Red Hawks soar over Greenville and Sparta

The Cedar Springs boys varsity wrestling team flew into Sparta Wednesday afternoon, February 6, on a mission to capture the District Title. The opposition for the day included the defending District Champion Sparta Spartans (28-4) and the Greenville Yellow Jackets (owners of 13 straight District Mittens from 2005-2017).

Red Hawk David Erxleben Jr. started the competition with a bang by claiming a major decision over his opponent. Logan Hull followed up with what Coach Emery calls, “The gutsiest performance of the decade.” In a 4-2 come back victory, Hull had used up all his injury time in the first period while getting sick on the mat. Overcoming a 2-0 deficit and the stomach bug, he pulled out a dramatic finish in the third period over a strong Spartan wrestler, in what would be the most decisive match of the season.

Aaron Smith and Nate Elliston did their jobs with key victories and the Hawks jumped out to a 14-0 lead. Sparta knifed their way back in through the middle weights to cut the lead 14-12 but three straight pins from Ryan Ringler, Sage Serbenta and Xavier Anderson all but iced it for the Red Hawks. Trevor Marsman sealed the deal with a pin at 112lbs and with a final score of 38-30 the boys moved on Greenville.

The Greenville dual ended with a final score of 47-23 as the Red Hawks overpowered the Yellow Jackets in 9 of 14 weight classes.

The mission was a complete success and the team celebrated their first District Title in over a decade.

The team moved on to regionals on Wednesday, February 13 at Cedar Springs High School, in search of their first regional victory since 1996. See next week’s paper for results.

Red Hawk wrestler Jacob Galinis. Courtesy photo.

The Cedar Springs High School wrestling team kicked off their season early in December and have been busy handing out surprises both on and off the mat ever since.

Off the mat, high school wrestlers adopted a family for the holidays, and team mom Teresa Galinis, along with some of the wrestlers, shopped, wrapped, and delivered gifts to the family for Christmas.   

On the mat, wrestlers have brought home some exciting wins this season against schools with historically good wrestling programs, including Fruitport, Grant, Mona Shores and Greenville. 

Individually, five wrestlers placed at the Kent County Championships held two weeks ago, where 22 schools were represented, and that number is expected to increase before finals in February. Off-season training camps along with an unbeatable work ethic, depth, returning talent and upcoming talent has propelled Cedar Springs wrestling to a viable (and feared) contender in a very difficult OK White conference. 

Wrestlers head to Greenville today to face both Lowell and Northview in what was sure to be a nail biter in an OK White conference showdown. Come out and show them your support!

Cedar Springs Youth Wrestlers competed at Allendale and Montabella last weekend. Wrestlers are shown here with the medals they brought back. Courtesy photo.

By Jacquie Troupe

Allendale Falcon’s open & novice

Twenty-three CSYWC wrestlers headed to Allendale Sunday December 10 to compete in the Allendale Falcon’s Open and Novice Tournament with 301 other grapplers.

Carter Falan had the most pins in the fastest time for the team and was 3rd over all with 4 in 5:23, Deegan Pike was 11th over all with 3 in 3:53, Gavyn Byxbe was 18th over all with 3 in 6:09, Spencer Shoenborn was 30th with 2 in 1:10 and Brenden Johnson was 50th with 2 in 2:25.

Maston Wood had the fastest Tech for the team and was 9th over all with 1 in 2:33.

Carter Falan had the fastest pin for the team and tied for 6th with 1 in :15, Spencer Shoenborn was 10th with :18, Carter Falan tied for 13th with :20, Deegan Pike tied for 59th with :39 and tied for 85th with :47. Spencer Shoenborn and Carter Falan also tied for 96th with :52.

Gavyn Byxbe was top for the team and 20th overall with 20.0 Team Points, Deegan Pike was 27th with 19.0, Carter Falan tied for 31st with 18.0, Spencer Shoenborn tied for 57th with 15.0, Blake Falan tied for 76th with 13.0 and Maston Wood was also 109th with 9.5.

