Jordan Ringler commits to Davenport University

Jordan Ringler, a 2017 Cedar Springs High School graduate, has signed a letter of intent to wrestle for the Davenport University Panthers this fall.

Jordan, son of Paul and Jane Ringler of Cedar Springs, has wrestled most of his life, beginning with freestyle when he was just a kindergartener. Jordan, a very tough competitor, has taken several awards over the years through the Michigan Youth and the Middle School/High School programs. He has participated on national teams, and he has been a consistent hard working leader, as described by teammates and coaches. Jordan plans to pursue the health care field for his BA and eventually hopes to obtain his doctorate of Physical Therapy. Congratulations Jordan!

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.

Senior heavyweight Patrick Depiazza, who is ranked #2 in the state, wrestled the #1 ranked wrestler in the state, Chase Beard, of Allegan, at regionals last week.

For the second year in a row, four Cedar Springs Varsity wrestlers are headed to the individual state finals at the Palace at Auburn Hills March 2-4. The four include senior heavyweight Patrick Depiazza, who remains unbeaten at 44-0 and is ranked at #2 in the state; sophomore Ryan Ringler 171 lb, who is 45-1 and ranked #2; senior Jordan Ringler, 135 lbs, 38-8 and ranked #6; and sophomore Lucus Pienton, 145 lbs, 33-8, and ranked #8. To find out more, read the story here.

These four Cedar Springs Varsity wrestlers will be heading to the state finals for the second year in a row. From left to right: Ryan Ringler, Patrick Depiazza, Lucus Pienton, and Jordan Ringler. Photo by B. Chong.

By Barbra Chong

The Cedar Springs High School Wrestling team had their 2017 Individual Regionals this last weekend, which were hosted by the Bull Dogs of Byron Center. The Red Hawks had six Regional Qualifiers that entered the competition and four are advancing to the State Finals.

Heavy Weight Patrick Depiazza is a senior and is currently ranked #2 in the State of Michigan, at MichiganGrappler.com. He remains undefeated with a record of 44-0 and is the 2017 Heavy Weight Conference, District and Regional Champion. The highlight of the Heavy Weight division was Depiazza defeating #1 ranked Chase Beard of Allegan in the finals, by regular decision 4-3.

Ryan Ringler, 171 lb, is a sophomore and is currently ranked #2. His current record is 45-1 and is the 2017 171 lb Conference, District and Regional Champion.

Jordan Ringler, 135 lb, is a senior and is currently ranked #6. His current record is 38-8 and is the 135 lb Conference Runner up, District Runner Up and Regional Runner Up.

Lucus Pienton 145 lb, is a sophomore and is currently ranked #8. His current record is 33-8 and is the 145 lb Conference Champion, District Runner Up and Regional Runner Up.

Congratulations to these four individuals for qualifying to the State Finals two consecutive years in a row. These boys have worked extremely hard for this opportunity. If you would like to support your local Red Hawks, they will be competing at the Palace of Auburn Hills, March 2-4.

Head Coach Nick Emery (far left) with the six Cedar Springs wrestlers that will be moving on to Regionals.

Two others placed second, and two more finished third

On Wednesday, February 8, Cedar Springs High School Wrestling hosted team Districts. Unfortunately, the Red Hawks fell short to Sparta with a final score, 33-38. Heavy Weight Patrick Depiazza, 125 Aaron Smith, 135 lb Jordan Andrus, 140 lb Jordan Ringler, 171 lb Xavier Anderson and 189 lb Ryan Ringler won their matches.

On Saturday, February 11, the Red Hawks traveled to Lowell for Individual Districts. District Champions are Heavy Weight Patrick Depiazza (41-0) and 171 lb Ryan Ringler (42-1). 135 lb Jordan Ringler (36-7) and 145 lb Lucus Pienton (31-7) finished in 2^nd Place. 125 lb Aaron Smith (35-11) and 160 lb Nate Patin (25-13) finished in 3^rd Place. Congratulations to these six individuals who will continue on to Regionals and the chance to compete at the State Finals.

The following individuals ended their season with Varsity wins as listed: 112 lb Nate Male, 18 wins; 119 lb Logan Hull, 26 wins; 125 lb Patrick Fliearman, 21 wins; 130 Jordan Andrus, 27 wins; 140 Anthony Brew, 14 wins; 140 Jacob Galinis, 24 wins; 152 lb Zak Schmid, 10 wins and 189 lb Chris Shaffer, 13 wins. Regionals will be held at Byron Center, Saturday, Feb. 18 if you would like to continue supporting your Red Hawks.

