Six earn all-state honors

By Barbra Chong

West Michigan Pursuit traveled to the Lansing Center for the 2017 State Finals this past weekend. There were 272 teams and just over 2900 wrestlers registered to compete. WMP is currently ranked #41 as a team. They had 16 individuals enter the tournament and six finished in the top 5, earning All State Recognition.

The following individuals wrestled tough but unfortunately fell short of making it to the placement rounds. Luke Egan won 3 matches; Carter Castillo, Chayson Eberspeaker and Kellen Weckesser all won two matches each and Logan Bennet won a match.

Final placements are as follows:

Quinten Cassiday entered the 61 lb wt class in the 7/8 age group and finished in 5^th Place. Cassiday’s season record is 48-4.

Ahmad Starr entered the 138 lb wt class in the High School division and finished 4^th Place.

Finishing in third place was 59 lb Josh Vasquez, 9/10 age group, and 46 lb Blake Werkema, 4/6 age group. Vasquez has a season record of 44-5. Werkema’s season record is 47-3, and he also made the top 100 for most pins at the State Finals. He is currently listed at #59 with 3 pins totaling 1:34.

In the 7/8 age group, 58 lb Drew Moro and 67 lb Tyler Parmeter both finished in 2^nd Place. Parmeter’s season record is 38-11 and Moro’s season record is 41-10.

State Champion is 75 lb Blake “Beast” Peasley, 9/10 age group, finishing his season with a 48-8 record. This is Peasley’s second State Title, with his first one in the 2014 season.

“A wrestling season is built on preparation, determination and heart,” said Head Coach Dave Andrus. “It is difficult to achieve personal success without the support of each wrestler’s family. Every wrestling family knows you give it your all. A season is not defined on wins and losses but rather watching your athletes move in a positive direction. For a coach, it is the greatest joy to have an athlete run off the mat and into your arms after achieving their goal.”

WMP state qualifiers. Photo by B. Chong.

By Barbra Chong

West Michigan Pursuit traveled to Caledonia for the 2016-2017 Regionals. Twenty-one individuals entered the tournament and 17 placed in the top four, which qualifies them to compete at the State tournament in two weeks at the Lansing Center.

Finishing in fourth place was 90 lb Logan Bennett, 11/12 age group.

In third place was 52 lb Kaleb Pautke, 7/8 age group.

Finishing in second place was 67 lb Chayson Eberspeaker, 7/8 age group; 122 lb David Erxleben, High School division; 75 lb Blake Peasley, 9/10 age group; 61 lb Selina Stalker, 4/6 age group; and 55 lb Kellen Weckesser, 7/8 age group.

Regional Champions are 61 lb Quinten Cassiday, 7/8 age group; 70 lb Carter Castillo, 11/12 age group; 63 lb Luke Egan, 9/10 age group; 58 lb Drew Moro, 7/8 age group; 67 lb Tyler Parmeter, 7/8 age group; 155 lb Lucus Pienton, High School division; 138 lb Ahmad Starr, High School division; 59 lb Josh Vasquez, 9/10 age group; 46 lb Blake Werkema, 4/6 age group and 158 lb Maston Wood, 11/12 age group.

“My first year running WMP, I had seven individuals qualify with three Regional Champions. Five years later, I have 17 individuals qualifying with 10 Regional Championship titles. These kids and their parents continue to impress me with their neverending support and dedication. The combined efforts are what makes this program a success,” said Head Coach Dave Andrus.