Brad Brechting

Local student-athlete in the running to play in prestigious high school basketball event in Chicago

Cedar Springs Red Hawk Brad Brechting, a standout on the Varsity basketball team, is among the list of high school seniors who have been nominated to play in the 2015 McDonald’s All American Games. This year’s list includes players from 47 states and the District of Columbia who have been selected by high school coaches, athletic directors, principals and members of the McDonald’s All American Games Selection Committee.

Brad is the son of Bradley and Tracy Brechting, and has already signed on to play at Oakland University next year.

Eyes have been on Brad for awhile. As a sophomore, he averaged 12.6 points per game; as a junior it was 15.5 points; and this year he has averaged 20.8 points per game (through nine games). He currently is approaching 800 career points. Brad also averages between 9 and 10 rebounds  and 4 blocks per game.

“Brad has put a lot of time into improving as a basketball player and you can see the results,” remarked Jeff Patin, head coach of the Red Hawk Varsity basketball team. “He is a pleasure to coach because of the energy he brings every day. We will be sad when his career as Cedar Springs comes to a close, but we look forward to watching him play at the next level.”

Athletic Supervisor Autumn Mattson was glad to hear about Brad’s nomination. “Brad is a great kid and it has been fun watching him over the past four years develop into a great basketball player.  We are excited and looking forward to hearing of his future success at Oakland University and are proud that he will continue represent Cedar Springs High School at the next level,” she said.

A complete list of 2015 McDonald’s All American Games Nominees is available at www.mcdaag.com. McDonald’s will name the final roster of 24 boys and 24 girls who will be selected to play in the 2015 Games during the McDonald’s All American Games Selection Show on ESPNU, airing Jan. 28 at 6 p.m.

The 38th Annual Boys Game will tip-off on Wednesday, Apr. 1 at 9:00 pm ET from Chicago’s United Center and will be broadcast on ESPN. The 14th Annual Girls Game will precede the Boys Game, beginning at 6:30 pm ET and will broadcast live on ESPNU. Information regarding tickets for the 2015 McDonald’s All American Games is available at Ticketmaster. Tickets for the 2015 Games go on sale Saturday, Jan. 17 at 11:00 am ET.

Net proceeds from the Games benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).

The Creative Technologies Academy Lady Chargers headed south to Wyoming to face the Grand Rapids Thunder this past Thursday night. The Lady Chargers, with a 1-2 record heading into the game, were looking to see how they could perform against one of the better home school teams in the area. The Thunder started off quickly offensively, and stifled the Charger attack with a 1-3-1 defense, and pulled away with a 40-10 victory.

CTA was unable to score in the first quarter, but got on the board during the first posession of the 2ndquarter on a Vicky Hanes 10 foot jumper. The Lady Chargers battled hard on the boards all night, but just could not match the size and strength of the Thunder. Leading the way for CTA was senior Hannah Hubbard with 4 points and 7 rebounds. Senior Olivia Wortz came off the bench to score 4 points and grab 3 boards, and 7th grader Hannah Hofstra, in her first game, pulled down three rebounds of her own. The Lady Chargers resume play this Tuesday at Holland Calvary.

Last season, Creative Tecnolgies Academy head coach Scott Bultman and his crew were unable to find the win column, but oh what a difference a season makes. After two impressive early season wins, the Chargers boy’s basketball team played a pair of games against Ellington Academy. In both matchups, the Chargers (4-0) dominated from start to finish, winning 60-39 on Monday, and another double digit win on Friday night 51-35.

Freshman Dawson Armstrong has really come on strong for the Chargers, scoring a career high 19 points on Monday, and then matching that once again on Friday. Senior Logan Ogden has continued his great season with his first double double of the season, including 17 points.

The key this season, says Coach Bultman, is not only the starters playing well, but the bench players bringing a lot of energy. The Crash Crew, starring senior Hunter George and the Hawkins brothers, Bailey and Preston, clamped down defensively and held Ellington in check in each of the two games. “I feel Hunter George is as good a defensive guard as we have in our league (or non league) and he sets the tone for the rest of our defense,” said coach Bultman. “Switching from zone last year to all man to man, even on inbounds plays, takes a team commitment and leadership, and we get that from Hunter.”

