By Barbra Chong

This past weekend, West Michigan Pursuit travelled to Kalamazoo for school based Team State and the West Region’s tournament hosted by Hudsonville. WMP had six grapplers enter the school-based events. Kooper Witte wrestled for Greenville’s 10U 50 lb wt class. Witte went 5-0 for the day and his team finished 13th. Alex Buskirk wrestled for Lakeview’s 12U 84 lb wt class. Buskirk went 6-0 for the day and his team finished 9th. 90 lb Harper Cheng and 115 lb Korbin Oliver wrestled for Byron Center’s 15U. Cheng went 4-2 and Oliver went 3-2 for the day and their team finished 11th. 66 lb Carter Giles and 80 lb Kamden Witte wrestled for Greenville’s 15U. Giles went 4-1 and Witte claimed two victories, their team finished 4th. 

The rest of the team stayed close to home with Hudsonville offering individual and team awards. WMP entered 22 grapplers to compete and 20 placed in the top four. They had 16 make it to the Finals and 11 Championships were claimed. Out of 108 matches, WMP claimed 83 victories. As a team, WMP earned back-to-back team Championship Titles. West Michigan Pursuit finished with the top spot with 231 points. Team GRWA finished in 2nd with 230 points and Hamilton Hawkeye finished in 3rd with 158 points. 

Individual placements are as follows: 107 lb Evan Mouch, 13/15 age group and 80 lb Alex Russo, 11/12 age group finished 4th. 77/72 lb JJ Petersen, 7/8 age group and 66 lb Tatianna Castillo, 9/10 age group finished 3rd. 75 lb Evan Andrews, 11/12 age group; 114 lb Xavier Carpentier, 13/15 age group; 60 lb Brennan Dietz, 9/10 age group; 100 lb Logan Goguen, 13/15 age group and 105 lb Blake Peasley, 11/12 age group finished 2nd. Hudsonville Champions are 97 lb Declan Mead, 7/8 age group; 64 lb Dylan Russo, 7/8 age group; 55 lb Ethan VanDyke, 5/6 age group; 85 lb Quinten Cassiday, 11/12 age group; 54 lb Brody Compau, 9/10 age group; 80 lb Luke Egan, 11/12 age group; 63 lb Landon Learn, 9/10 age group; 95 lb Ayden McClurken, 11/12 age group; 90 lb Tyler Parmeter, 11/12 age group; 80/85 lb Josh Vasquez, 13/15 age group and 60 lb Blake Werkema, 9/10 age group. 

“It was a lot of fun this past weekend with the individual and team format,” said head coach Dave Andrus. “Seeing our kids working together to earn their 2nd consecutive Team Championship Trophy was great to see.”

By Barbra Chong

This past weekend, West Michigan Pursuit spread out to compete in different competitions. 

WMP had four travel to the Central region for the Greights tournament in Jackson and all four placed. 69 lb Evan Andrews, 9/10 age group and 80 lb Alex Buskirk, 11/12 age group finished 3rd. 54 lb Carter Giles, 9/10 age group finished 2nd. Greights Champion is 43 lb Kooper Witte, 4/6 age group. 

The West region was hosted by Thornapple Kellogg Middleville where four of our grapplers entered to compete. Both 67 lb Jaxen Bowyer, 7/8 age group and 105 lb Isa Starr, 11/12 age group finished 4th. TK Champion is 52 lb Austin Rogers, 7/8 novice age group. 

The rest of the team traveled to the North region in Lakeview for the Monster Medals offered. Out of the 14 entered, 13 placed. 46 lb Emmett Russo, 4/6 age group finished 4th. 58 lb Dylan Russo, 7/8 age group and 64 lb Desmond Smith, 7/8 age group both finished 2nd. Lakeview Champions are 72 lb Quinten Cassiday, 9/10 age group; 55 lb Tatianna Castillo, 7/8 age group; 52 lb Brody Compau, 7/8 age group; 80 lb Luke Egan, 11/12 age group; 85 lb Ayden McClurken, 11/12 age group; 85 Tyler Parmeter, 9/10 age group; 95 lb Blake Peasley, 11/12 age group; 75 lb Josh Vasquez, 11/12 age group; 66 lb Kellen Weckesser, 9/10 age group and 58 lb Blake Werkema, 7/8 age group. 

“West Michigan Pursuit would like to also recognize Blake Peasley for his act of kindness to a fellow competitor,” said Head Coach Dave Andrus. “His finals match was against Teddy MacGregor of Chippewa Hills. After learning Teddy’s story, Blake donated his Monster Medal and bracket to him. Blake’s family has also been affected like many other families by cancer and like Teddy, the fight for a cure. On and off the mat, these kids have a heart of gold. I couldn’t be more proud,” added Andrus. 

