Superbad 15-Year Anniversary Screening

wrestling opponents this season. That certainly was the case at state.

“Lev got a tough draw at state. Both guys he wrestled had to be around 270 pounds,” said Berkley wrestling coach Ron Fritz.

“Lev will tell you he didn’t wrestle his best at state, but just getting there was a major accomplishment and a testament to his hard work.”

Fritz wasn’t surprised that Mechnikov qualified for state.

“Lev’s goal was to make it to regionals, but I thought he had what it takes to make it to state,” he said.

So did Berkley football coach Sean Shields.

Shields, a former All-State wrestler at Madison Heights Bishop Foley High School, told Mechnikov before this wrestling season that he’s a college-level athlete and could accomplish big things in his senior year.

Football is Mechnikov’s No. 1 sport. He might play football at the next level.

A two-year starter for the Berkley football team at offensive guard and defensive tackle who relied on his quickness, work ethic and wrestling skills to fight off bigger opponents, Mechnikov has a couple of Division III college football offers.

“Lev would have a whole lot more offers if he was 6-3,” Shields said. “He actually has the skill set to be a Division II football player, but he probably won’t get that opportunity because of his size.

“He can be a contributor at the Division III level. Maybe not in his freshman year, but certainly after that.”

If playing football in college doesn’t pan out, Mechnikov said, he’s hoping to attend the University of Michigan or Michigan State University.

Mechnikov was well-liked and respected by his now former Berkley wrestling and football teammates and coaches.

He was one of four wrestling team captains chosen by Fritz.

He was one of five football team captains selected by his teammates. He helped the Bears finish 7-3 last fall and qualify for the state playoffs.

“Lev is a great kid. Very funny,” Fritz said. “He’s an outstanding member of our high school community.”

Gabe and Daniella Mechnikov are Lev’s parents. Daniella is the executive director of the Berkleybased Yad Ezra kosher food pantry.

Lev is 18. He has two sisters, Pelli, 20, a junior at Michigan State University, and Mia, 16, a junior at Berkley.

The family lives in Huntington Woods.

— LEV MECHNIKOV

Please send sports news to stevestein502004@yahoo.com.

VOICE OF THE NEW JEWISH GENERATION

COURTESY OF NEXTGEN DETROIT

RACHEL SWEET ASSOCIATE EDITOR

To celebrate the 15-year anniversary of the comedy teen movie Superbad, NEXTGen Detroit hosted a movie birthday party at The Maple in Bloomfield Hills.

On Feb. 27 a group of NEXTGen Detroiters gathered for some popcorn, drinks and socializing. For some, it had been a while since they’d been out to go see a movie at the theaters because of the pandemic.

One of the co-chairs of the event, Lauren Blanck, expressed how it was nice to gather safely for a private screening and watch a fun movie with friends.

They even had a cardboard cutout of the famous McLovin driver’s license to take pictures with.

To see all the upcoming events with NEXTGen Detroit, go to https://jewishdetroit.org/events/