Next week, the Charger’s schedule toughens up, as they travel to Holland Calvary on Tuesday, followed by a trip to Wellspring Academy.

The CS Varsity Cheer team took second in their division at Hudsonville.

Cedar Springs Competitive Cheer teams traveled to Hudsonville this past Saturday for their annual invitational. This was a tough competition that brought several Division 1 teams from the east side of the state to compete. The day started off a little shaky with their bus breaking down en route, causing a delayed arrival and less time to warm up and practice. Our girls still performed with confidence.

The High School Competition had 22 teams competing and was split into four different pools.

The JV Cheer team took seventh in their division at Hudsonville, but beat their highest scores of the season.

The Junior Varsity competed in the JV Pool, which had nine teams competing. Cedar Springs earned a score of 183.30 after Round 1, putting them in 6th Place. Round 2 gained an additional 160.10 points bringing their subtotal to 343.40 and keeping them in 6th Place. The conclusion of Round 3 gained an additional 230.7 bringing their overall score to 574.1 and finishing the day with a 7th Place overall. “Even though we were the only Division 2 team competing, the girls beat two of their team goals,” said Head Coach Katy Baird. “They beat their Round 1 and Round 3 high scores, and gave them their highest overall score of the season. I am extremely proud of their hard work and dedication.”

The Varsity Team competed in the Varsity D2, D3 and D4 Pool, which had three teams competing. Cedar Springs earned a score of 221.20 after Round 1, putting them in 2nd Place. Round 2 gained an additional 212.74 points, bringing their subtotal to 433.54 and keeping them in 2nd Place. The conclusion of Round 3 gained an additional 284.8 points bringing their overall score to 718.34 and finishing the day in 2nd Place, after DeWitt’s Championship high score of 762.42. “This was the most difficult competition we have competed at,” said Head Coach Anne Olszewski. “The teams from the east side of the state are far more experienced and talented. They have a very large cheer history with many state titles. West Michigan is behind the times in competitive cheer. It was so good for our Cedar Springs Athletes to see what our sport is and how it is performed at a higher level. I was so grateful for the opportunity to expose the girls to D1 schools and elite stunts. We set goals for ourselves at the beginning of the season. One was to break 700 for our total score. That was a carry over from last season that they never reached. Saturday, we were at 718.35! They also wanted to score above 200 in round 2. We did that as well with 212.34. It’s time to get back to work and see if the experience will elevate their work ethic and realize that there is nothing that they can not do if they put their minds to it!”

The Middle School cheer teams both earned championships last week.

Red earns conference title; White gets first championship at Hudsonville

The two teams representing Cedar Springs Middle School Competitive Cheer traveled to Thornapple Kellogg High School in Middleville for the Conference finals on Tuesday, January 13. There were 16 teams competing for the 2015 Conference Championship title. The teams in attendance were: Allendale, Caledonia, Cedar Springs Red, Cedar Springs White, Coopersville, Comstock Park, Hastings Blue, Hastings Gold, Kenowa Hills, Lowell, Northview, Sparta, Thornapple Kellogg, Wayland, Wyoming Black and Wyoming Purple.

Cedar Springs White took the mat and earned a score of 88.90 after Round 2, placing them 5th overall. After the completion of Round 3, an additional score of 237.10 advanced them to 4th Place with an overall score of 324 points. “Some last minute adjustments were made to the routine and the team had a few hours to learn new material,” said Head Coach Cassandra Chartier. “I am so proud of the hard work and dedication these girls continue to show each week. I couldn’t have asked for a better performance! Great job White Team.”

Cedar Springs Red immediately took the lead after Round 2 with a high score of 129.68. Keeping the lead with a score of 257.80 after Round 3, Cedar Springs Red secured another Conference Championship with an overall score of 387.48. This is the third consecutive year in a row that Cedar Springs Middle School Competitive Cheer has secured the Conference Championship Title. “I love the Cedar Springs Cheer Community! I couldn’t be more proud of this group of athletes and their supporters,” said Head Coach Amy Arnold. “The girls work extremely hard, on and off the mat and I am thankful to have such supportive parents and fans to cheer us on! It’s a defining moment for me when other coaches compliment my teams’ performance and their representation of this sport.”

