Vincente Navarro pinning opponent on way to winning the championship match at Whizzer Open, Henry Ford College, Dearborn, MI. Feb. 1, 2026.

Henry Ford College wrestling hosted its annual Whizzer Open on Sunday, Feb. 1, at the Athletic Memorial Building, drawing 10 teams, several unattached wrestlers and 105 total competitors for a full day of matches.

Organized by head coach Grant MacKenzie, the Whizzer Open serves as both an in-season competition and a tribute to someone who played a major role in MacKenzie’s wrestling journey.

The tournament is named after Pat “Whizzer” Weika, MacKenzie’s former high school wrestling coach and gym teacher, who first introduced him to the sport as a freshman.

MacKenzie said Weika’s influence still shapes the way he approaches coaching today.

“Pat Weika was my high school gym teacher and high school wrestling coach. I love the guy,” MacKenzie said, “He inspired me to become a physical education teacher as well.”

MacKenzie added that he tries to make the Whizzer Open feel different from a typical tournament. “I don’t want it to be a tournament. I want our meets to be an event,” MacKenzie said.

One way the program does that is by awarding custom Whizzer Open champion T-shirts instead of traditional medals. Each shirt lists the wrestler’s weight class and recognizes the athlete as the champion, giving competitors something unique to take home.

“It’s not just a tournament. It’s an event that creates memories for a lifetime,” MacKenzie asserted.

Matches began at 10 a.m., and the final bout started at 2:41 p.m., continuing the program’s focus on keeping events organized and on schedule, especially with teams traveling from outside Michigan.

The Hawks turned in several strong performances throughout the day.

At 133 pounds, Vicente Navarro won the title with two pins and a 3–1 decision in the finals. Navarro, one of the team captains, earned praise from MacKenzie for his composure and leadership.

“What I love about him is, win or lose, he acts the same. He doesn’t pout, and if he wins, he doesn’t overcelebrate,” MacKenzie said. “I think that’s a sign of maturity.”

The victory makes Navarro a two-time Whizzer Open champion and reflects his continued development in the program.

Zaid Alowdi placed second at 125 pounds after advancing to the championship match, while Ivan Mendez also finished runner-up at 141 pounds. Luke Gittens added a fourth-place finish in the same weight class after competing through both brackets.

In total, Henry Ford produced three finalists and another place-winner, showing continued depth across the roster. With the Whizzer Open complete, Henry Ford College wrestling now turns its attention back to the rest of the season.