“The boys put together a memorable season,” said Head Coach Nick Emery.

“We came up just a hair short of our team goals but the heart and effort was there. We graduate two fantastic seniors, Patrick Fliearman and Jordan Andrus, who I will miss in the room everyday. But we will have six regional qualifiers returning. Now it’s time for the remaining wrestlers to focus on the Individual State Championship and bring home some medals.”

Varsity wrestling team comes up short at Districts

Heavyweight Patrick DePiazza, showing his infividual district bracket, and other teams members.

By Barbra Chong

Cedar Springs High School wrestling hosted the 2016 Team Districts last Wednesday, February 10. The Red Hawks came out strong and defeated Forest Hills Eastern, 48-16. They then took on the Yellow Jackets of Greenville for the District Finals. There were unanticipated losses for both teams. The Red Hawks proved to be a strong competitor with a young team, but fell short with a loss, 35-34.

Logan Hull 112 lb, Jacob Galinis 135 lb, Lucus Pienton 145 lb, Anthony Topolski 152 lb, Gage Gardner 160 lb, Ryan Ringler 171 lb, and heavyweight Patrick DePiazza, all went undefeated. Jordan Ringler 125 lb, Jordan Andrus 130 lb, and Jesse Empie 140 lb, each secured a victory.

Saturday, February 13, the team traveled to Lowell for Individual Districts. Heavyweight Patrick Depiazza remains undefeated and secured the 2016 District Championship title. Ryan Ringler 171 lb, finished the day in 2nd Place; 119 lb Jordan Ringler and 145 lb Lucus Pienton finished in 3rd Place and 112 lb Logan Hull and 135 lb Jacob Galinis finished in 4th Place. Congratulations to these six individuals!

If you enjoy wrestling and would like to support our Red Hawks, Regionals is next Saturday, March 19 at Byron Center high school.

“The boys put together a memorable season. We came up just a hair short of our team goals but the heart and effort was there. We graduate two fantastic seniors, Anthony Topolski and Jesse Empie, that I will miss in the room everyday, but will have six regional qualifiers returning. Now it’s time for the remaining wrestlers to focus on the Individual State Championship and bring home some medals,” said Head Coach Nick Emery.

Varsity Red Hawk wrestler Jordan Ringler celebrates his 100 varsity win.

By Barbra Chong

Cedar Springs High School Wrestling traveled to Forest Hills Northern for a Conference Tri Meet last Wednesday, January 20. Cedar Springs started the evening against the Huskies of Forest Hills Northern and claimed a victory, 57-21. Ending the night, the Red Hawks suffered a loss to long time rival Sparta, 46-19. Overall, the team is 3-0 in the OK Bronze Conference.

Anthony Brew and Billy Hammer on the Junior Varsity Team each scored a victory. On the Varsity level; 119/125 lb Jordan Ringler, 135 lb Jacob Galinis, 171/189 lb Ryan Ringler and Heavyweight Patrick Depiazza all went undefeated for the evening. 112 lb Logan Hull, 125 lb Aaron Smith, 140 Jesse Empie, 145 lb Anthony Topolski, 152 lb Xavier Anderson and 160 lb Nate Patin each won a match as well. Freshmen Aaron Smith also claimed his first varsity win by fall against Forest Hills Northern.

Saturday, January 23, the Red Hawks traveled to Midland for their team challenge. The varsity team is not at full strength, missing a 103 and 215 lb wt class, causing a void this weekend. Unfortunately, with the voids, this caused a 12-point deficit each dual. With a show of force, the Red Hawks started the day with a victory over St. Louis, 37-36 and continued the winning streak against Flat Rock with a score 46-33. Gaylord proved to be a tough competitor and the Hawks took a loss, 57-12. After a team bye, Cedar Springs regrouped and beat Brandon, 39-31 and kept the momentum going by ending the day with a final victory against West Ottawa, 35-28. The competition attracted 10 teams looking for the coveted Championship Title. Final team standings were Gaylord first place, Anchor Bay second place and Cedar Springs third place.

The individual records are as follows: 171/189 lb Ryan Ringler and heavyweight Patrick Depiazza went undefeated; 125 lb Jordan Ringler and 145/152 lb Anthony Topolski claimed four wins each; 119 lb Patrick Fliearman and 135/140 lb Jacob Galinis claimed three wins each; 130 lb Jordan Andrus, 145/152 lb Xavier Anderson, 160 lb Nate Patin and 171/189 lb Chris Shaffer claimed two wins each and 112 lb Logan Hull, 125 Aaron Smith and 130 lb Anthony Brew all claimed a victory. Freshmen, Xavier Anderson made his Varsity debut this weekend, proving he is a competitor.