CS White gets championship at Hudsonville

Both Cedar Springs Cheer teams traveled to Hudsonville to compete last Saturday, January 17. Twenty-six teams competed and they were split into six different pools. Cedar Springs White competed in the 7th/8th Grade Pool B, which had seven teams competing. After Round 2, Cedar Springs White was in 4th Place with a score of 71.78. They gained momentum and earned an additional 239.9 points with an overall score of 316.68 points. Cedar Springs White finished their day with their first championship of the season. “My girls brought me to tears this week. Their hard work and dedication has paid off with an almost flawless Round 3,” said Head Coach Cassandra Chartier. “Their pride and excitement after hearing their team’s name called for their first championship was a proud moment of my coaching career.”

Cedar Springs Red competed in the 7th/8th Grade Pool A, which also had seven teams competing. Cedar Springs Red had a score of 122.96 after Round 2, putting them in 2nd Place. The completion of Round 3 earned an additional 261 points with an overall score of 383.96. This score secured a 2nd Place for Cedar Springs Red, after Mona Shores’ championship and final score of 384.28. “I am so proud of my girls. They are a fun and hard working group of young ladies that always encourage each other to do their absolute best,” said Head Coach Amy Arnold.

Over 600 youth wrestlers attended the western region MYWAY Youth tournament at Rockford High School on Sunday, January 11. Cedar Springs Youth Wrestling Club sent 32 novice and open wrestlers into the highly competitive tournament, bringing back a total of 12 awards, nine of whom were champions!

Winners in the novice division 4-6 year age group were Veronica Tapia 1st at 40lbs, Eli Gunderson 1st at 37lbs and Tyler Parmeter 1st at 55lbs. In the 7/8 year division was Wyatt Cooper 2nd at 97lbs. In the 9/10 age group was Carter Falan 1st at 85lbs. In the 13-15 age group was Fred White 1st at 80lbs.

Winners in the Open division in the 7/8 age group were Keaton Klaasen 1st at 55lbs and Pistachio Gonzales 1st at 61lbs. In the 13-15 age group were Allexis Gonzales 2nd at 138lbs, Aaron Smith 3rd at 138lbs, Gage Gardner 1st at 155lbs, and Ryan Ringler 1st at 170lbs.

All of the Cedar Springs Youth wrestlers worked very hard at this tournament and even though many did not win medals, they gained experience and will continue to improve each week.

Zak Schmid, from the 11/12 Open Age group, is undefeated.

Byron Center Wrestling hosted this past weekend’s Western Region Tournament and was the largest event of the season so far with over 700 grapplers competing. This was another busy week for West Michigan Pursuit. They took 30 grapplers to compete, with 14 entering into novice and the remainder entering into the open division. The team battled 92 times with 50 ending in victory, placing 21 in the top four. “My wrestlers continue to grow and gain momentum as we move toward the ultimate goal of qualifying to compete at the 2015 State Finals!” said Head Coach and Owner, Dave Andrus. “I am very pleased at their improvement and am thankful to have such supportive parents.”

This week’s placements are as follows:

4th Place Medalists include Ever Benitez in the 7/8 Novice age group in the 72 lb wt class, Casey Eberspeaker in the 7/8 Open age group in the 64 lb wt class, Landon Foss in the 7/8 Open age group in the 52 lb wt class, Anthony Szubinski, Jr. in the 9/10 Open age group in the 67 lb wt class and Maston Wood in the 11/12 Open age group in the 119 lb wt class.

3rd Place Medalist include John McKay in the 4/5/6 Novice age group in the 43 lb wt class, Lucus Pienton in the 13/14/15 Open age group in the 138/145 lb wt class, Brandson Wood in the 7/8 Open age group in the 40/46 lb wt class and Caleigh Wood in the 4/5/6 Novice age group in the 40 lb wt class.

2nd Place Medalists include Lee Braun in the 7/8 Open age group in the 58 lb wt class, Derek Egan in the 13/14 Novice age group in the 90 lb wt class, Luke Egan in the 7/8 Open age group in the 52 lb wt class, Kameron Ogden in the 7/8 Novice age group in the 52 lb wt class, Blake Peasley in the 7/8 Open age group in the 67 lb wt class and Hannah Pienton in the 11/12 Novice age group in the 90 lb wt class.

