John Evashevski LaSalle High School (LHS) senior John Evashevski received the 2010 Upper Peninsula Mr. Wrestler Award selected by U.P. wrestling coaches Friday, March 26, and along the way, set a new U.P. record with 183 career wins.

"John has performed at a high level and represented LHS and the community with dignity throughout his four years in high school," said Saints Coach Harvey Bentley. "John is a standout athlete and is a volunteer for high school and community services, and is one of the top seniors academically with a 3.959 grade point average."

Evashevski, the first LHS wrestler to receive this award, compiled a 56-3 overall record during his senior season and tallied a school record 183 wins against 28 setbacks. His record included 48 consecutive victories in four years on the varsity program, he finished second at the Michigan High School Athletic Association individual finals in 2010, and he placed third during the 2009 tourney. Evashevski was two-time Upper Peninsula state champion before the U.P. and Lower Peninsula were combined for one state tournament. The previous U.P. win record was held by Joe Mileski of Gladstone with 178 in 2009.

Individually Evashevski has earned championships at the St. Ignace Lions Invitational (three times), the Rudyard Bridge Brawl, Sault Super Dual, Munising Super Dual (two times), Straits Area Conference, and Individual District competition.

During his senior season, Evashevski won the prestigious Northern Michigan Championships in Gaylord, Escanaba Elks Invitational, and Rogers City Invitational.

Evashevski was also a standout on the gridiron as he was an All- SAC and All-Area football player for the Saints.

John, the son of Debbie and Tom Evashevski, plans to attend the University of Michigan and has been given a preferred walk-on status for the Wolverines wrestling program.

Other finalists for the Mr. Wrestler Award were Andy Carpenter of Kingsford, Cody Darling and Josh Syverson of Gladstone, and Tim Tippett of Iron Mountain.