Cedar Springs Red Hawk junior Trevor Marsman stormed into Ford Field on March 6 on a mission to bring home the MHSAA State Championship. He rocketed all the way to the 119lb Division 2 State Finals match with a pin, an 11-4 decision and a thrilling sudden victory match over the #3 ranked wrestler from Lakeshore. 

“Making the finals is fun but winning in the finals is more fun,” said Head Coach Nick Emery.

“Trevor is a great kid and friend and it has been awesome watching him grow up into an awesome human being and wrestler,” added Assistant Coach Brandon Wood.

Coach Scott Marsman, who is also Trevor’s dad, remarked, “I’m proud of him. I’m not gonna tell him that but I am.”

After falling to the State Champ in the Finals, Trevor finished the season with a 52-2 record. He claimed titles at the Kent County Championship, Comstock Open, Allendale Invite, Ok White Championship and MHSAA Regional. With a 50-win season he joins Ryan Ringler and Patrick Depiazza as the only Red Hawks to do so this millenium. As already one of the most decorated Red Hawk athletes of all-time, Marsman will look to cap it off with a State Championship in 2021.

He plans on training at Ares wrestling over the summer because like he says, “If you want to get better you have to wrestle all summer.”

Trevor “Pee Wee” Marsman has had an epic season for the wrestling Red Hawks. The junior is currently 49-1 and heads into the MHSAA State Championship March 6-7 as the latest Cedar Springs Regional Champion. Following a seventh place finish last season, Marsman turned it up a notch and dedicated himself to wrestling over the summer. 

“If you want to win you have to train all summer,” he remarked.

Assistant Coach and Dad Scott Marsman agreed. “Hardwork always pays off,” he said. 

It worked out well this weekend for Trevor as he avenged his only loss off the season with a third period pin of Jacob Blawat from Reethes-Puffer. 

Marsman said he decided, “I didn’t want to finish second again because it sucks.”

His teammates Andrew Vangessel, Nate Elliston and Landon Demorest also competed in the Regional and will return next fall even more determined to earn the trip to Ford Field.

“I like our odds,” remarked Coach Nick Emery. “We have had kids in this position before and as long as Trevor brings it and believes in himself then he’s already a champion.”

By Chloe Boomgaard

Summer has gone especially fast for the Cedar Springs FFA this summer. It all began when the High school FFA officer team had the chance to attend the State Leadership Conference for Chapter Officers (SLCCO) in Lansing on July 9 and 10. The eight members of the officer team attending include Dylan McConnon, Olivia Martinek, Chloe Boomgaard, Carly Dunham, Angel Shears, Trevor Marsman, Jared Smith,and Mr.Reyburn. These students had the opportunity while at the conference to attend three different sessions that were themed with different points of leadership: how to set goals, how to work as a team to achieve goals, and communication skills that will help the officers step up to the plate and become the best leaders possible.

Just days after returning from SLCCO, a group of FFA members returned to the MSU campus. The group included Alyssa Marshall, Dylan McConnon, Alyssa Roelofs, Axel Anderson and Trevor Marsman, and coaches Brent Willett and Cade Hall. They had the chance to participate in a Livestock Judging competition on July 12. They spent many countless hours practicing and going to fairs to practice judging livestock being shown by other people. The team put all they had into the competition and placed 11 out of 27 different teams. Great job team! 

The land lab work began with Wayne and Trevor Marsman planting the corn in the field by the high school and Dylan McConnon spreading the fertilizer on the field. Dave Dunaven and Steve Smitz helped the FFA by tilling and planting the soybeans and making sure that everything was set in order to have a great crop this season. Jerad Smith and Dylan McConnon applied herbicides to both of the fields. Along with this great group of people we had Jake Gebhardt, who helped both groups of people to prepare the field for planting. 

Dylan McConnon and Tyler Schoen represented the FFA and Cedar Springs well in the state tractor driving contest. Dylan finished in first place,and Tyler followed behind in fifth place. Many of the chapters members participated in the showing of live stock at the Kent County Youth Fair while other officers worked a booth selling meat sticks, maple syrup, and work gloves along with running the Agricultural Adventure barn to help younger kids learn about the many areas of agriculture. The barn was not only run by the Cedar Springs chapter but the Lowell and Caledonia chapters as well. All student entering the High school and returning high schoolers keep a lookout for the FFA at orientation with some games for everyone to enjoy. 

