From left to right: Nate Patin, 6th Place; Jordan Andrus, 5th Place; Logan Hull, 6th Place; Jordan Ringler, 2nd Place; Lucus Pienton, 3rd Place; Ryan Ringler, 3rd Place; Patrick Depiazza, Champion and Coach Nick Emery.
by Barbra Chong
Wednesday, December 16, Cedar Springs High School Wrestling hosted a North Kent Quad where Cedar Springs, Sparta, Rockford and Kent City were all looking for the Championship Title. In the first dual of the night, Cedar Springs defeated Kent City with a final score, 42-27. The Red Hawks then went up against Sparta and lost by a difficult, 9-49. Out of the four teams competing, Cedar Springs took 2nd Place after Sparta.
The two highlights of the evening were wins by junior Jordan Ringler at 119 lbs and junior Patrick Depiazza at Heavyweight. Jordan Ringler took to the mat against Sparta senior Dylan Wilkins, who is currently ranked #1 in the state of Michigan. Ringler and Wilkins went head to head but Ringler successfully defended Wilkins’ signature low single as time expired, final score 5-3. Patrick Depiazza had the anticipated last match of the evening against Sparta senior Tom Rock, who is currently ranked #2 in the state of Michigan. Depiazza and Rock battled into overtime, with Depiazza defeating his opponent with the first take down and final score of 5-3.
Saturday, December 19, Cedar Springs traveled to Davenport University for the Kent County Championship. The tournament attracted 17 area teams and some of the best wrestlers in the area. The best fan base award was claimed by our very own Cedar Springs crowd. Final team standings were Lowell, 1st Place; Forest Hills Central, 2nd Place; Rockford, 3rd Place and Cedar Springs, 4th Place.
The individual records were: heavyweight, Patrick Depiazza, who went undefeated with 3 wins and took home the Championship title; 119 lb Jordan Ringler, with two wins and 2nd place; 145 lb Lucus Pienton and 171 lb Ryan Ringler with three wins and 3rd place each; 130 lb Jordan Andrus with 4 wins and 5th place; 112 lb Logan Hull and 160 lb Nate Patin with two wins each and 6th Place. 152 lb Anthony Topolski, 160 lb Gage Gardner and 189 lb Chris Shaffer won two matches each and 125 lb Patrick Fliearman and 135 lb Jesse Empie with 1 win each.
“Facing adversity, the boys decided to double down this weekend,” said Head Coach Nick Emery. “There were unexpected and eye opening performances throughout the day. In the words of the great Vince Lombardi, ‘It doesn’t matter how many times you get knocked down, as long as you keep getting back up.’ Our fans were spectacular and I love our grassroots mentality. Freshmen Ryan Ringler and Lucus Pienton both proved they are legit contenders with tough battles against all-state seniors.”
If you are able to come support the Red Hawks, the next tournament will be held at Grandville High School, next Wednesday, December 30. Competition will start at 9 a.m.
