The Lyons Lions Varsity Wrestling team made history this season, finishing 3-0 in the Wayne Finger Lakes West League and securing their first outright league championship in recent history, with a 5-2 overall record.
Seniors Mitchell VanAuken, Vernon Jinks, and CJ Magwood played a crucial role in rebuilding the program. Since joining the varsity team in eighth grade, they spent the next several years recruiting new teammates, filling nearly all weight classes this season, and contributing to the team's success. Under the guidance of longtime coach Hugh Spink, who has been with the program for over 20 years, the team developed strong chemistry, grit, and determination.
Coach Spink instilled a sense of discipline in his wrestlers by giving each one a gold coin inscribed with the message: “Invest this coin as if it were your life. Wrestling teaches you to work through hard times.” This philosophy extended beyond the mat, shaping a mindset of perseverance and gratitude in their everyday lives.
One of the most notable expressions of this mindset is the team’s annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot tradition. Each year on Thanksgiving morning, the Lyons Varsity Wrestlers participate in a team run, visiting past Lions wrestlers and coaches along their route. This event is not only a way to share holiday cheer but also serves to honor the bonds and lessons that have been passed down through generations. This act of giving back embodies Coach Spink’s belief that success isn’t just about victories—it’s about investing in something greater than yourself.
This season was especially memorable as VanAuken and Jinks both reached 100 career wins. VanAuken, who referred to his experience on the team as a “brotherhood,” shared, “It was a surreal experience reaching my 100th win. I kept pushing, and so did the team, which contributed to our overall success. Sweeping the league made it all worth it.” Jinks recalls, “ I remember earlier in my career when we only had four - five wrestlers on the team. Being able to build the program back up and working hard every day made that level of success even more exciting.” Athletic Director Zac Young praised their dedication: “They grind every day, and it’s great to see their hard work pay off.”
(Photo provided by Kris King)
Four Lyons wrestlers—Mithcell VanAuken, Vernon Jinks, Braydon Dapolito, and Preston Arevalo—qualified for the state tournament on February 14th & 15th, proving the program’s growing strength.
As the seniors prepare to move on, they leave behind a program transformed by their dedication and leadership. Their years of hard work, recruitment, and commitment to tradition have built a foundation for future Lyons wrestlers to build upon. The team is no longer just competing—it is thriving, hosting tournaments, filling rosters, and inspiring younger athletes to carry on the legacy. Thanks to the influence of VanAuken, Jinks, Magwood, and Coach Spink, Lyons Wrestling is set to continue its tradition of excellence for years to come.