Cedar Springs Youth wrestlers and their medals. L-R: Coach Jake Marsman, Wyatt Dickinson, Deegan Pike, Gabe Gair, Cole Haack, Cade Troupe, Chasyn Winchel, Dakota Winchel, William Dickinson. Photo by J. Troupe.

By Jacquie Troupe

Three CSYWC grapplers joined 334 others to try to win a plate sized Monster Medal at the first Border Wars tournament of the season in Brighton, Mich. on Saturday, March 25. Coached by their dads, the boys experienced some great competition from all over the state.

In the 2008-2009 49lb class, Tucker Crystal placed 3rd after 3 matches, scoring 6 match points. In the combined 67/72lb class, Jonathon Libera placed 4th after 3 matches, scoring 6 match points.

In the 2006-2007 80lb class Hudson Crystal wrestled 3 matches, going 1-2 for the day and scoring 7 match points.

CS Youth wrestlers were some of 356 first and second year wrestlers that competed for top spots at the Novice Championships in Saline, Mich. This is the third year the club has travelled to this tournament and it is a fantastic way for the novice wrestler to end their year. The eight local wrestlers finished the day 21-10.

“I’m really proud of these kids. They are out here every week learning new moves and driving themselves just as hard as the more experienced wrestlers. They are using that knowledge from those tough losses and pushing themselves to win matches. I can’t wait to get them back on the mat next year!” said Coach Jake Marsman.

The team placed 10th out of 76 in Most Pins/Least Time with 10 pins in 14:22. Chasyn Winchel was 41st over all with 2 in :44. Dakota Winchel placed 43rd over all with 2 in :57. Deegan Pike was 64th over all with 2 in 2:55. Cade Troupe placed 93rd over all with 1 in :42. CSYWC was 17th in over all match points with 106. Wyatt Dickinson came in 2nd over all in Single Match Points with 19. Cole Haack was 44th over all with 13.

In the 2010-2012 55lb class Chasyn Winchel placed 1st after 4 matches.

In the 2008-2009 58lb class Deegan Pike placed 3rd after 7 matches.

In the 2006-2007 110lb class Dakota Winchel placed 3rd after 4 matches.

In the 2004-2005 100lb class Cole Haack placed 1st after 2 matches. In the 105lb class, Gabe Gair placed 1st after 3 matches, 54th over all in Most Pins/Least Time with 2 in 5:45.

Hundreds of youth wrestlers from all over the nation attended the Border Wars Folkstyle National Championships held Sunday, November 2, 2013 at the Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek, Michigan.  In attendance were three of Cedar Springs very own youth wrestlers, Landon Demorest, Aiden Bouwens and Gage Gardner, all of whom placed in their divisions.

Landon Demorest and Aiden Bouwens both wrestled in the 9/10 year-old division. Landon took an impressive 4th place finish in the 55lbs weight class. Aiden also took home an equally impressive 4th place finish in the 90lbs weight class. Gage Gardner was crowned Border Wars National Champion this year. He pinned all three of his opponents in 26 seconds or less to secure his victory in the 11/12 year-old, 133lb weight class.

If your son our daughter would be interested in wrestling for a program that has been proven to produce State and National Champions or if they just want to be conditioned,  come join the Cedar Springs Youth Wrestling Club. Practices are Tuesdays and Thursdays in the High School Wrestling Room from 6:00 p.m. To 8:00 p.m. Registration is going on right now! Check the website at cedarspringsyouthwrestling.com.

Two of the top youth wrestlers from Cedar Springs placed at the Border Wars National Wrestling Tournament held in Battle Creek, MI on Sunday November 13, 2011.  Landon Demmorest took 4th place in the 7/8 year old, 43lb weight class. George Gonzales Jr took 3rd in the 11/12 year old, heavyweight class.  Both boys did quite well against some of the top wrestlers from all over the nation.  If your child is interested in wrestling, Cedar Springs Youth Wrestling club is the place for them.  Sign ups and practices start November 22 in the the Cedar Springs High School Cafeteria.  Sign ups will continue on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00-8:00 PM at the High school until early December.  You can get more info at www.cedarspringsyouthwrestling.com.