Maston Wood was 2nd overall with 20 Single Match Points, Jaxon Fitzgerald tied for 41st with 14, Logan Troupe and Maston Wood tied for 59th with 13 and Jaxon Fitzgerald tied for 70th with 12.

In Total Match Points Maston Wood was 2nd over all with 47, Jaxon Fitzgerald tied for 35th with 26 and Logan Troupe tied for 61st with 21.

Placing 4th in the Open Division, 2011-13 40lb class was Brycen Alber and in the 03/04 122lb class was Logan Troupe.

Placing 3rd in the Novice division, 09/10 97lb class was Zachary Vu. In the 07/08 63lb class was Spencer Shoenborn and in the 110lb class was Thomas Prins. In the Open Division 09/10 combined 77/82lb class was Jon Libera and in the 07/08 71lb class was Blake Falan.

Placing 2nd in the Novice Division, 07/08 63lb class was Deegan Pike. In the Open division, 09/10 72lb class was Logan Galinis and in the 03/04 combined 155/170lb class was Maston Wood.

Placing 1st and taking home the Championship trophy in the Novice division, 09/10 combined 67/72lb class was Tanner Wood and in the 07/08 90lb class was Brenden Johnson. In the Open Division, 2011-13 61lb class was Jaxon Fitzgerald, in the combined 64/67 class was Jayce Karafa, in the 07/08 combined 80/85lb class was Gavyn Byxbe and in the 03/04 114lb class was Carter Falan.

Montabella Open Tournament

CSYWC had 4 wrestlers head to Blanchard Sunday December 10th to compete in the Montabella Open Tournament. They joined 26 area teams and 158 other wrestlers for a full day of mat time.

Sierra Streeter had the fastest pin time for the team and tied for 67th over all with 1:15.

Cole Haack had the most single match points for the team and tied for 54th with 9. Sierra & Bryson Streeter tied for 69th with 8.

Sierra Streeter had the highest total match points for the team and tied for 50th with 13. Cole Haack tied for 66th with 11. Ben & Bryson Streeter tied for 81st with 8.

Bryson Streeter had 6.0 team points, Sierra Streeter and Cole Haack each had 4.0.

In the 2011-13 43lb class Sierra Streeter placed 2nd, in the 67lb class Ben Streeter placed 2nd, in the 09/10 combined 46/49lb class Bryson Streeter placed 4th and in the 03/04 114lb class Cole Haack placed 2nd.

“It has been a great start to the season,” said Coach Scott. “We have many kids brand new to wrestling and everyone has been working really hard in the practice room. It showed on Sunday. We could see a marked improvement from the week before. We could not be more proud of them!”

These three Cedar Springs Youth wrestlers competed at Nationals last weekend. (L to R): Tucker Crystal-2nd Place, Hudson Crystal, Chasyn Winchel-4th Place, and in front, Coach Jake Marsman. Photo courtesy of Terry Troupe.

By Jacquie Troupe

Spring break was a great time to travel for many families. For local wrestlers, it was also the culmination of long months of preparation, travelling every weekend to competitions and learning from their mistakes and triumphs to turn them into Championship victories on the mat. For Chasyn Winchel, Hudson Crystal and Tucker Crystal, it was the opportunity to compete at the national level in the NUWAY Nationals in Battle Creek, MI on April 8-9. They joined 1,218 fellow grapplers from all over the U. S. for this two day competition.

“The boys wrestled really well, holding their own against wrestlers from 25 different states to try to win The Eagle Trophy and their All-American certificates,” said Doug Crystal. “This is such an exciting tournament in which to compete. I hope we bring more wrestlers next year!”

Of the 90 competitors in the D1-6 & Under Division, Tucker Crystal placed 2nd after 3 matches, was 13th in Most Pins/Least Time with 2 in 2:38. He had the 33rd fastest pin with :58 and the 51st fastest with 1:46.

Chasyn Winchel placed 4th, tied for 1st in Most Matches with 5, was 50th in Most Pins/Least Time with 1 in 2:38, the 70th fastest pin with 2:38 and tied for 14th in Most Match Points with 24.

