By James Streeter

The Cedar Springs Youth Wrestling (CSYW) program continues to make a name for itself throughout the region and the state. This past Sunday a team of 10U Red Hawks traveled to Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo along with 70 other teams from across the state for the MyWAY Team State Championships, while another group of Red Hawks traveled to Hudsonville for some MyWAY West Region action. In Hudsonville seven Red Hawks found their way onto the podium, and as a team Cedar finished with 12 pins and 236 total match points. Coach Streeter was impressed with the outcome at state stating, “We are a very consistent team across the board. Our wrestlers are very solid at every weight, which creates matchup problems with most teams out there.”

On Sunday in Kalamazoo, the Wings Event Center played host to best youth wrestling teams from across the state and the Red Hawks again proved themselves among the best. In initial pool matches the Red Hawks went 2-1 while defeating Edwardsburg 52-25, Mason 52-24, and eventually dropped a close match to Brighton 40-42. These results proved enough to move the Red Hawks into the winner’s bracket to determine the top eight in state. Cedar got off on the right foot with a huge win over high school conference rival Lowell 42-37, solidifying their spot in the top 4. The next match was lopsided as the Red Hawks fell to eventual state champion South Lyon by the score of 3-77. The next match to determine 3^rd and 4^th place was another loss for the Red Hawks as they fell to Hartland 27-49. Cedar finished the day as the 4^th best team in the state behind South Lyon, Dundee, and Hartland. They also finished the day in 5^th place in pins with 27, 7^th in team points with 216, and 10^th in match points with 215. The Red Hawks also finished with five wrestlers earning all-state honors. Brycen Alber, Ben Streeter, Dayton Reynolds, Ales Hanes, and Zach Vu all won four or more matches to earn all-state honors. This is the second year in a row that the Red Hawks have placed in the top eight.

In Hudsonville, the Red Hawks were also successful as seven grapplers made the podium. In the 2009-2010 age group 57lb bracket, Elijah Elam claimed 2^nd place while Triton Spicer took 3^rd in his first tournament in the Open group. Also in the 2009-2010 age group, NaHaar Nicholls took 3^rd in the combined bracket of 57/60lbs. In the 2007-2008 age group, Deegan Pike earned a hard fought 2^nd place finish in the 80lb bracket, while Rory Schoenborn wrestled his way to a 3^rd place finish in the 105lb bracket. Cedar had two wrestlers medal in the High School division with Landon Demorest earning 1^st place in the combined weight class of 98/106lbs and David Erxleben also earning 1^st place in the 138lb bracket.

This week the Red Hawks continue to gear up for Regionals by traveling to Central Montcalm for some MyWAY North Region action.

Cedar Springs Youth wrestlers show off their medals. Photo courtesy of Terry Troupe.

By Jacquie Troupe

CSYWC traveled to Grandville HS Sunday January 7th to compete in the first MYWAY Open and Novice tournament of the new year in the West Region. 

We brought 26 grapplers to compete alongside 630 others. Five wrestlers competed for the first time this season and two—Kaiden Dreyer and Joseph Reynhout—competed in their first ever matches. The team finished 6th in Most Pins with 21 in 30:45, and 10th in Total Match Points with 279, ending the day 44-48. 

According to Coach Scott Marsman, the kids came back from Christmas break and wrestled with a lot of determination and heart. “We are all very proud of how they handle themselves on and off the mat,” he said. “We are looking forward to a very exciting year with them.”

Spencer Schoenborn topped the day off taking 1st in Most Pins in the Least Time with 5 pins in 7:44. Zach Vu had 3 in 2:55 taking the 27th spot, Rory Schoenborn was 38th with 3 in 5:27, Blake Falan was 57th with 2 in :48, Alex Hanes took the 70th spot with 2 in 1:23.

Carter Falan had the Fastest Tech for the team and was 21st overall with 2:52.

Zach Vu had the 4th overall fastest pin for the day with :09! His second fastest pin was :17, tying for 21st. Blake Falan tied for 33rd with :20, Rory Schoenborn was 39th with :22 and Alex Hanes had the 100th fastest with :34.