Champions are Logan Bennett in the 9/10 Novice age group in the 67 lb wt class, Gage Bowen in the 7/8 Open age group in the 82 lb wt class, Chayson Eberspeaker in the 4/5/6 Novice age group in the 52 lb wt class, Jayden Marcano-Cruz in the 4/5/6 Novice age group in the 46 lb wt class, Josh Vasquez in the 7/8 Open age group in the 52 lb wt class, and Zak Schmid in the 11/12 Open age group in the 133 lb wt class. Special Recognition goes out to Zak Schmid who remains undefeated!

If you are interested in learning more about this sport or if your wrestler is looking to compete at the next level, check them out. They are located in the Cedar Springs Sports Plex, practices are Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Cedar Springs Varsity Cheer took first-place at their own invitational last weekend.

Cedar Springs Cheer hosted an invitational this past Saturday, which included the Middle School, Junior Varsity and Varsity teams. This is the first event of the season where all four teams were able to compete at the same time and location.

Cedar Springs Middle School White team took second-place at last weekend’s invitational.

Due to inclement weather, schools had to back out last minute, which cut down the Middle Schools competition to three teams. Cedar Springs White took second-place after Round 2 with a score of 95.04. They secured a second-place ranking after gaining an additional 226.4 points after Round 3 and overall score of 321.44. “The girls were excited to cheer in front of their home town and I am proud to be a part of the Cedar Springs Cheer tradition,” said Head Coach Cassandra Chartier.

Cedar Springs Middle School Red team took first-place at their own invitational.

Cedar Springs Red earned a high score of 129.40 to take the lead of first-place after Round 2. With an additional score of 270 points and an overall score of 399.4, Cedar Springs Red remains undefeated, with another first-place Victory. “This crazy Michigan weather left us with one day to practice a new round, and these girls performed absolutely amazing with the time they had to work with. I pushed them pretty hard and I had confidence they would rise to the challenge,” said Head Coach Amy Arnold.

Cedar Springs JV Cheer took first-place at the Cedar Springs invitational.

Again, with the last minute school cancellations, the Junior Varsity team, coached by Katy Baird, also had three teams to compete against. Coach Baird is returning to Cedar Springs and bringing with her nine years of coaching experience. She has been part of Cedar Springs Cheer for four years prior to her return. Round 1 of competition brought a score of 170.7, taking the lead of first-place. Round 2 gained an additional score of 152.06 and bringing their subtotal score to 322.76, which kept them in the lead. Securing another Championship and remaining undefeated, the JV team earned an additional score of 202 points, giving them an overall score of 524.76. “Due to the nasty weather this week, our team missed two practices after learning a new routine. There were a lot of challenges but these girls stuck with it and did very well. I am very proud of them,” said Head Coach Katy Baird.

The Varsity Team, coached by Anne Olszewski, had five teams competing against each other. Coach Olszewski has 31 years of coaching experience, the last 10 years has been here at Cedar Springs; seven years with our Competitive and nine years with our Sideline. She has coached or been involved at every level of the Cedar Springs Cheer Program and still serves as League Director to Northern Rocket Cheer. Round 1 earned a score of 218 points taking the lead. Round 2 kept the lead with an additional 179.48 points bringing their sub total to 397.48. Round 3 gained an additional 258.6 and secured the Championship with a score of 258.6 and an overall score of 656.08.

“Part of my job as coach is to pick out the wrong but to also find the good, recognize the good and how to improve the good.  Each week we are making small improvements, contributing to the overall success, we are making the good into great. We are really kicking butt and they rise to the challenge with everything that I throw at them. The Varsity team has 2 twisting full layouts on the team and we have not had this since 2007. I am extremely proud of my team and honored to work with them every day,” said Head Coach Anne Olszewski.

Cedar Springs Cheer is building a tradition where the collective efforts of the athletes, coaches, parents and community make championships possible. Please keep supporting Cedar Springs Cheer, “faith over fear, this is our year!”

Josh Vasquez in the 7/8 Open Division in the 49/52 lb wt class.

Rockford Wrestling hosted this past weekend’s Western Region Tournament. It was a busy week for West Michigan Pursuit, who took 27 grapplers to compete.  Twelve entered into Novice and the remainder entered into the open division. The team battled 86 times, with 50 ending in victory, and 17 placing in the top four.