Of the 195 competitors in the D3-9 & 10 Division, Hudson Crystal had some of the best competition all year and fell short of his goal to win a match at Nationals. He is very optimistic and said he cannot wait for next year.

This is the final regular season competition for our club. We would like to thank everyone who joined us for the End Of Year Banquet, the parents for bringing their kids to all the practices and competitions every week, The Post for sharing these articles, and everyone who takes the time to read them and cheer for our kids. They really love seeing their names in the paper every week! We hope you all have a wonderful summer and we will see you next fall!

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.”

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.

Pictured is Desmond Smith, Champion in the 4/6 age group.

By Barbra Chong

This weekend WMP traveled to Grand Valley State University and Lakeview. 80 lb Blake Peasley, 9/10 age group, entered the Lakeview tournament. Peasley battled into the Finals, going 3-0 to take home a Championship title.

WMP had 14 grapplers enter the GVSU tournament and 11 placed in the top 5. 80 lb Blake Hammer, 11/12 Novice age group, finished in 5^th Place.

52 lb Kaleb Pautke, 7/8 age group and 55 lb Aaiden Vasquez, 7/8 age group, finished in 3^rd Place.

63 lb Luke Egan, 9/10 age group, finished 2^nd Place.

Taking home championship titles were 64 lb Quinten Cassiday, 7/8 age group; 67 lb Tyler Parmeter, 7/8 age group; 52 lb Desmond Smith, 4/6 age group; 61 lb Selina Stalker, 4/6 age group; 59 lb Josh Vasquez, 9/10 age group; 55 lb Kellen Weckesser, 7/8 age group and 49 lb Blake Werkema, 4/6 age group.

“Watching these kids build momentum each week is exciting. Their passion and drive is displayed every time they step on the mat. I am thankful for my athletes and the support of their parents,” said Head Coach Dave Andrus.

West Michigan Pursuit wrestler Isaiah Sostenes was a champion in the 75 lb 9/10 age group at Alma last weekend. Photo by B. Chong.

By Barbra Chong

West Michigan Pursuit traveled to Lowell and Alma this past weekend. WMP had 3 grapplers enter to compete. Aiden Dowdell took second place in the 155 lb, 13/15 age group; and Selina Stalker finished in third in the 61 lb, 4/6 age group.

The Alma panthers hosted a monster trophy tournament where 13 WMP grapplers entered to compete, placing 11 in the top 4. In fourth place was 52 lb Desmond Smith, 4/6 age group; in third place was 59 lb Landon Foss, 9/10 age group and 72 lb Tyler Parmeter, 7/8 age group. In second place was 67 lb Luke Egan, 9/10 age group; 52 lb Kaleb Pautke, 7/8 age group, 80 lb Blake Peasley, 9/10 age group and 59 lb Josh Vasquez, 9/10 age group.

Champions of the day were 64 lb Quinten Cassiday, 7/8 age group; 67 lb Chayson Eberspeaker, 7/8 age group; 61 lb Drew Moro, 7/8 age group and 75 lb Isaiah Sostenes, 9/10 age group.

“Judging by the caliber of competition at this tournament, it gives me a great perspective of where we stand within the West Region. I am very proud of the kids who wrestle under me,” said Head Coach Dave Andrus.

Pictured is West Michigan Pursuit wrestler 80 lb Blake Peasley, Champion of 9/10 open division. Photo by Barbra Chong.

By Barbra Chong

West Michigan Pursuit traveled to Belding this past weekend. Fifteen grapplers placed in the top four out of the 17 entered. WMP claimed 35 victories this weekend putting them at a 71 percent win ratio.

“Each week, these kids exceed my expectations. Their performance on and off the matt is what motivates me to continue what I do,” said Head Coach and Owner Dave Andrus. Individual placements are as follows:

4th Place Medalist is 85lb Logan Bennett, 11/12 Open division.

