Brandon Sawade with Coach Lett.

Cedar Springs senior Tara Tepin, junior Brandon Sawade, and senior Alex Douglas all competed at the MHSAA Division 2 State Track finals.

Coach Rob Neier, senior Tara Tepin, and Coach Covey.

On Saturday, June 3, at Zeeland Stadium, three members of the boys and girls track team competed in the MHSAA Division 2 State Finals Track Meet.

Senior Tara Tepin placed in both the 100 and 300 meter hurdles and earned all state honors. Tara lowered her school record in the 100-meter hurdles in the prelim race to 15.26 to qualify for the finals, where she placed fifth with a time of 15.34. Tara ran the 300 hurdles in 46.79, just short of her school record in that event, for eighth place. Tara also earned academic all state in both events.

Junior Brandon Sawade and senior Alex Douglas competed in the meet for the boys team. Brandon placed fourth in the pole vault with a jump of 13 feet 7 inches and earned all state honors. Alex competed in the 110-meter hurdles and ran a time of 15.52 in his preliminary race, but did not advance to the finals in the event. Alex placed 12^th overall in the event.

Three Odyssey of the Mind teams from Cedar View Elementary traveled to Thornapple Kellogg High School on Saturday, March 18, to compete in the state finals.

The team that competed in Odd-a-bot Div I (the robot problem) finished fifth.

The team that competed in the problem It’s time, OMER Div I finished 10^th.

The team that competed in Catch us if you can Div I finished 9^th.

“It was a very tough competition at this level,” remarked Michelle Wiles, one of the team coaches. “We are very proud of all their hard work, team building skills, and creative minds put to work in a new challenging way.”

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.”

CS Youth Wrestlers at State Finals last weekend. L-R: Carter Falan, Ben Brunner, Trevor Marsman, Blake Falan, Tommy Stevens, Logan Troupe, Gabe Gair, Cade Troupe. Photo by J. Troupe.

By Jacquie Troupe

What an exciting weekend for CS Youth wrestlers! The competition was off the charts, the Parade of Champions was exhilarating, we had great photo ops and autographs with NCAA’s Division 1 Champions Gabe Dean and Kyle Dake and in true Red Hawk fashion we cheered on the wrestlers we’ve come to know from all over the state through this great sport.

“Making it to the State finals as a youth is one of the most gratifying accomplishments you could ever achieve,” said Coach Scott Marsman. “They will never forget this time and look back on it as the beginning of the journey they take to reach their peak potential. The pride we have as coaches and parents for these amazing kids in their sportsmanship, strength and dignity is exemplified whenever they step on a mat. It will be exciting to see where they are at this time next year.”

Out of 301 teams and a total of 2947 wrestlers, CSYWC came in 88th in pins with 10 in 19:32, 80th in Match Points with 186 and finished the weekend 28W-25L, 167th over all.

In the 2010-2012 49lb class Tucker Crystal placed 3rd after 6 matches with 3 pins in a total time of 6:11, losing one and winning two by decisions of 3-0 and 7-4. He scored 33 match points over two days.

In the 2008-2009 64lb class Blake Falan wrestled 4 matches, winning his first and third matches by decisions of 5-1 and 4-0, scoring 10 match points over the course of the day.

In the 2006-2007 55lb class Brandson Wood wrestled 2 matches scoring 6 match points. In the 80lb class Hudson Crystal had 5 matches with a pin in 2:36, winning his third and fourth matches by major decisions of 15-2 and 8-0 and scored 35 match points. In the 150lb class Wyatt Cooper wrestled 2 matches and scored 2 match points.

In the 2005 80lb class Tommy Stevens placed 6th after 6 matches with a Tech Fall in 2:40, winning his second and third matches by decisions of 6-5 and 8-6, scoring a total of 29 match points over two days.

In the 2004 105lb class Carter Falan wrestled 4 matches, had 2 pins in a total time of 4:09 and scored 15 match points. Ben Brunner wrestled 3 matches, had 1 pin in :47 and scored 2 match points. Logan Troupe wrestled 3 matches, winning his second match 6-4 and scored 8 match points for the day.

In the 2003 85lb class Trevor Marsman placed 7th, wrestled 5 matches with 2 pins in a total time of 5:12, winning his fifth match by a decision of 6-2 and scored 31 match points over two days.

In the 2002 95lb class Andreew VanGessel wrestled 2 matches and scored 7 match points.

In the 2002-2004 Girls Division, 122lb class Ashly Erxleben wrestled 2 matches, scoring 6 match points. In the150lb class Ariana Meyers placed 2nd after 2 matches, had the fastest pin for the team with :37 and scored 2 match points.

Odyssey of the Mind Team 1.

Three Odyssey of the Mind teams from Cedar View Elementary will be heading to the state finals this weekend after placing at regionals in February.

