO.

He couldn't help but smile ear-to-ear when talking about it.

"He'll be bringing his Sharpie with him," Dalton's mother said.

After a national title and a trip to visit his heroes, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow seems pretty full. But Dalton's journey is just beginning.

He'll travel to Baku, Azerbaijan for the world championships in August.

"I'll be pretty nervous, but I'll get used to it. This will be my first time on a plane. Hopefully I don't get the window seat," Roberts smiles.

No matter what seat he winds up in, he'll no doubt have the best stories to tell when school starts again in the fall.

Duane's family is asking for help to make the dream possible. Costing thousands of dollars, the Roberts are looking for help to get Duane to travel. If you would like to help, please make checks payable to MUSAW and note that you would like to help Dalton Roberts specifically. Checks can be mailed to MUSAW headquarters located at: 592 Inverness, Highland, Michigan 48357.