Northwood sophomore wrestler Danny Prothero isn't interested in winning a match by technical fall or toying with an inferior opponent just to get some extra mat time.

Prothero wants to pin a guy's shoulders to the mat as quickly and efficiently as he can. No messing around.

“I mostly go for the pin because it's a quicker way to end the match,” Prothero said. “I like to make it as quick as possible.”

As a freshman at 152 pounds last season, Prothero compiled a 26-17 record with 21 pins, which was one pin shy of the school single-season record.

“I wanted to get the pin record,” he said. “It was very devastating last year because I was one pin away.”

Prothero entered this week with a 14-1 record – 13-1 at 171 pounds and 1-0 at 160. He has 10 pins already this season.

“He's been wanting to drop down (to 160),” fourth-year Northwood coach Steve Simok said. “His natural weight is about 166, but 171 was a little heavy for him. He usually leaves practice at 160.”

Northwood sophomore Danial Prothero (right) grappling with freshman brother Anthony during team practice over the holidays. (Press photo by J. Patrick Eaken)

Prothero's lone loss came in the Rangers' season-opening event, the Northwood Invitational, on Dec. 4. Prothero lost to Trevor Coleman of Arcadia, 12-6, in the championship finals.

“That (loss) showed me that I need to work on some things,” said Prothero, who won the 171-pound title at the Southview Invitational two weeks ago. “I need to condition a little more. I was gassed. If I ever face him again, I most likely would give him a good match.”

Prothero had a productive freshman year, but his inaugural season at the high school level ended in disappointment when he lost both of his matches at the Division III district tournament. He entered as a third-place finisher from the sectional.

“He was a little overwhelmed last year,” Simok said.

Prothero admitted as much.

“It was definitely a lot different than I thought it would be,” he said. “They were a lot tougher matches and I saw some things I wasn't ready for. A lot of people had greater technique and it really surprised me. I'm definitely a little more set for this year, a little more prepared. Mentally, I won't be so jittery about it and I'll be more confident technique-wise and I'll be more fit for districts.”

Prothero fine-tuned his technique in the offseason by participating in a summer wrestling camp at Eastwood and at the Foxfire Wrestling Club in suburban Toledo.

“He's reaping the benefits right now with his overall technique,” Simok said. “That's why I wanted to get him to camps and train with high-level wrestlers every day. He's a fantastic athlete and he picks up on stuff real quick, but he lacks some technical nuances. He's starting to come around in that aspect right now.

“Last year he relied more on being more athletic than his opponents, and he was waiting for opportunities. This year he's creating opportunities for himself. I'm not surprised at all. Daniel's a hard worker.”

Simok added that Prothero, a starting outside linebacker on Northwood's football team last fall, has increased his skill level enough “that I think he's got the ability to challenge to get to the state tournament.”

“A lot of things can change between now and tournament time,” the coach said. “He is pretty driven to break our season (22) and career (57) pin records.”

Northwood hasn't had a state tournament qualifier since 2007, when Jake Grigson placed eighth at 140 pounds.

“I talked to Jake once about states,” Prothero said. “He said it was definitely an experience he will never forget and it was worthwhile going to states. He put all his effort into it and he got what he wanted. My goal is to make it to states and to possibly win it or place. If I make it to state, it was definitely a good year.”

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