Six individual Red Hawk wrestlers competed at state last weekend (L to R): Jacob Galinis, Anthony Brew, Lucus Pienton, Ryan Ringler, Trevor Marsman, and Aaron Smith. That’s the first time Cedar Springs sent that many since 1992.

Six Red Hawks earned the trip to Ford Field to compete in the MHSAA State Championships last weekend. “They would like to thank all of the family and friends who made the journey and shared in the adventure. It wasn’t easy but it was worth it,” said Coach Nick Emery.

Trevor Marsman, Aaron Smith, Jacob Galinis, and Anthony Brew all made their first appearance at the State tournament and wrestled tremendously. The boys trained hard and were grateful for the opportunity to compete. Marsman, Smith, and Brew will look to return next season and stand on the podium, while Galinis walks away as one of the most decorated Red Hawk wrestlers of the decade.

Lucus Pienton and Ryan Ringler were no strangers to the State Tournament. Both juniors placed third as sophomores and made the trip down their freshman season as well.

 Pienton dropped a quarterfinal match to the eventual runner-up but went on to win three straight and take third place once again. He finished the season with an outstanding 50 victories, Already a two time medalist, Pienton will look to cap off his sensational career next season with a State Championship.

Ryan Ringler has been on a tear since he began as a freshman. A third place finish as a freshman and sophomore wouldn’t deter him on his quest for a championship. Ringler breezed through the opening round, then captured a 7-4 decision in the quarterfinals. His semifinal matchup with Juawan Vines ended in a tech fall. Next up came Cade Dallawitz, a 54-4 junior from Holly. Ryan scored the first takedown then never looked back, claiming a 9-4 decision and a State Championship for Cedar Springs.

The State Championship is the first by a Red Hawk since Dean Myers in 1998, and the 11th in program history. With 55 wins, Ringler also set a new school record formerly held by heavyweight teammate and state runner-up Patrick DePiazza, who claimed 54 wins in 2016.
 

Lucus Pienton looks to shoot against his Lowell opponent.

Wrestling is often coined as the “toughest six minutes in sports.” Six Red Hawk wrestlers proved their toughness this weekend as they advanced to the Division 2 Regional Finals.

Ryan Ringler defeated Austin Engle (#2 migrappler.com) to win his second District Championship and reach the 150-win milestone.

Meanwhile, Aaron Smith, Trevor Marsman and Lucus Pienton placed second for the Red Hawks. Pienton lost in a close match to #1 ranked Alec Rees from Sparta and will look for vengeance at the regional final. Marsman finally broke 100 lbs but still couldn’t handle Nick Korhorn of Lowell in the finals. Aaron Smith will make his second trip to individual regionals looking for a sweeter ending and a trip to Ford Field.

Jacob Galinis and Anthony Brew finished the day with consolation victories to move on in the tournament.

The Regional Finals will be held in Byron Center​ on Saturday, February 17, with wrestling starting at 9 a.m. The top four from each weight class will move on to the State Finals at Ford Field.

Aaron Smith tangles up his Greenville opponent on his way to a pin.
Courtesy photo

The Varsity wrestlers traveled to Lowell to compete in the OK White Individual Championship on Friday, February 2. As a team, the Red Hawks finished the day only behind the four-time defending State Champions from Lowell. Jacob Galinis (140), Lucus Pienton (160) and Ryan Ringler (171) each reigned supreme in their respective weight classes.

Galinis wrestled a smart match and upset James Fotis (#6 migrappler.com) in the final 30 seconds. Lucus Pienton was too much for Derek Mohr from Lowell, while collecting a major decision 11-3. It took Ryan Ringler overtime to defeat Isaac Torrey (#3 migrappler) from Forest Hills Central. Galinis, Pienton and Ringler are now each two time Ok-White Conference Champions.

Trevor Marsman (103), Aaron Smith (135), and Anthony Brew (145) also made the finals for Cedar Springs. Andrew Vangessel, David Erxleben, Phillip Elzinga, Logan Hull, Fernando Pedraza, Chris Shafer, Landen Totten and Paul Duran won matches and scored for the team as well. 