“Wrestling is an emotional sport, which tends to bring out the best and worst,” said Head Coach and Owner, Dave Andrus. “Sometimes we have to remind ourselves to keep those high and low emotions in check. These actions can negatively impact the outcome of a match. I try to impress upon my kids to wrestle with the sportsmanship that others look up to and admire.”

This week’s placements are as follows:

4th Place Medalists include Xavier Contreras in the 9/10 Open age group in the 71 lb wt class and Casey Eberspeaker in the 7/8 Open age group in the 64 lb wt class.

3rd Place Medalists include Landon Foss in the 7/8 Open age group in the 49/52 lb wt class, Anthony Szubinski, Jr. in the 9/10 Open age group in the 63 lb wt class, Brandson Wood in the 7/8 Open age group in the 43/46 lb wt class, Caleigh Wood in the 4/5/6 Novice age group in the 40 lb wt class and Maston Wood in the 9/10 Open age group in the 130 lb wt class.

2nd Place Medalists include Gage Bowen in the 7/8 Open age group in the 82/97lbwt class, Chayson Eberspeaker in the 4/5/6 Novice age group in the 52 lb wt class, Derek Egan in the 13/14 Novice age group in the 90/95 lb wt class and Luke Egan in the 7/8 Open age group in the 49/52 lb wt class.

Champions are Logan Bennett in the 9/10 Novice age group in the 71 lb wt class, Lee Braun in the 7/8 Open age group in the 55/58 lb wt class, Jayden Marcano-Cruz in the 4/5/6 Novice age group in the 46 lb wt class, Blake Peasley in the 7/8 Open age group in the 67 lb wt class, Lucus Pienton in the 13/14/15 Open age group in the 138 lb wt class and Josh Vasquez in the 7/8 Open age group in the 49/52 lb wt class.

 If you are interested in learning more about this sport or if your wrestler is looking to compete at the next level, come check us out. We are located in the Cedar Springs Sports Plex, practices are Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Schut, Cartwright and Sipka, are named Cedar Springs Athletic Boosters Student Athletes for November. 

Emma Schut

Junior Emma Schut was named the January Student Athlete of the Month for Bowling. Emma is a stand out member of the Varsity bowling squad; she was named OK Bronze All Conference Honorable Mention, in the 2013/2014 season. The team is in the midst of a very successful season including finishing 1st place at the Allendale tournament, and a 2nd place at West Catholic. Emma excels in the classroom with an3.923 GPA, which is impressive givent he fact she also participates in Marching Band, Tennis, FFA, and is a active member in her church Youth Group.

Coaches comment that “Emma is having a good season, and is showing improvement and is eager to learn, and try new things. She has excellent sportsmanship and is a 3 years member of the bowling team”.

Emma is the daughter of Chris and Joel Schut.

Jacob Cartwright

Junior Jacob Cartwright was named the January Student Athlete of the month for Bowling.  Jacob is one of the anchors for the Red hawk varsity bowling team. He has received honors including All Conference as a sophomore last year and also was a member of the Boys State Team. Jacob and his team are having a solid year including finishing 2nd at the Allendale tournament and being named to the All-Tournament team, and bowling a tournament high game of 280 in the preconference tournament. Jacob is an honor student with a 4.016 GPA; he is also a member of NHS

Coach Austin comments “Jacob is one of our toughest bowlers. He seems to do his best under pressure. Jacob is a great teammate and competitor and shows great sportsmanship. Jacob represents Red hawk bowling with his great work ethic on and off the lanes.”

Jacob is the son of Odell and Crystal Morales.

Brandon Sipka

Senior Brandon Sipka was named the January Student Athlete of the Month for Ice Hockey.  Brandon a two sport athlete is the team captain on the co-op Ice Hockey with West Catholic, and leading scorer this season. He has tallied and impressive 14 points in 8 games thus far including 8 goals and 6 assists. Brandon has a 3.724 GPA and volunteers as a Youth Hockey Camp Counselor. Brandon also run track for the Red hawks which he competes in 4 events.

Coach Maas states “Brandon is definitely a leader on the team. He is a highly skilled forward with a quick release shot and, he also has great hockey awareness. We are looking for big things from Brandon in the second half of the season!”

Brandon is the son of Ed and Diane Sipka.