Spencer Schoenborn scored the most team points with 22, tying for 29th overall. Carter Falan had 21.5, Zach Vu had 20, Alex Hanes scored 15 and Rory Shoenborn scored 14.

Karsen Roelofs scored the most single match points for the team with 18-11th overall (35 points for the day), Kaiden Dreyer (31 total) and Carter Falan (24 total) tied for 55th with 15 points.

Taking the 4th place medals was Jaxon Fitzgerald, Rory Schoenborn, Blake Falan, Gavyn Byxbe and Gabe Gair. Finishing 3rd was Brycen Alber, Alex Hanes and Spencer Schoenborn. 2nd place medalists were Ben Streeter and Maston Wood. Our 1st place Champions were Zach Vu, Jon Libera and Carter Falan. 

Next week the team will compete at Kent City and Central Montcalm.

Tatianna Castillo was champion in the 52lb 7/8 age group at Grandville.

By Barbra Chong

West Michigan Pursuit split up this weekend to compete at the Mat Mahem Duals and Individual event in Fort Wayne, Indiana and the Grandville tournament. 

Brody Compau wrestled with Team MYWAY Blue, 8U. Compau claimed a victory and his team finished 8^th. Drew Moro wrestled on Team MYWAY Red, 8U. He went undefeated for the day and his team finished 3^rd. Moro also entered the 61 and 64 lb individual event and claimed Championship titles in both weight classes. Luke Egan and Tyler Parmeter wrestled with Team MYWAY Blue, 10U. Egan claimed 4 victories for the team and finished 4th in the individual. Parmeter claimed a victory for the team and finished 4^th in the individual. Their team finished 12^th. Blake Peasley wrestled with Team MYWAY Red, 10U. Peasley claimed 3 victories for the team. He finished 3^rd in the individual and his team took 6th. Josh Vasquez wrestled for Team MYWAY Blue, 12U. Vasquez claimed 4 victories for the team and finished 3^rd in the individual. His team finished in in 12^th. Quinten Cassiday and Kaleb Pautke entered both Mat Mahem and Grandville.  Pautke finished 3^rd at Mat Mahem in the 8U, 55 lb wt class and claimed a Championship title at Grandville in the 7/8 age group, 55 lb wt class. Cassiday finished 3^rd at Mat Mahem in the 10U, 62 lb wt class and 2^nd at Grandville in the 9/10 age group, 63 lb wt class. Kellen Weckesser entered Mat Mahem and finished 5th in the 10U, 58 lb wt class. 

Grandville results are as follows: 80 lb Isaiah Sostenes finished 3^rd in the 9/10 age group. 75 lb Harper Cheng, 9/10 age group and 64 lb Aaiden Vasquez, 7/8 age group finished in 2^nd Place. Champions of the day are 52 lb Tatianna Castillo, 7/8 age group; 90 lb Isaiah Smith, 9/10 age group and 67 lb Kamden Witte, 9/10 age group. Congratulations to Isaiah Smith, this is his first Championship title! 

“I have been pushing these kids hard this year preparing them for very bright futures. I am very proud of their response. They are competing with some of the best wrestlers in the nation,” said Head Coach Dave Andrus.

Front row, L-R: Deegan Pike, Blake Falan, Brandson Wood, Tucker Crystal.  Back row, L-R: Coach Bryan Goike, Wyatt Cooper, Carter Falan, Andrew VanGessel, Trevor Marsman, Hudson Crystal, Coach Jake Marsman. Not pictured: Logan Troupe, Ben Brunner, Landen Totten. Photo by J. Troupe.

By Jacquie Troupe

Last weekend, March 18-19, 662 area wrestlers traveled to Caledonia High School for the MYWAY West Regional Tournament. CSYWC competed with 50 other teams to determine who will head to the State Championships in Lansing March 31-April 2. Of the 23 kids from CS Youth Wrestling Club, 17 placed in the top 6. Of those 17, 12 took a top four position and qualified for State. They were 12th over all in Most Pins/Least Time with 17 in 27:31; 6th in Match Points with 301; and finished the weekend 41W-37L.