With a 5-1 Ok White dual record the boys claimed second place overall in the Ok White.

Action continues with team Districts at Sparta High School on Thursday, February 8, at 6 p.m.

Senior Chris Shaffer (189lbs, 21-7 record) sealed the win for the Red Hawks against Rockford.

The Varsity Wrestling team accomplished a mission last weekend that had not been completed since the 1995 State Championship season. On Friday, January 19, the boys defeated arch nemesis Greenville 55-9 in front of the home crowd for Parents Night. Topping off the weekend, the Red Hawks were able to pull away from Rockford in the upper weights to knock off our Division 1 neighbors 37-24 at the Lakeshore Super Duals.

Trevor Marsman opened the Rockford dual with a last second take down, handing the tough Brock Fisher a rare loss. It was a complete team effort as the Red Hawks fought off bonus points through the heart of Rockford lineup, which includes All-Staters Noah Anderson and Jack Richardson. After wins from Nate Male, Aaron Smith and Jacob Galinis, the Red Hawks found themselves down 18-21. Lucus Pienton battled for a last second escape to tie the dual, and Xavier Anderson displayed his talents to keep the match within reach.

Trailing 21-24, Rockford voided All State Ryan Ringler and it would all came down to senior Chris Shaffer. A cool-eyed Shaffer stated, “I got this Coach,” then he went on to claim a major decision and ice it for the Hawks. Caleb Baty placed the cherry on top with a 30-second pin at Heavyweight to cement the victory for the Red Hawks.

“The boys are turning in a fine season, compiling an 18-6 record (5-1 OK White) and will be in action this weekend looking to threepeat as Champions at the Shelby Superduals,” said Coach Nick Emery.

Cedar Springs Varsity wrestlers

The Cedar Springs Varsity wrestlers traveled to Forest Hills Central on Friday night, January 12, to face off against the Rangers and Huskies. After falling behind 17-3 early on, the Red Hawks then reeled off victories in 8 of the next 9 weights to claim a 43-23 win. The boys ran on the Huskies early and never looked back, topping the Huskies 63-9. Undefeated wrestlers on the night were Trevor Marsman, Nate Male, Logan Hull, Aaron Smith, Anthony Brew, Jacob Galinis, Lucus Pienton, Ryan Ringler and Zak Schmid.

On Saturday, January 13, the Red Hawks traveled across state to Warren for the Clash of the Champions. The team finished runner-up in a strong field of 19 competitive schools.

Ryan Ringler won the 171lb weight class and was awarded Most Valuable Wrestler. Ringler defeated the number two and four ranked wrestlers in his division, according to MIGrappler.com.

Runner-up finalists for the Red Hawks included Trevor Marsman (103), Lucus Pienton (152), and Chris Shaffer (189).

Important contributions and medalists on the day for Cedar Springs came from Aaron Smith (3rd), Jacob Galinis (5th), Caleb Baty (5th), Paul Duran, Anthony Brew, Logan Hull, Nate Male, Trentyn Roelofs, David Erxleben and Zak Schmid.

Don’t miss the home action on Friday night versus arch rival Greenville and Ottawa Hills at 5 p.m. The team will travel to Stevensville Lakeshore for duals on Saturday.

The Varsity Red Hawks traveled to Allendale on Saturday, January 6, for the Falcon Individual Invite.

Three Champions were crowned as the team took third place behind Lakeshore and Allendale. 

Aaron Smith (17-6) won his first ever Varsity tournament at the 135lb weight class. Lucus Pienton (21-2) dominated the 152 division. Ryan Ringler (22-1) earned Most Outstanding Wrestler while claiming the prize at 171.

Jacob Galinis won his 100th Varsity match while placing third at 140lbs. Consolation Champions also included Trevor Marsman (17-5), Logan Hull (21-2) and Anthony Brew (12-2). David Erxleben, Zak Schmid, Chris Shafer and Caleb Baty placed for the Red Hawks as well.

On Friday night, January 5, the team kicked off OK-White duel action with a victory over Northview and a loss to four-time defending State Champion Lowell.

The boys will be at Forest Hills Northern this Friday, January 12, at 5:30 for a showdown with the Huskies and Rangers. Saturday they will travel to the east side of the state to take on Warren Woods Tower and foe.

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.

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.