Pictured is champion 52 lb Blake Werkema, 7/8 age group. Photo by B. Chong.

By Barbra Chong

West Michigan Pursuit entered 17 grapplers to wrestle this weekend, placing 14 in the top 3. Of the 14 placements, 11 were Championship Titles. Team Pursuit claimed 47 victories out of 58 matches. 

Northview attracted nine of our wrestlers. 52/55 lb Tatianna Castillo, 7/8 age group finished 3rd. 70 lb Xavier Carpentier, 11/12 age group; 75 lb Harper Cheng, 9/10 age group; 55 lb Kaleb Pautke, 7/8 age group; 59 lb Kellen Weckesser, 9/10 age group; 52/55 lb Blake Werkema, 7/8 age group and 67 lb Kamden Witte, 9/10 age group all claimed Championship Titles. 

Eight of our wrestlers travelled to the “East” Downriver and last of the Greights tournaments of the season. 67 lb Quinten Cassiday, 9/10 age group finished 3rd. 85 lb Blake Peasley, 9/10 age group finished 2nd. 43 lb Brody Compau, 7/8 age group; 67 lb Luke Egan, 9/10 age group; 75 lb Ayden McClurken, 9/10 age group; 58 lb Aaiden Vasquez, 7/8 age group and 70 lb Josh Vasquez, 11/12 age group all claimed Championship Titles. 

“These kids have been stepping up their training and have been pushing each other at practice to secure their spot for an opportunity to compete at the State Finals. I have the highest confidence in these kids to do so,” said Head Coach, Dave Andrus.

Pictured is Harper Cheng, Champion in the 75 lb, 9/10 age group. Photo by B. Chong.

By Barbra Chong

West Michigan Pursuit entered 16 grapplers to wrestle this weekend and 15 placed in the top 4. 

Blake Werkema, travelled to Chippewa Hills and wrestled in the 52 lb, 7/8 age group. He went undefeated and claimed his first Championship of the season. 

Three grapplers travelled to Vicksburg for the opportunity to claim a Championship ring instead of the typical medal. Aaiden Vasquez, 61 lb 7/8 age group finished 2nd. Drew Moro, 64 lb 7/8 age group and 70 lb Josh Vasquez, 11/12 age group, both claimed Championship titles along with their Championship rings. 

Four grapplers traveled to Oxford for the Northeast Greights tournament. Kellen Weckesser, 59 lb 9/10 age group finished 3rd. Finishing second was Quinten Cassiday, 63 lb 9/10 age group; 67 lb Luke Egan, 9/10 age group; and 85 lb Blake Peasley, 9/10 age group. 

The rest of the team travelled to GVSU. Kamden Witte, 67 lb 9/10 age group finished 4th. Finishing second was 67 lb Evan Andrews, 9/10 age group; 70 lb Xavier Carpentier, 11/12 age group; 67 lb Caden Green, 7/8 Novice age group; and 55 lb Kaleb Pautke, 7/8 age group. Those claiming Championship titles included 52 lb Tatianna Castillo, 7/8 age group and 75 lb Harper Cheng, 9/10 age group. This was Harper’s first Championship of the season. 

“Each week my athletes and their families continue to impress me with their dedication to this sport. Even with the inclement weather and being Super Bowl Sunday, these kids all showed up to compete. We are the Pursuit of Champions,” said Head Coach, Dave Andrus.

Brody Compau was a champion in the 40/46 lb 7/8 age group. Courtesy photo.

By Barbra Chong

West Michigan Pursuit traveled to Lakewood and Montabella this past weekend. Fourteen grapplers placed in the top four out of the fifteen entered. WMP claimed 8 championship titles and 31 victories out of 44 matches. 

64 lb Caden Green, 7/8 Novice age group finished in 4^th Place. 

Finishing in 3^rd place was 75 lb Harper Cheng, 9/10 age group; 90 lb Blake Hammer, 13/15 age group; and 67 lb Kamden Witte, 9/10 age group. 

67 lb Quinten Cassiday, 9/10 age group and 61/64 lb Aaiden Vasquez finished in 2^nd Place. 

Champions of the day are 49/52 lb Tatianna Castillo, 7/8 age group; 40/46 lb Brody Compau, 7/8 age group; 71 lb Luke Egan, 9/10 age group; 61/64 Drew Moro, 7/8 age group; 75 lb Tyler Parmeter, 9/10 age group; 90/95 lb Blake Peasley, 9/10 age group and 70 lb Josh Vasquez, 11/12 age group. 59 lb Kellen Weckesser, 9/10 age group also claimed a Championship Title at the Montabella tournament. 

