Cedar Springs Middle School wrestlers took 2nd at Ravenna last weekend. Courtesy photo.

On Saturday, February 3, 35 wrestlers from the Cedar Springs Middle School wrestling team traveled to Ravenna, where 13 grapplers placed.

Gavin Lewis, 80lbs weight class took 2nd place; Cole Haack, 110 lbs weight class took 3rd place; Ben Brunner, 115 lbs weight class took 2nd place; Logan Troupe, 120lbs weight class took first place; Kaden Schmid, 125 lbs weight class took 2nd place; Carter Falan, 125lbs weight class took 3rd place; Alex Reman, 137 lbs weight class took first place; Logan Harris, 137 lbs weight class took 4th place; Kanin Wagner-Bumstad, 155 lbs weight class took 4th place; Maston Wood, 167lbs weight class took first place; Westley Wentworth 215lbs weight class took 3rd place. 

Good job, Red Hawks! 

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.

Cedar Springs Youth wrestlers and their medals. L-R: Coach Jake Marsman, Wyatt Dickinson, Deegan Pike, Gabe Gair, Cole Haack, Cade Troupe, Chasyn Winchel, Dakota Winchel, William Dickinson. Photo by J. Troupe.

By Jacquie Troupe

Three CSYWC grapplers joined 334 others to try to win a plate sized Monster Medal at the first Border Wars tournament of the season in Brighton, Mich. on Saturday, March 25. Coached by their dads, the boys experienced some great competition from all over the state.

In the 2008-2009 49lb class, Tucker Crystal placed 3rd after 3 matches, scoring 6 match points. In the combined 67/72lb class, Jonathon Libera placed 4th after 3 matches, scoring 6 match points.

In the 2006-2007 80lb class Hudson Crystal wrestled 3 matches, going 1-2 for the day and scoring 7 match points.

CS Youth wrestlers were some of 356 first and second year wrestlers that competed for top spots at the Novice Championships in Saline, Mich. This is the third year the club has travelled to this tournament and it is a fantastic way for the novice wrestler to end their year. The eight local wrestlers finished the day 21-10.

“I’m really proud of these kids. They are out here every week learning new moves and driving themselves just as hard as the more experienced wrestlers. They are using that knowledge from those tough losses and pushing themselves to win matches. I can’t wait to get them back on the mat next year!” said Coach Jake Marsman.

The team placed 10th out of 76 in Most Pins/Least Time with 10 pins in 14:22. Chasyn Winchel was 41st over all with 2 in :44. Dakota Winchel placed 43rd over all with 2 in :57. Deegan Pike was 64th over all with 2 in 2:55. Cade Troupe placed 93rd over all with 1 in :42. CSYWC was 17th in over all match points with 106. Wyatt Dickinson came in 2nd over all in Single Match Points with 19. Cole Haack was 44th over all with 13.

In the 2010-2012 55lb class Chasyn Winchel placed 1st after 4 matches.

In the 2008-2009 58lb class Deegan Pike placed 3rd after 7 matches.

In the 2006-2007 110lb class Dakota Winchel placed 3rd after 4 matches.

In the 2004-2005 100lb class Cole Haack placed 1st after 2 matches. In the 105lb class, Gabe Gair placed 1st after 3 matches, 54th over all in Most Pins/Least Time with 2 in 5:45.

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.

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.

This past weekend West Michigan Pursuit traveled to the Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek for the 2015 NUWAY Nationals. There were tough wrestlers from coast to coast, many champions and All-Americans from multiple states taking home the NUWAY Eagle super-sized trophies and All-American status. West Michigan Pursuit brought 10 grapplers to compete and 8 placed in the top eight. The team battled 44 times with 28 ending in victory.

Luke Egan entered Division 2 in the 52 lb wt class. He is a second year wrestler and is a first grader of Cedar Trails Elementary. Luke finished 6th in the Nation with a final record of 37-15 securing an All American Status.

Gage Bowen entered Division 2 in the heavy weight class. He is a fourth year wrestler and is a third grader of Woodview Elementary of Belding. Gage finished 5th in the Nation with a final record of 39-7 securing an All American Status.

Lee Braun entered Division 2 in the 56 lb wt class. He is a third year wrestler and is a third grader of Jamestown Elementary of Hudsonville. Lee finished 4th in the Nation with a final record of 36-8 securing an All American Status.

Blake Peasley entered Division 2 in the 64 lb wt class. He is a third year wrestler and is a second grader of Lakes Elementary of Rockford. Blake finished 4th in the Nation with a final record of 38-10 securing an All American Status.

Zak Schmid entered Division 4 in the 135 lb wt class. He is a second year wrestler as a seventh grader of Cedar Springs Middle School. Zak finished 4th in the Nation with a final record of 33-5 securing an All American Status.

