Jeremy Stellema (189 lb) executing a take down against Belding
Cedar Springs wrestled well on Saturday at the OK Blue conference meet but fell one-half point short of winning the day’s event and the opportunity to tie for first place overall with Comstock Park.
The Red Hawk wrestlers started the day out strong allowing only two losses in the first round with victories against Comstock Park, Belding, Coopersville, Forest Hills Northern and Sparta.
Brette Witte (125 lb) putting the Coopersville opponent in a cradle
Wins in the second and consolation rounds found 10 Red Hawk wrestlers moving into the finals. Bouts for Cedar began with the 160 lb. class and Senior Scott Vodry beating Coopersville 13-2 to earn a major win and take the first of four championship medals for Cedar Springs. Jeremy Stellema (189 lb–senior) earned 2 points with a takedown of his Coopersville foe then gave up an escape and a takedown to bring the score to 3-2 in favor of the Broncos. A quick reversal by Stellema led to a fall and another championship win for Cedar.
After six rounds, Cedar was trailing Comstock Park by 10.5 points. The points continued to add up for the Hawks as they took two more first place medals. Nic Baird (103 lb) earned his championship status with a major win (16 -6) over West Catholic and Cody Oehme (119 lb) won by swift fall against Comstock Park.
Austin Wamser (145 lb) against Coopersville
The Hawks and the Panthers were running close in points after 9 rounds. The Red Hawks continued to close the gap, but at the end of the day it would be Comstock Park (161 points) who would edge out Cedar Springs (160.5 points) to take the conference championship.
Jake Blackmer (130 lb) against Sparta
Other Hawk wrestlers placing in the finals were Austin Wamser (145 lb)-2nd place, Matt Patin (135 lb) and Jake Blackmer (130 lb)–3rd place and Brett Witte (125 lb), Levi Whipple (171 lb) and Joe Simon (285 lb) placing 4th.
Team districts will take place on Thursday, February 11, at Sparta beginning at 5 p.m. and the Hawks will travel to Gaylord for individual districts on February 13.