“As a culmination of the year’s hard work, it was exciting to see 12 of our wrestlers take the top spots to head to the State Championship,” Coach Goike stated after practice Tuesday evening. “So many times kids are burned out by this time. These wrestlers are still going strong and ready to face the next challenge.”

In the 2010-2012 40lb class, Sierra Streeter placed 5th after 4 matches. In the 49lb class Tucker Crystal was the Regional Champion after 4 matches with the final match a :20 pin. He was 3rd over all in Most Pins in Least time with 4 in 4:35 and tied for 21st fastest pin with :20. In the 55lb class Jaxon Fitzgerald placed 6th after 4 matches and Benjamin Streeter placed 5th after 4 matches.

In the 2008-2009 58lb class Deegan Pike placed 5th after 6 matches. In the 64lb class Blake Falan placed 3rd after 6 matches.

In the 2006-2007 55lb class, Brandson Wood placed 3rd after 3 matches. In the 80lb class Hudson Crystal placed 5th after 6 matches. In the 110lb class Dakota Winchel placed 5th after 4 matches. In the 150lb class Wyatt Cooper placed 2nd after 4 matches.

In the 2005 80lb class, Tommy Stevens placed 3rd after 3 matches.

In the 2004 105lb class, Carter Falan was the Regional Champion after 2 matches. Ben Brunner placed 2nd after 2 matches. Logan Troupe placed 3rd after 2 matches.

In the 2003 85lb class, Trevor Marsman placed 2nd after 3 matches.

In the 2002 95lb class, Andrew VanGessel placed 2nd after 3 matches. In the 195lb class, Landen Totten was the Regional Champion after 2 matches.

Twenty-three Cedar Springs Youth wrestlers competed alongside 107 other teams last weekend for the final regular season and last MYWAY Greights competition. Almost 700 grapplers competed for the final piece of this year’s Greights medal and a chance to be Champion for the last West Region regular season tournament.

CSYWC finished 10th in match points with 188. Deegan pike scored 31, Wyatt Dickinson, 20; Chasyn Winchel & Wyatt Cooper, 19; Carter Falan, 16; Tucker Crystal, 13; Bllake Falan & Cade Troupe each scored 9, David DeWeese and Bryson Streeter each scored 7, Logan Troupe, 6; Daniel Vaughn, Remington DeWeese, and William Dickinson, 5; Matthew Vaughn & Landen Totten, 4; Hudson Crystal, Gavyn Byxbe & Dakota Winchel scored 2 each. We finished the day 37-35 and 7th in pins with 17 in 25:51.

According to Coach Goike, “Its good to see the kids peaking just in time for Regionals this week! They are really pushing themselves in practice and are not showing any signs of burn out. They are ready for the strong competition at Caledonia!”

Wyatt Cooper came in 25th over all and first on the team with 3 pins in 4:11. David DeWeese was 51st over all and 2nd on the team with 2 in :40. He also had the 4th fastest pin of the day in  :13! Awesome job, David! Wyatt Dickinson tied for 12th in most single match points with 18. Deegan Pike had the most match points for the day and tied for 40th over all with 31. David DeWeese had the top fastest pins for the team with :13 and :27, William Dickinson was 3rd with :34, Landen Totten was 4th with :40 and Wyatt Cooper was 5th with :41.

In the 2008-2012 Girls division, 40lb class Sierra Streeter placed 2nd after 2 matches.

In the 2002-2004 Girls division, 122lb class Ashly Erxleben placed 1st after 2 matches.

In the 2010-2012 All division, 52lb class Tucker Crystal placed 4th after 4 matches. In the 58lb class Chasyn Winchel placed 2nd after 4 matches.

In the 2008-2009 Open division, 64lb class Blake Falan placed 3rd after 3 matches. In the 72lb class Jonathan Libera placed 3rd after 2 matches. In the Novice division, 52lb class Caden Troupe placed 4th after 3 matches. In the 58lb class Deegan Pike placed 3rd after 4 matches.