Josh Vasquez entered Division 2 in the 49 lb wt class. He is a third year wrestler as a third grader of Oriole Park of Wyoming. Josh finished 3rd in the Nation with a final record of 54-5 securing an All American Status.

Jayden Marcano-Cruz entered Division 1 in the 45 lb wt class. He is a second year wrestler as a first grader of Grandview Elementary. Jayden finished 2nd in the Nation with a final record of 45-5 securing an All American Status.

Patrick Depiazza entered into Division 6 as a wild card in the High School division. Patrick is a sophomore of Cedar Springs High School and has been wrestling for thirteen years. He finished 2nd in the Nation, securing an All American Status.

There were over 270 teams competing this past weekend. Team awards were available for the top six programs. West Michigan Pursuit finished 3rd overall with a team score of 176. Region Wrestling of Indiana took first place with a score of 212.5 and Contenders Wrestling of Indiana took 2nd place with a score of 193. West Michigan Pursuit also finished 2nd for the win by fall category. Shore Sports Club of Ohio finished in first place for the win by fall category. Overall, West Michigan Pursuit ended the season on a high note. The program would not have its current success without its dedicated coaching staff: Head Coach and Owner, Dave Andrus; William Ketchum; and Dominick Chong. We look forward to next season and will watch our numbers continue to grow and succeed. We are the Pursuit of Champions.

The West Michigan Pursuit team wrestled last weekend in the Western Regionals, hosted by the Lowell Arrows. West Michigan Pursuit took 24 grapplers to compete and placed 18 in the top six, with 16 moving on to battle it out at the 2015 State Finals. This year’s Finals will be held at the Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek the weekend of March 27-29. The team battled 81 times, against some tough competition, with 52 ending in victory. Only the top four from each weight class, age group and Region move on to compete at the State Finals.

“The time is here and the focus is on for that Pursuit to the Podium. This group of grapplers impress me every practice and I am not surprised by the number of kids who qualified,” said Head Coach Dave Andrus.

Results are as follows:

6th Place Medalist is Jaedon Kutzli in the 11/12 age group in the 70 lb wt class.

5th Place Medalist is Anthony Szubinski Jr. in the 9/10 age group in the 67 lb wt class.

4th Place Medalists include Logan Bennett in the 9/10 age group in the 67 lb wt class and Casey Eberspeaker in the 7/8 age group in the 64 lb wt class

3rd Place Medalist is Caleigh Wood in the 4/5/6 age group in the 40 lb wt class.

2nd Place Medalists include Chayson Eberspeaker in the 4/5/6 age group in the 55 lb wt class, Derek Egan in the 13/14 age group in the 90 lb wt class, Josh Vasquez in the 7/8 age group in the 52 lb wt class and Maston Wood in the 9/10 Open age group in the 130 lb wt class.

Regional Champions are Gage Bowen in the 7/8 age group in the 97 lb wt class, Lee Braun in the 7/8 age group in the 58 lb wt class, Landon Demorest in the 9/10 age group in the 55 lb wt class, Luke Egan in the 7/8 age group in the 52 lb wt class, Landon Foss in the 7/8 age group in the 49 lb wt class, Jayden Marcano-Cruz in the 4/5/6 age group in the 46 lb wt class, Blake Peasley in the 7/8 age group in the 64 lb wt class, Zak Schmid in the 11/12 age group in the 133 lb wt class and Brandson Wood in the 7/8 age group in the 46 lb wt class.

by Colleen White

The Middle School grapplers faced their last two opponents of the season this past week, facing Northview and Comstock Park. Both matches offered some of the best wrestling matches of the season. The fledgling Hawks soared high, winning both matches by pulling together and supporting each other.

Saturday offered another challenge with the Individual Tournament held at Lowell. Nine wrestlers chose to participate, with others coming to cheer on those wrestling. Six wrestlers placed in the top four. Anthony Brew placed 2nd, Reese Gonzales placed 3^rd, and in 4th place was Fred White, David Erxleben, Aaron Smith and Zac Schmid.

“All of our wrestlers have shown improvement this year. It has been a wonderful season,” stated Coach VanHam.

The Cedar Springs Middle School wrestling team with the Blue Division Plaque. Photo provided by Colleen White.

By Colleen White

After defeating Sparta on Thursday, the Cedar Springs Middle School grapplers focused on the challenge of the Sparta Invitational on Saturday. They arrived Saturday morning ready to defend their undefeated record.

