Most developmental youth wrestling tournaments host an average of 400-500 wrestlers, ages 4 to 15, competing for custom medals awarded to the top four finishers in each class. On Sunday, January 18, a record setting number of wrestlers, over 730, participated in the Byron Center tournament hosted at Byron Center high school.

Competition was fierce as Cedar Springs youth wrestlers secured a total of 14 placers, some of whom had up to 15 wrestlers in their weight class.

Placers in the 4-6 year age division were Eli Gunderson 3rd at 37lb, Bryson Streeter 4th at 37lb, Veronica Tapia 1st at 40lb, Tucker Crystal 4th at 40lb, and Tyler Parmeter 2nd at 55lb.

Placers in the 7/8 year age division were Cora Gonzales 1st at 55lb, Keaton Klaasen 4th at 55lb and Pistachio Gonzales 3rd at 61lb.

Placers in the 9/10 year age division were Tacho Gonzales 4th at 71lb and Carter Falan 3rd at 85lb.

Placers in the 11/12 year age division were Trevor Marsman 3rd at 71lb and Kamden Klaasen 3rd at 90lb.

Rounding out the results were Austin Emmorey 1st at 100 lb and Reese Gonzales 2nd at 107lb in the 13-15 year age division.

Coaches Bryan Goike, George Gonzales Sr. and Jake Marsman are all very impressed with the hard work and progress the kids have been making.

Coach George said, “The kids’ dedication to working hard, even at this young age, shows when the kids show up to a tournament of this size and still place top four. Even the kids who did not medal wrestled with all their hearts. That’s what makes them winners.”