The three teams traveled to Greenville on February 25 to compete at Regionals and finished with one first place and two second places, which allowed them to move on to State Finals.

The first team that took first place at Regionals did Problem 2 Odd-a-Bot: Coryn Wiles, Ember Briggs, Brielle Sarniak, Walker Glyshaw, Nathanael Slager, Devin Jobson, and Silas Cartwright, all in 5th grade.

Odyssey of the Mind Team 2.

The second team which took second place at Regionals did Problem 3 It’s Time, OMER: Dominic Vanderhyde and Michael Stevens, 4th grade; and Emily Stevens, Kendall Fisk, Alana Wiles, Jeremiah Slager, Logan Redes, 3rd grade.

The third team took second at Regional as well and did Problem 1 Catch Us If You Can: Kyla Robinson, Derek Bordeaux, Kaden Kirkwood, Riley Robb: all in 5th grade; and Gavin Kirkwood in 4th grade.

State Finals will be held on March 18 at Thornapple Kellogg High School. By visiting the miodyssey.com website fans can see when they are performing that day.

Odyssey of the Mind Team 3.

Pictured is WMP wrestler Selena Stalker, who took 2nd Place in the 4/6 age group at Fremont. Photo by B. Chong.

By Barbra Chong

West Michigan Pursuit had one individual enter the Eagle Claw tournament in Carson City last weekend. Logan Bennett entered the 11/12 age group in the 85 lb wt class. Bennett went 3-1 and finished for a True 2nd Place.

The rest of the team traveled to Fremont for the MYWA Greights tournament. WMP had 20 individuals enter and placed 16 in the top four.

Finishing in fourth place was 155 lb Aaiden Dowdell, 13/15 age group; 122 lb David Erxleben, High School division; 67 lb Tyler Parmeter, 7/8 age group and 80 lb Isaiah Smith, 9/10 age group.

Finishing in third place was 75 lb Carter Castillo, 11/12 age group; 67 lb Chayson Eberspeaker, 7/8 age group; and 61 lb Spencer Schoenborn, 7/8 Novice age group.

Finishing in second place was 64 lb Quinten Cassiday, 7/8 age group; 80 lb Blake Hammer, 11/12 Novice age group; and 61 lb Selena Stalker, 4/6 age group. Champions of the day were 63 lb Luke Egan, 9/10 age group; 58 lb Drew Moro, 7/8 age group; 75 lb Blake Peasley, 9/10 age group; 59 lb Josh Vasquz, 9/10 age group; 55 lb Kellen Weckesser, 7/8 age group and 46 lb Blake Werkema, 4/6 age group.

“West Michigan Pursuit and the Cedar Springs Youth Wrestling have been stepping up their training and combining practices as they head to Regionals,” said Head Coach, Dave Andrus. “These kids have been pushing each other to secure their spot for an opportunity to compete at the State Finals. I have the highest confidence in these kids to do so.”

By Barbra Chong

Last weekend the Varsity Red Hawks traveled to the Palace of Auburn Hills for the 2017 High School State Finals. Four individuals entered the three-day competition and three finished in the top 3.

Senior Jordan Ringler entered the 135 lb weight class. Jordan’s first opponent was Erik Taylor of Stevensville Lakeshore and he secured a win, 6-1. Next up was Josh Edmond of Orchard Lake and that ended with a loss, 3-4. His final match was Ricky Jefferson of Allegan, and unfortunately ended with a loss, 5-7. Austin Boone of Lowell took the Championship Title. Ringler went 1-2, ending his season with a 39-10 record.

Sophomore Lucas Pienton finished third in the state in the 145lb weight class.

Sophomore Lucus Pienton entered the 145 lb weight class. Pienton started the competition with a loss to Cross Gonzalez of St. John in overtime, 8-10. Pienton rallied and defeated Loren Mason of Jackson NW, 11-4; Hunter George of Eaton Rapids (Ranked #7), 5-4; Keff O’Connell of Warren Woods Tower, 5-0 and Jackson Rickman of Trenton (Ranked #6), 9-1. The consolation finals brought Pienton and Dawson Blank of Linden (Ranked #4) together and Pienton won, 10-8. Austin O’Hearon of Eaton Rapids took the Championship Title. Pienton went 5-1 ending his season with a 38-9 Record and securing 3^rd Place on the Podium.

Sophomore Ryan Ringler finished third in the state in the 171lb weight class. He also earned his 100th career win at state.

Sophomore, Ryan Ringler entered the 171 lb weight class. Ringler started the competition against Joe Hess of Edwardsburg and secured a win, 11-4. Unfortunately Drake Pauwels of New Boston Huron defeated Ringler in over time, 8-10. Ringler then rallied and defeated Trey Barbour of Warren Woods Tower, 14-6; Gabe Larner of Dewitt, 7-4 (also claiming his 100^th Career Win to Larner) and Connor Charping of Trenton (Ranked #1), 4-3. The consolation finals brought Ringler and Pauwels for one more match up. Ringler was determined and claimed another win, 4-3 securing his 3^rd Place spot on the Podium. Ringler went 5-1, ending his season with a 50-2 record. Nino Bastianelli of Marysville took the Championship Title.