They were paired against Caledonia, Sparta, Comstock Park and Greenville for their first four matches. Each presented their challenges that our Red Hawks faced and met, defeating all four teams. Their final pairing was against Lowell. It was the biggest battle of the day with Cedar Springs receiving their first loss of the season. Overall our young grapplers placed 1st, winning the Blue Division. Coach Wood summed it up stating “You all did what was asked of you today! Well done 7th and 8th graders!”

This week our Red Hawks faced Northview on Tuesday and will face Comstock Park on Thursday, with an individual tournament at Lowell on Saturday to complete the Middle School season. Thank you all for your support for our young Red Hawks this season.

Lucus Pienton took first in the 13/14/15 open age group at GVSU.

This past weekend’s Western Region tournament was held by Grand Valley State University, where West Michigan Pursuit traveled thru the crazy Michigan weather to compete. WMP took 23 grapplers to compete this weekend and placed 13 in the top three.

“I just want to thank the wrestlers’ who train under me, thank you for stepping out on the mat and working as hard as you do, you truly are the Pursuit of Champions,” said Owner and Head Coach Dave Andrus.

This week the team battled 67 times with 38 ending in victory. Results are as follows:

3rd Place Medalists include Casey Eberspeaker in the 7/8 Open age group in the 64 lb wt class.

2nd Place Medalists include and Gage Bowen in the 7/8 Open age group in the 82  lb wt class, Derek Egan in the 13/14/15 Novice age group in the 90/95 lb wt class, Luke Egan in the 7/8 Open age group in the 52 lb wt class, Jayden Marcano-Cruz in the 4/5/6 Novice age group in the 46 lb wt class, Kameron Ogden in the 7/8 Novice age group in the 52 lb wt class, Blake Peasley in the 7/8 Open age group in the 64 lb wt class and Maston Wood in the 9/10 age group in the 130 lb wt class.

Champions are Chayson Eberspeaker in the 4/5/6 age group in the 55 lb wt class, Landon Foss in the 7/8 Open age group in the 49/52 lb wt class (Portland Tournament), Lucus Pienton in the 13/14/15 Open age group in the 138 lb wt class, Zak Schmid in the 11/12 Open age group in the 133 lb wt class and Josh Vasquez in the 7/8 Open age group in the 52 lb wt class. Special Recognition to Zak Schmid who remains undefeated.

If you are interested in learning more about this sport or if your wrestler is looking to compete at the next level, check out West Michigan Pursuit. We are located at the Cedar Springs Sports Plex, practices are Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Luke Egan, from the 7/8 age group, pins last year’s state champ.

West Michigan Pursuit wrestlers traveled to the North Region last weekend, for Central Montcalm’s Open only tournament. “Competing outside of our region will give our WMP grapplers an opportunity to see what the other regions have to offer competitively and what to look forward to when we reach the State Finals,” said Owner and Head Coach Dave Andrus.

WMP took 26 grapplers to compete and placed 20 in the top four. The team battled 81 times with 51 ending in victory. Results are as follows:

4th Place Medalists include John McKay in the 4/5/6 age group in the 43 lb wt class, Anthony Szubinski, Jr. in the 9/10 age group in the 67 lb wt class, Brandson Wood in the 7/8 age group in the 46 lb wt class, Caleigh Wood in the 4/5/6 age group in the 40 lb wt class and Ricky Wood in the 13/14/15 age group in the 122 lb wt class.

3rd Place Medalists include Logan Bennett in the 9/10 age group in the 67 lb wt class and Kaden Schmid in the 9/10 age group in the 75 lb wt class.

2nd Place Medalists include Casey Eberspeaker in the 7/8 age group in the 64 lb wt class and Derek Egan in the 13/14/15 age group in the 90 lb wt class.

Champions are Gage Bowen in the 7/8 age group in the 97 lb wt class, Lee Braun in the 7/8 age group in the 58 lb wt class, Xavier Contreras in the 11/12 age group in the 75 lb wt class, Chayson Eberspeaker in the 4/5/6 age group in the 55 lb wt class, Luke Egan in the 7/8 age group in the 52 lb wt class, Jayden Marcano-Cruz in the 4/5/6 in the 46 lb wt class, Blake Peasley in the 7/8 age group in the 67 lb wt class, Lucus Pienton in the 13/14/15 age group in the 138/145 lb wt class, Zak Schmid in the 11/12 age group in the 158 lb wt class, Josh Vasquez in the 7/8 age group in the 55 lb wt class and Maston Wood in the 9/10 age group in the 130 lb wt class.

Special Recognition to Zak Schmid who remains undefeated and to Luke Egan who defeated two prior State Champions.

If you are interested in learning more about this sport or if your wrestler is looking to compete at the next level, check out West Michigan Pursuit. We are located at the Cedar Springs Sports Plex, practices are Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.