Coach Dave Andrus and Blake Peasley stepping off the mat after an undefeated season and becoming a 2014 State Champion.
Last weekend was the final tournament for the West Michigan Pursuit 2014 season, MYWA State Finals. WMP took 15 grapplers to compete and five brought home a coveted All State Title. There were 265 teams and over 2,500 grapplers competing.
“I think there is a time when every coach questions the effect they have on their athletes. It’s moments like these that solidify why we do what we do,” said Owner and Head Coach, Dave Andrus.
Jayden Marcano-Cruz wrestled in the 4/5/6 age group in the 43 lb wt class. He battled six times with four ending in victory. Jayden had 31 kids in his bracket and finished out taking 7th place with a final record of 35-6.
Ty Whalen wrestled in the 11/12 age group in the 60 lb wt class. He had 13 kids in his bracket and finished out taking 6th place with a final record of 19-8.
Luke Egan wrestled in the 4/5/6 age group in the 49 lb wt class. He battled seven times with five ending in victory. Luke had 26 kids in his bracket and finished out taking 5th place with a final record of 55-7.
Brocke Fisher wrestled in the 11/12 age group in the 60 lb wt class. He battled four times with three ending in victory. Brocke had 13 kids in his bracket and finished out taking 3rd place with a final record of 19-7.
Blake Peasley wrestled in the 4/5/6 age group in the 58 lb wt class. Blake is our only West Michigan Pursuit grappler who remained undefeated the entire season. He had 25 kids in his bracket. Going into the Championship match, Blake took on Da’Quavon White from the East Region, who also had an undefeated season. The stakes were high on both sides. During the third period, the score was tied 5-5, and, with three seconds left on the clock, Blake got the last take down, with a final score of 7-5. Blake is a second year wrestler who finished out his season with a record of 33-0. He is our first MYWA State Champion! Congratulations Blake on such a huge accomplishment.
We also had Hannah Pienton who competed in the MYWA All-Girls State Championship. This is Hannah’s first year of wrestling and she joined the sport half way into the season. She battled in the 12 and under age group in the 85 lb wt class and finished in 4th place.
Olivia Male competed in the USAW Women’s Nationals. She competed in the 9/10 age group in the 70 lb wt class and finished in 6th place. What a great accomplishment to be recognized as top 6 in the nation. All of our wrestlers who stepped on the mat this weekend wrestled tough. You truly are The Pursuit of Champions!