In the 2006-2007 Open division, 100lb class Matthew Vaughn placed 2nd after 2 matches. In the 150lb class Wyatt Cooper placed 2nd after 4 matches. In the Novice division, 130lb class David DeWeese placed 1st after 2 matches.

In the 2004-2005 Open division, 105lb class Carter Falan placed 1st after 3 matches.

In the 2002-2003 Open division, 195lb class Landen Totten placed 1st after 2 matches.

Photo by J. Troupe

By Jacquie Troupe

Nineteen CS Youth wrestlers and their families joined 419 other grapplers at Grand Haven High School Sunday, January 29, for the weekly MYWAY West Region tournament, with 16 placing in the top four of their weight class.

“Sunday’s results are a testament to how hard these kids are working in practice. A special shout out to Chasyn Winchel & David DeWeese, taking 1st place in their weight classes for the very first time! Congratulations boys!” said Coach Bryan Goike.

The team had 16 pins and tech falls in a total time of 21:45; 188 match points for the day; and tied for 10th place over all with Mona Shores. They finished the day with 27W-30L.

Jonathan Libera had the fastest pin in :12, Bryson Streeter :23, Chasyn Winchel :23/ :47, David DeWeese :29, Blake Falan :36/ :44, Carter Falan :55, Andrew VanGessel 1:20,

Trevor Marsman had the most match points for the team with 34. Carter Falan had 22. Jonathan Libera had 20. Andrew VanGessel had 17. Hudson Crystal had 16. Ben Brunner had 15. Blake Falan had 13. Benjamin Streeter had 10.

In the 2010-2012 Open division, 49lb class Bryson Streeter 4th place after 4 matches. In the 52lb class Tucker Crystal placed 1st after 2 matches. In the 55lb class Chasyn Winchel placed 1st after 2 matches. In the 55lb class Jayden Mull placed 3rd after 2 matches. In the 58lb class Ben Streeter placed 4th after 3 matches.

In the 2008-2009 Open division, 64lb class Blake Falan placed 3rd after 4 matches. In the 72lb class Jonathan Libera placed 2nd after 4 matches.

In the 2006-2007 Novice division, 110lb class Dakota Winchel placed 1st after 2 matches. In the 150lb class David DeWeese placed 1st after 2 matches. In the Open division, 80lb class Hudson Crystal placed 3rd after 4 matches. In the 150lb class Wyatt Cooper placed 2nd after 2 matches.

In the 2004-2005 Novice division, 100lb class Ben Brunner placed 2nd after 2 matches.

In the Open division, 105lb class Carter Falan placed 1st after 4 matches.

In the 2002-2003 Open division, 85lb class Trevor Marsman placed 1st after 3 matches. In the 100lb class Andrew VanGessel placed 2nd after 4 matches.

WMP wrestler Aaiden Vasquez who bumped up a weight class in order to have some mat time. Photo by B. Chong.

By Barbra Chong

West Michigan Pursuit had a busy weekend of wrestling traveling to Grand Haven, Ithaca and South Dakota. 62 lb Drew Moro entered the Buffalo Nationals–Midwest Tour in South Dakota. He battled into the Championship and lost by 2 points, finishing in 2nd Place.

WMP had 5 grapplers enter the MYWAY Greights North tournament in Ithaca and 3 finished in the top four. 80 lb Blake Peasley, 9/10 age group finished 4th place due to an injury default. 155 lb Aidan Dowdell, 13/15 age group finished 2nd Place. 59 lb Landon Foss, 9/10 age group claimed the Championship title.

WMP had 14 grapplers enter the Grand Haven tournament and placed 12 in the top four. 80 lb Blake Hammer, 11/12 age group; 55/59 lb Mason Hendrick, 9/10 age group and 80 lb Isaiah Smith, 9/10 age group finished 4th Place. 52/55 lb Kaleb Pautke, 7/8 age group and 75 lb Isaiah Sostenes, 9/10 age group finished 3rdPlace. 61 lb Selina Stalker, 4/6 age group and 52/55 lb Aaiden Vasquez, 7/8 age group finished 2nd Place. 64 lb Quinten Cassiday, 7/8 age group; 67 lb Chayson Eberspeaker, 7/8 age group; 55/59 lb Josh Vasquez, 9/10 age group; 49 lb Blake Werkema, 4/6 age group and 158 lb Maston Wood, 11/12 age group all claimed Championship titles.

