These West Michigan Pursuit wrestlers will wrestle in the state finals. Photo by B. Chong.
By B. Chong
West Michigan Pursuit traveled to Northview for the 2016 Western Regionals this past weekend. Twenty-two grapplers placed in the top five out of the 31 entered, and 21 are moving on to the 2016 State Finals. WMP claimed 58 victories out of 67 battles.
One of the highlights of the weekend was Aaiden Vasquez, who battled back for a true second placement with a record of 5-1. Individual placements are as follows:
Fifth Place medalists include 143 lb Jordan Andrus, High School division, and 80 lb Logan Bennett, 9/10 age group.
Fourth Place medalists include 130 lb Isaac Casey, 9/10 age group; 90 lb Brocke Fisher, 13/14 age group; and 138 lb Patrick Fliearman, High School division.
Third Place medalists include 163 lb Xavier Anderson, High School division; 61 lb Logan Galinis, 6 & under age group; 64 lb Tyler Parmeter, 7/8 age group and 145 lb Zak Schmid, 13/14 age group.
Second Place medalists include 55 lb Quinten Cassiday, 7/8 age group; 155 lb Jacob Galinis, High School division; 115 lb Logan Hull, High School division; 148 lb Lucus Pienton, High School division; and 52 lb Aaiden Vasquez, 6 & under age group.
Western Region Champions are 59 lb Michael Cannon, 9/10 age group; 61 lb Chayson Eberspeaker, 6 & under age group; 58 lb Luke Egan, 7/8 age group; 49 lb Jayden Marcano-Cruz, 7/8 age group; 55 lb Drew Moro, 6 & under age group; 72 lb Blake Peasley, 7/8 age group; 64 lb Isaiah Sostenes, 7/8 age group; and 55 lb Josh Vasquez, 9/10 age group.
Special recognition goes out to Luke Egan, Jayden Marcano-Cruz and Blake Peasley for their 2014, 2015 and 2016 West Regional Champion status.
This year’s Finals will be held at the Kellogg Arena the weekend of April 1-3. The time is here and the focus is on for the Pursuit to the Podium.
“Each year the number grows of how many WMP grapplers qualify for State,” said Head Coach Dave Andrus. “My first year running WMP, I had seven grapplers qualify with three Regional Champions. Four years later, I have 21 grapplers qualifying with eight Championships. These kids and their parents continue to impress me with their neverending support and dedication. The combined efforts are what make this program such a success.”