“We have an amazing parent and wrestler support system. I can’t thank them enough for trusting me with their kids and their futures. The level of sportsmanship displayed on and off the mat continues to impress me,” said Head Coach and Owner, Dave Andrus.

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

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.”

Pictured is Blake Hammer in the 11/12 Novice age group. He won his very first match last weekend, and his coaches and teammates are very proud of him. Photo by B. Chong.

By Barbra Chong

West Michigan Pursuit traveled to Sparta for the Meijer State Games and Indianapolis for the Indy Nationals last weekend.

Blake Peasley entered the 75 lb Intermediate division at the Indy Nationals. He battled thru tough competition and went 2-2 for the day, finishing 4th place overall.

WMP entered 14 grapplers to compete at the Meijer State Games and placed 13 in the top four. 55 lb Aaiden Vasquez, 7/8 age group, finished in 4th Place. 67 lb Chayson Eberspeaker, 7/8 age group, finished in 3rd Place.

In second place was 80 lb Blake Hammer, 11/12 Novice age group; 52 lb Kaleb Pautke, 7/8 age group; 52 lb Desmond Smith, 4/6 age group and 75 Isaiah Sostenes, 9/10 age group. Desmond went 4-1, battling his way back for a True Second.

Champions of the day were 61 lb Quinten Cassiday, 7/8 age group; 70 lb Carter Castillo, 11/12 age group; 63 lb Luke Egan, 9/10 age group; 67 lb Tyler Parmeter, 7/8 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.

“It’s a proud moment yet heartening when two of my kids meet up in the Finals to square off. I have to sit back and watch them apply what I have taught them without coaching either one. These kids put on an entertaining match every time they step on the mat,” said Head Coach Dave Andrus.

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.

WMP wrestler Aaiden Vasquez who bumped up a weight class in order to have some mat time. Photo by B. Chong.

By Barbra Chong

West Michigan Pursuit had a busy weekend of wrestling traveling to Grand Haven, Ithaca and South Dakota. 62 lb Drew Moro entered the Buffalo Nationals–Midwest Tour in South Dakota. He battled into the Championship and lost by 2 points, finishing in 2nd Place.

WMP had 5 grapplers enter the MYWAY Greights North tournament in Ithaca and 3 finished in the top four. 80 lb Blake Peasley, 9/10 age group finished 4th place due to an injury default. 155 lb Aidan Dowdell, 13/15 age group finished 2nd Place. 59 lb Landon Foss, 9/10 age group claimed the Championship title.

WMP had 14 grapplers enter the Grand Haven tournament and placed 12 in the top four. 80 lb Blake Hammer, 11/12 age group; 55/59 lb Mason Hendrick, 9/10 age group and 80 lb Isaiah Smith, 9/10 age group finished 4th Place. 52/55 lb Kaleb Pautke, 7/8 age group and 75 lb Isaiah Sostenes, 9/10 age group finished 3rdPlace. 61 lb Selina Stalker, 4/6 age group and 52/55 lb Aaiden Vasquez, 7/8 age group finished 2nd Place. 64 lb Quinten Cassiday, 7/8 age group; 67 lb Chayson Eberspeaker, 7/8 age group; 55/59 lb Josh Vasquez, 9/10 age group; 49 lb Blake Werkema, 4/6 age group and 158 lb Maston Wood, 11/12 age group all claimed Championship titles.

“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.

WMP wrestler Luke Egan in his #RickerStrong singlet.  Luke took home a Championship for Brison and Preston Ricker last weekend.

WMP finish in top four

West Michigan Pursuit traveled to Central Montcalm and Orchardview this past weekend. The Swarm of Central Montcalm hosted a 50/50 raffle to benefit the Ricker family. The raffle raised a total of $1,300 to donate to the Rickers. WMP and Cedar Springs Wrestling have also been busy selling Wrestling for a Cause t-shirts to help benefit the Rickers. Saranac Youth Wrestling also donated $150 towards this wonderful cause.

WMP had 20 grapplers enter to compete and 16 finish in the top four. 59 lb, Mason Hendrick, 9/10 age group took 4th Place. In third place was 170/195 lb Aidan Dowdell, 13/14 age group; 72 lb Tyler Parmeter, 7/8 age group; and 158 lb Maston Wood, 11/12 age group. In second place was 61 lb Quinten Cassiday, 7/8 age group; and 52 lb Kaleb Pautke, 7/8 age group.