“Often the focus is put on whether you win or lose; I believe that it is everything leading up to that point. How you conduct yourself is just as important, that response is what makes a Champion,” said Head Coach, Dave Andrus.

Results from Battle on the Eve, Great Lakes Championship, Grandville, Big Rapids and Otsego.

By Barbra Chong

Josh Vasquez earned a Championship title in the 55/59 lb, 9/10 age group at Grandville, last weekend. Photo by Melissa Egan.

West Michigan Pursuit has had a busy schedule of wrestling. Drew Moro traveled to Missouri for the Battle on the Eve, December 31. He competed in the 8 and under age group/60 lb weight class. Drew went undefeated, 4-0 and took the Championship Title.

Friday, January 6, seven grapplers traveled to Indiana for the Great Lakes Championship. Competitors from California to Pennsylvania came to compete in this tough tournament. 14U, 143 lb Aaiden Dowdell finished 7thPlace; 10U, 58 lb Josh Vasquez, finished 8th Place, and 80 lb Blake Peasley finished 7th Place; 8U, 58 lb Drew Moro finished 6th Place, and 72 lb Tyler Parmeter finished 8th Place.

Sunday, January 8, the team split to compete at Grandville, Big Rapids and Otsego. Blake Peasley entered the MYWAY Greights tournament in Otsego. He went undefeated, 4-0 taking the Championship Title in the 80 lb wt class/ 9/10 age group.

WMP entered 6 grapplers at the Big Rapids trophy tournament. The 2 foot tall trophies attracted several tough competitors. 52 lb Kaleb Pautke took 3rd Place in the 9/10 age group. Taking home Championship titles were 64 lb Quinten Cassiday, 7/8 age group; 67 lb Chayson Eberspeaker, 7/8 age group; 55 lb Kellen Weckesser, 7/8 age group, and 49 lb Blake Werkema, 4/6 age group.

The West Region tournament was held at Grandville where eight WMP grapplers entered to compete. 55/59 lb Landon Foss, 9/10 age group and 55 lb Aaiden Vasquez, 7/8 age group finished 2nd Place. Those taking home Championship titles included 63 lb Luke Egan, 9/10 age group; 61/64 lb Drew Moro, 7/8 age group; 67/72 lb Tyler Parmeter, 7/8 age group; 71 lb Isaiah Sostenes, 9/10 age group and 55/59 lb Josh Vasquez, 9/10 age group.

“After a difficult start to the weekend with Great Lakes Nationals, I was very impressed how they refocused and dominated on Sunday,” said Head Coach Dave Andrus.

By Jacquie Troupe

Despite the bad weather on Sunday, December 11, 16 wrestlers competed in the second MYWAY West tournament at Lakewood High School. Of the 16, 13 brought home medals.

Placing 1st were Landon Totten in the 03-02 195lb Open division, Logan Troupe in the 05-04 100lb Open division, Wyatt Cooper in the 07-06 150lb Open division & Luke Ball in the 12-10 HWT Open division.

Placing 2nd were Trevor Marsman in the 03-02 85lb Open Division, Andrew VanGessel in the 03-02 95lb Open division, Hudson Crystal in the 07-06 85lb Open division, Caleigh Wood in the 09-08 49lb Open division, Deegan Pike in the 09-08 55lb Novice division and Tucker Crystal in the 12-10 52lb Open division.

Placing 3rd was Gavyn Byxbe in the 07-06 75lb Open division.

Placing 4th were Annabelle Wood in the 05-04 95lb Novice division, Thomas Prins in the 07-06 90lb Novice division and Caden Troupe in the 09-08 52lb Novice division.