3rd Place Medalists include 67 lb Luke Egan, 9/10 Open division; 64 lb Logan Galinis, 7/8             Novice division; 80 lb Isaiah Smith, Open division; 55/58 lb Kellen Weckesser, 7/8 Open division and 158 lb Maston Wood, 11/12 Open division.

2nd Place Medalist is 52 lb Kaleb Pautke, 7/8 Open division.

CHAMPIONS are 61 lb Quinten Cassiday, 7/8 Open division; 70 lb Carter Castillo, 11/12 Open division; 67 lb Chayson Eberspeaker, 7/8 Open division; 64 lb Drew Moro, 7/8 Open division; 72/77 lb Tyler Parmeter, 7/8 Open division; 80 lb Blake Peasley, 9/10 Open division; 75 lb Isaiah Sostenes, 9/10 Open division and 49 lb Blake Werkema, 4/6 Open division.

If you are interested in learning more about this sport or if your wrestler is looking to compete at the next level, check them out. They are located in the Cedar Springs Sports Plex. Practices are Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

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.

Red Hawk Varsity wrestlers attended a competitin camp in Iowa, and are shown wearing their Wrestling for A Cause shirt, supporting their friend Brison Ricker, a Cedar Springs high school student who is currently battling an inoperable brain tumor.

Cedar Springs Varsity Wrestlers recently traveled to the University of Iowa to attend a four-day Competition Camp.

Each wrestler got 10-12 matches with other high school and collegiate wrestlers around the same weight. Iowa Head Coach and three-time Big Ten Coach of the Year, Tom Brands, and his staff, observed the matches live to give instant feedback on what the wrestlers did well and skill sets that needed improvement. Technique sessions were available to give them the opportunity to break up into groups and learn and apply the advice given to them. They were pushed to improve on all aspects of their wrestling.

Every wrestler wants to be a state champion, a national champion, an Olympic champion. “I would like to see these wrestlers take what they learn at camp and apply it to their upcoming 2016-2017 season,” said head coach Nick Emery. “This will help our wrestlers attain their personal goals and will set them apart from other teams. Wrestling for a cause bigger than yourself gives you twice the strength as wrestling for your own glory.” #Greater than yourself. Wrestling is a physically and mentally tough sport. If you are interested in joining a program that focuses on individual achievement while competing in a team environment, please contact Head Coach Nick Emery through their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/cedar.springs.wrestling/

West Michigan Pursuit wrestlers and their trophies.
Photo by B. Chong

By Barbra Chong

West Michigan Pursuit traveled to Alma, Orchard View and Traverse City this weekend. WMP entered 24 and placed 18 in the top four. We have two Champions who remain undefeated this season, Chayson Eberspeaker, 6 & under age group and Jayden Marcano-Cruz, 7/8 age group. Special recognition to Landon Foss, who went 6-1 to battle back for a true second this weekend. Out of 86 battles, WMP claimed 52 victories. Individual results are as follows:

Fourth place medalists include 90 lb Josh Howard, 9/10 age group and 145 lb Zak Schmid, 13/14 age group.

Third place medalists include 95 lb Gage Bowen, 9/10 age group; 55 lb Quinten Cassiday, 7/8 age group; 90 lb Brocke Fisher, 13/14 age group; 85 lb Braden Hallman, 11/12 age group; 59 lb Kameron Ogden (Orchard View) 9/10 age group and 52 lb Aaiden Vasquez, 6 & under age group.

Second place medalists include 80 lb Xavier Contreras, 11/12 age group; 58 lb Luke Egan, 7/8 age group; 55 lb Landon Foss, 7/8 age group; 55 lb Josh Vasquez, 9/10 age group; 52 lb Kellen Weckesser (Traverse City) 7/8 age group and 133 lb Maston Wood, 11/12 age group.

Champions are 59 lb Michael Cannon, 9/10 age group; 58/61 lb Chayson Eberspeaker, 6 & under age group; 49 lb Jayden Marcano-Cruz, 7/8 age group and 72 lb Blake Peasley, 7/8 age group.

“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.