Champions of the day were 70 lb Carter Castillo, 7/8 age group; 67 lb Chayson Eberspeaker 7/8 age group; 67 lb Luke Egan, 9/10 age group; 59 lb Landon Foss, 9/10 age group (Orchardview); 64 lb Drew Moro, 7/8 age group; 80 lb Blake Peasley, 9/10 age group; 75 lb Isaiah Sostenes, 9/10 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.

“When you are in the sport for so long, you have your ‘wrestling family’ on the weekends. Support for this family has been coming from several other wrestling programs. It makes me proud to be a part such an amazing group of caring people,” said Head Coach Dave Andrus.

Tyler Parmeter – Champion in the Open 7/8 division in the 67/72 lb wt class. Photo by B. Chong.

By Barbra Chong

West Michigan Pursuit traveled to Lakewood and Montabella this past weekend. Due to the inclement weather, numbers were down but there were still tough competitors ready to take home the hardware. Sixteen grapplers placed in the top four out of the seventeen entered. WMP claimed 38 victories this weekend putting them at a 75 percent win ratio.

“We have an amazing parent and wrestler support system,” said Head Coach and Owner, Dave Andrus. “I can’t thank them enough for trusting me with their kids and their futures. The level of sportsmanship displayed on and off the mat continues to impress me.”

Individual placements are as follows:

4th Place Medalists include 55/59 lb Mason Hendrick, 9/10 Open division and 49/52 lb Kaleb Pautke, 7/8 Open division.

3rd Place Medalists include 158 lb Maston Wood, 11/12 Open division.

2nd Place Medalist include 85 lb Logan Bennett, 11/12 Open division; 155 lb Aidan Dowdell, 13/15 Open division; 63 lb Luke Egan, 9/10 Open division; 80 Isaiah Smith, 9/10 Open division; 55 lb Aaiden Vasquez, 7/8 Open division and 55 lb Kellen Weckesser (Montabella) 7/8 Open division

CHAMPIONS are 61 lb Quinten Cassiday, 7/8 Open division; 55/59 lb Landon Foss, 9/10 Open division; 64 lb Drew Moro, 7/8 Open division; 67/72 lb Tyler Parmeter, 7/8 Open division; 80 lb Blake Peasley, 9/10 Open division; 63 lb Josh Vasquez, 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, come check us out. We are located in the Cedar Springs Sports Plex, practices are Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Shown here is Josh Howard, a 9/10 year old champion.

By Barbra Chong

West Michigan Pursuit traveled to Brighton for the Border Wars Monster Medals, Carson City and Fremont this past weekend. Twenty-five grapplers placed in the top five out of the 31 entered. Sixty-two victories were claimed this weekend putting WMP at a 64 percent win ratio.

Highlights of the weekend were Aaiden Vasquez, who battled 5-1 for a true second placement. Drew Moro also had an impressive day. He bumped up an age group and weight class for second placement. Individual placements are as follows:

Fifth Place medalist includes 59 lb Kameron Ogden (Border Wars), 9/10 age group.

Fourth Place medalists include 100 lb Gage Bowen (Carson City) 9/10 age group and 130 lb Isaac Casey, 9/10 age group.

Third Place medalists include 163 lb Xavier Anderson, High School division; 143 Jordan Andrus, High School division; 59 lb Michael Cannon (Border Wars) 9/10 age group and 138/145 lb Zak Schmid, 13/14 age group.

Second Place Medalists include 80 lb Logan Bennett (Carson City) 9/10 age group; 55 lb Quinten Cassiday, 7/8 age group; 75/80 lb Xavier Contreras, 11/12 age group; 55/58 lb Logan Galinis, 6 & under age group; 67 lb Caden Kelley, 7/8 age group; 58 lb Drew Moro (Border Wars) 7/8 age group; 64 lb Tyler Parmeter, 7/8 age group; 52 lb Aaiden Vasquez, 6 & under age group and 55 lb Josh Vasquez (Border Wars) 7/8 age group.

Champions are 133 lb Michael Carrasco, High School division; 61 lb Chayson Eberspeaker (Carson City) 6 & under age group; 58 lb Luke Egan, 7/8 age group; 155 Jacob Galinis, High School division; 85 lb Josh Howard, 9/10 age group; 46/49 lb Jayden Marcano-Cruz, 7/8 age group; 72 lb Blake Peasley (Carson City) 7/8 age group; 148 lb Lucus Pienton, High School division and 64 lb Isaiah Sostenes, 7/8 age group.

“My team is stepping up their training this week as we head to Regionals for the opportunity to compete at the State Finals next week. In order to secure their place, they must place in the top four. I have the highest confidence in these kids to do so” said Head Coach, Dave Andrus.