A special mention needs to be made to Jayce Karafa. He took 3rd place in the 58lb Novice division at Kentwood on 12/4/16. It was his first tournament.

Cedar Springs Youth Wrestlers had a strong showing at regionals, with 15 placing in the top 6. Several will be headed to state in two weeks. Photo by J. Troupe.

By Jacquie Troupe

Last weekend, 19 Cedar Springs Youth Wrestlers competed in the MYWAY West Regional Tournament. There were two days of intense competition that resulted in 49 wins, with 15 wrestlers placing in the top 6 spots. Seven of those wrestlers will head to Battle Creek in two weeks for the state tournament. 

Hudson Crystal had the fastest pin for the team with :10, Brandson Wood with :22, and Blake Falan with :30. According to Coach Goike, “Having 15 out of 18 wrestlers place place made for a very impressive finish for the year. The dedication that they have all shown in practice has given them the edge they need to be successful for the State Tournament and beyond.” 

Placing 2nd in the 11-09 ALL 61lb division was Jonathan Libera; in the 08-07 ALL 72lb division was Hudson Crystal; and in the 02-01 ALL 85lb division was Andrew VanGessel.

Placing 3rd in the 06-05 ALL 59lb division was Keaton Klaasen; in the 08-07 ALL 67lb division was Gavyn Byxbe; and in the 04-03 ALL 75lb division wasTrevor Marsman.

Placing 4th in the 08-07 ALL 58lb division was Blake Falan.

Placing 5th in the 11-09 ALL 46lb division was Tucker Crystal, and in the 04-03 ALL 90lb division, Carter Falan.

Placing 6th in the 11-09 ALL 46lb division was Caleigh Wood; in the 11-09 ALL 49lb division was Chasyn Winchel; in the 08-07 ALL 52lb division was Brandson Wood; in the 08-07 ALL 97lb division was Dakota Winchel; in the 06-05 ALL 80lb division was Blake Pickard; and in the 06-05 ALL 130lb division was David DeWeese.

Cedar Springs Youth Wrestling Club traveled to Brighton, Fremont, Carson City and Ann Arbor last weekend to compete in several tournaments marking the end of the regular season. Twenty-two wrestlers, several coaches and their families represented our community with great sportsmanship. As they head into the MYWAY Regional Championships at Northview High School March 19-20, their hard work and dedication will determine whether they qualify for the State Championship in Battle Creek on April 3. If you see them in school or around town give them a high five and tell them congratulations on a hard fought, respectable season.

Two wrestlers traveled to Brighton High School for the Border Wars Monster Medal Tournament. Hudson Crystal placed 3rd in the 72lb 08-07 Open division. His fastest tech fall was 2:10, 3rd fastest in his age bracket and 11th over all. He qualified for the 2016 Border Wars Folkstyle Nationals at the Kellogg Arena! They finished their day with 5 wins-3 losses.

Ten wrestlers traveled to Fremont High School. Carter Falan finished 4th, David DeWeese finished 3rd, Brandson Wood and Blake Pickard finished 2nd. Dakota Winchel and Annabelle Wood were our first place Champions! They finished the day with 14 wins-18 losses and had 7 pins in a total time of 12:27. Carter Falan had 2 pins in a total time of 2:30, the fastest one for the team being :39. Chasyn Winchel had the fastest technical fall in 2 minutes.

Five wrestlers traveled to Carson City High School. Placing 4th were Gavyn Byxbe and Wyatt Cooper, placing 2nd were Benjamin Streeter and Andrew VanGessel. They finished the day with 5 wins-11 losses. Andrew VanGessel had the fastest pin for the team. Gavyn Byxbe had the most matches for the day with 4.

Seven wrestlers and their families traveled to Saline High School to participate in the Saline Novice Championship alongside 450 other grapplers in 59 divisions. Tucker Crystal placed 4th, Jonathan Libera placed 3rd, Blake Falan, Logan Troupe & Ariana Meyers placed 2nd and our 1st place Champion was Hudson Crystal! Ariana Meyers had 3 pins in a total time of 3:22 and the fastest pin for the team at :26. They finished the day 28-9, 9th place out of 92 teams from all over the state!