Senior Patrick Depiazza finished second in the state in the heavyweight division at the Palace at Auburn Hills.

Senior Patrick Depiazza entered the Heavy Weight division. Depiazza started the competition against Marcus Moss of Flint Kearsley and won by fall, 1:04. He continued his winning streak to defeat Collin Lewis of Eaton Rapids, by fall 1:13 and Joe Markham of Gaylord, 7-0, which put him into the Championship Finals. The Finals match ended with a loss to Chase Beard of Allegan, 1-2. Depiazza went 3-1, ending his season with a 47-1 record.

Congratulations to these boys for making it to the Palace and earning the chance to compete at this venue. Cedar Springs has gained three more All State Wrestlers.

Teammates Carter Falan and Logan Troupe battling it out for 1st place in the 105lb class. Photo by J. Troupe

By Jacquie Troupe

Cedar Springs Youth Wrestling Club took 22 wrestlers to the Northview Open & Novice Tournament Sunday, March 5, 2017. Nine medaled, and they finished the day 46-35, competing against 633 wrestlers on 77 teams. CSYWC came in 6th with over all pins with 19 in 30:33, and 6th in match points with 294.

“As the season winds down, the competition gets tougher,” said Coach Bryan Goike. “Everyone has honed their skills, they are getting ready to compete in Regionals and State in a few weeks. This is the time where competition is serious on the mat and to work harder than you ever have at practice to prove to yourself that your dedication to this sport is worth it.”

Deegan Pike came in 11th out of 655 wrestlers in number of pins in shortest combined time with 4 in 5:22. He also had the fastest pin for the team with :18! Dakota Winchel was 13th with 4 in 6:16 and tied for second fastest pin with :24, along with Jayce Karafa. Brandson Wood was 28th in over all match points with 34, Jonathan Libera shared the 61st spot with 28, Tommy Stevens and Carter Falan shared the 90th spot with 25. Sierra Streeter had the third fastest pin for the team with :26. Bryson Streeter scored the most points in a single match for the team (48th over all) with 15, Carter Falan was second (73rd over all) with 14, Sierra Streeter was third (105th over all) with 13.

In the 2010-2012 All division, 58lb class Chasyn Winchel placed 1st after 2 matches. In the 2008-2009 Open division, 67lb class Johnathan Libera placed 3rd after 4 matches. In the 2008-2009 Novice division, 58lb class Deegan Pike placed 1st after 4 matches. In the 2006-2007 Open division, 55/59lb class Brandson Wood placed 3rd after 4 matches. In the 150lb class Wyatt Cooper placed 1st after 2 matches. In the Novice 110lb class Dakota Winchel placed 2nd after 4 matches. In the 2003-2004 Open division, 85lb class Tommy Stevens placed 2nd after 3 matches. In the 105lb class Carter Falan placed 1st after 3 matches and Logan Troupe placed 3rd after 4 matches.

L-R: Ashly Erxleben, Caleigh Wood, Annabelle Wood, and Ariana Meyers all wrestled in the War of Roses last weekend. Photo by J. Troupe.

Michigan Girls State Finals

By Jacquie Troupe

Seventy-two girls grappled for the chance to become the Girls Michigan State Champion at Fenton High School Sunday, February 26. They participated in a freestyle wrestling clinic then proceeded to take that experience to the mats. Led by Coach Brandon Wood, four Cedar Springs ladies competed in this round robin event.

“I was very happy with their performance today!” said Wood. “We lost some matches but made great advances in their techniques. I’m so proud of these ladies!”

In the Elementary Folkstyle 3-5 Grade division, 49lb class, Caleigh Wood placed 3rd after two matches.

In the Middle School 6-8th Grade division, 105lb Class, Annabelle Wood placed 6th after five matches. In the 115lb class, Ashly Erxleben placed 2nd after two matches. In the 150lb, class Ariana Meyers placed 2nd after three matches.

Senior heavyweight Patrick Depiazza, who is ranked #2 in the state, wrestled the #1 ranked wrestler in the state, Chase Beard, of Allegan, at regionals last week.

For the second year in a row, four Cedar Springs Varsity wrestlers are headed to the individual state finals at the Palace at Auburn Hills March 2-4. The four include senior heavyweight Patrick Depiazza, who remains unbeaten at 44-0 and is ranked at #2 in the state; sophomore Ryan Ringler 171 lb, who is 45-1 and ranked #2; senior Jordan Ringler, 135 lbs, 38-8 and ranked #6; and sophomore Lucus Pienton, 145 lbs, 33-8, and ranked #8. To find out more, read the story here.