Travis Ford-Melton is angry, and that’s a scary notion for opponents of the Marian Catholic junior.
Ford-Melton goes into the season with plenty of motivation. Last season, he was on the short end of a dream matchup for fans in a Class 3A 113-pound quarterfinal at the state meet.
Montini’s Joey Melendez and Ford-Melton both went into that match as defending state champions. Melendez won 3A the year before at 106, with Ford-Melton taking the 2A title as a freshman at 106.
Melendez prevailed 4-3 and went on to dominate his final two matches to take the state title. Ford-Melton, who finished the season 45-5, had to settle for third.
“Ever since I lost that match, I’ve been fired up,” Ford-Melton said. “It was tough losing that one. I didn’t wrestle how I usually wrestle. I was disappointed in myself for not wrestling my match.
“I’ve been working hard ever since that. I’m ready for this year.”
Marian Catholic coach Dan Jordan said he’s seen Ford-Melton even more focused and determined since the loss.
“It’s not all about state titles,” Jordan said. “It’s about getting better. Of course, we don’t want him to lose, but sometimes you’ve got to lose to get better.
“He’s a competitor, he’s not used to losing, and he wants payback. He worked really hard all summer.”
Ford-Melton is ranked No. 6 in the nation at 120 pounds by InterMat, with Melendez at No. 5.
If there’s one benefit to losing, it’s that Ford-Melton feels a bit more under the radar this season. He went 47-0 as a freshman state champion, setting the bar awfully high for the rest of his career.
“I definitely felt a little bit of pressure (last season),” he said. “There’s not as much now. It’s just about going out there and finishing strong this season.
“I try to block it all out when I go out on the mat. I try to act like I’ve never won a state championship before, and I’m going out to try to win my first.”
Ford-Melton was successful in national events this fall, winning the IndianaMat Hoosier Preseason Open at 123, and taking second in the Grappler Fall Classic at 125.
“I’ve done some good things to improve over the summer and fall,” he said. “I’ve been working on getting into my offense more. I need to get into my setups, get into attacking positions and take more shots.”
Jordan said Ford-Melton’s work ethic is second to none.
“He works so hard,” Jordan said. “He goes year-round. His dad helps him tremendously. He does all the little things you have to do to have success.
“That’s the difference between the good guys and the elite guys. They do that little extra. If they’re supposed to go to a party or go out with their friends, they’ll get another workout in first.”
Ford-Melton is primed for a big season. This time around, he’s determined to not let his fate be determined by a single point.
“This season, I’m just trying to dominate,” he said. “I don’t want to have any close matches.”
Steve Millar is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