Five state champions…one for each month that the Cedar Springs Youth wrestlers have worked toward the MYWAY State Wrestling Championships. Since early November, youth wrestlers and coaches have been sacrificing and training in hopes of earning the coveted title of State Champion. Twenty of those Red Hawks, along with approximately 2,500 other youth wrestlers, earned their spot to wrestle at the 2015 MYWAY State Championships, held at the Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek, Michigan,  March 28, 29 and 30.  Of the 20 who competed, twelve of them placed in the top eight, further qualifying them to compete in national events. Possibly the biggest accomplishment of any club in the state of Michigan is that Cedar Springs Youth Wrestling had five wrestlers crowned 2015 State Champions!

Eighth grader, Ryan Ringler, went 4-0 to earn his fifth State Champion title! Ringler’s second period pin in the championship round against Aaron Gilmore of Donahoe secured his 2015 State Champion Title in the 170lb, 13/14 division.

Allexis Gonzales, also an eighth grader, took Girls State Champion in the 14U division at 130lbs. She went 5-0, winning her first four matches by pins. She earned a minor decision in her championship match against Kelsy Coger of Pennfield.

Seventh grader, Reese Gonzales, went 4-0, pinning all of her opponents, in a round robin. She earned Girls State Champion at 110 lbs in the 14U division. Her toughest match was against runner-up Payton Smith of Clio, who she pinned in the second round.

Zoe Gonzales battled her way to Girls State Champion at 76lbs in the 11U division. Gonzales went 3-0, winning each match by only one point. In the championship round, she beat Karlie Woodall of Coloma, with a score of 3-2. Gonzales won after she earned a reversal in the last few seconds of the third round.

Cora Gonzales was the youngest Girls State Champion for the Red Hawks this year. Gonzales, who wrestled at 52lbs in the 9U division, went 4-0, with 3 pins and one decision. She won her State Champion title with a 5-0 decision in the final round against Tricia Pyrzewski  of Gladwin.

Freshman George Gonzales Jr. battled the toughest side of the 20-man chart to earn his second place finish. With a record of 4-1, he suffered his only loss, at 174lbs in the 15/16 division, against Trevor Piggott of Ionia.

Seventh grader Rosie Castro finished in second place at 122lbs in the 14U Girls Division. She had first and second round pins to secure her spot in the championship round where she took runner-up to Kennedi Gotha of Linden.

By placing in the top three spots at State or top two in the Girls division, all seven wrestlers listed above won a custom championship singlet and the opportunity to be partially sponsored by MYWAY  for national tournaments. The next five wrestlers below battled tough, but were unable to secure a top finish.

Six-year-old, Veronica Tapia was the only girl in the area who competed in both the MYWAY State Finals and the MYWAY Girls State Finals, wrestling a total of 12 matches! Tapia went 5-2 on a 32-person chart to take fourth at 40lb in the 4/6 division.  She went 3-2 at 40lb in the 9U Girls’ division to take third.

Keaton Klaasen had a very impressive  6th place finish at 52lbs in the 7/8 division. He went 5-2 on a chart of 31 wrestlers.

The girls rounded out the results with 6th and 7th place finishes in the Girls Division. First year wrestler Madisyn Britley took 6th in the 11U HWT division. Analize Tapia took 7th at 43lbs in the 9U division. Brooklyn Wright finished 7th at 122 lbs in the 14U division.

Cedar Springs Youth Wrestling Club has been and continues to be one of the most successful youth wrestling clubs in the state of Michigan. Head Coach George Gonzales Sr. attributes that to the hard work and dedication of the volunteer coaches and the wrestlers.

“I am proud to be part of a program that teaches athletes about integrity, hard work and dedication,” said Gonzales. “Sure, there are times when the wrestlers want to give up, but you don’t win by giving up. They need to earn what they want by working hard and not by cheating themselves. These are lessons they will be taking into adulthood. It’s about integrity, on and off the mat. That is what makes us champions and that is what will make these kids champions in life.”