Junior, Jordan Ringler claimed his 100th varsity career win while wrestling Jozef Motyka of Flat Rock. This is a goal that wrestlers strive to achieve over their high school career but is not easily attainable. Congratulations Jordan!

“The boys demonstrated great perseverance and teamwork this weekend, said Head Coach, Nick Emery. “They gutted it out through four dual victories all decided by one match. When we needed someone to step up, they did. Everyone contributed and it was a day to celebrate. Now back to the grind.”

The Red Hawk wrestlers took third at the Allendale Falcon Invite. Photo by Jane Ringler.

By Barbra Chong

The Cedar Springs High School Wrestling team traveled to Grandville on Wednesday, December 30. They started the day with a loss against Grand Haven, 32-35. Northview was their next opponent with a victory, 40-31. They took a loss to Comstock Park but it was a close dual, 29-33; and the Red Hawks finished the day against Jenison with a win and big lead, 66-12. Out of the 13 teams competing, Cedar Springs finished the day in 7th place. Grandville took the Championship, Hesperia 2nd place, Tri County 3rd place, Grand Haven 4th place, Comstock Park 5th place and Byron Center 6th place.

The individual records are as follows: Heavy Weight Patrick Depiazza, 171/189 lb Ryan Ringler and 125 lb Jordan Ringler all went undefeated with four wins each; 145 lb Lucus Pienton, 140 lb Jacob Galinis, 112 lb Logan Hull all with three wins each; 171 lb Gage Gardner, 160 lb Nate Patin, 152 Anthony Topolski , 145 lb Xavier Anderson , 135 Jesse Empie and 112 lb Austin Emmorey with two wins each; 215 lb Cody McHenry, 135 lb Gonzalo Baladia, 130 lbs Aaron Smith and Jordan Andrus and 119 Patrick Fliearman with one win each.

Spanish exchange student Gonzalo Baladia entered into his first wrestling tournament and won his first Varsity wrestling match against Jenison. “We are short handed at a few weights and lost two close battles today because of it,” said Head Coach Nick Emery. “Hopefully, the boys have learned that every second, every point of each match counts. Moving forward I hope this team can rally around each other and spark the greatness it has the potential to achieve.”

Saturday, January 2, Cedar Springs traveled to Allendale for the Falcon Invite. The tournament attracted 15 area teams and some tough competition. Final team standings were Lakeshore with the Championship and score of 270.5, Allendale took 2nd Place with a score of 180 points and Cedar Springs took 3rd Place with a score of 179.5.

The tournament was broke up into Varsity A and B teams. Cedar Springs entered eleven competitors into the Varsity A division. Final Placements are as follows:

Heavy Weight Patrick Depiazza, who remains undefeated this season, took home a Championship Title; 171 lb Ryan Ringler also took home a Championship title; 145 Lucus Pienton and 125 lb Jordan Ringler with 2nd Place each; 140 lb Jacob Galinis with 3rd Place; 152 lb Anthony Topolski with 4th Place; 119 lb Patrick Fliearman with 5th Place and 160 lb Nate Patin and 112 lb Logan Hull with 6th Place each. The Varsity B Team entered six competitors. 145 lb Xavier Anderson took home a Championship Title; 171 lb Chris Shaffer with 3rd Place; 130 lb Aaron Smith with 5th Place and 135 lb Gonzalo Baladia and 112 lb Austin Emmorey with 6th Place each.

From left to right: Nate Patin, 6th Place; Jordan Andrus, 5th Place; Logan Hull, 6th Place; Jordan Ringler, 2nd Place; Lucus Pienton, 3rd Place; Ryan Ringler, 3rd Place; Patrick Depiazza, Champion and Coach Nick Emery.

by Barbra Chong

Wednesday, December 16, Cedar Springs High School Wrestling hosted a North Kent Quad where Cedar Springs, Sparta, Rockford and Kent City were all looking for the Championship Title. In the first dual of the night, Cedar Springs defeated Kent City with a final score, 42-27. The Red Hawks then went up against Sparta and lost by a difficult, 9-49. Out of the four teams competing, Cedar Springs took 2^nd Place after Sparta.

The two highlights of the evening were wins by junior Jordan Ringler at 119 lbs and junior Patrick Depiazza at Heavyweight.  Jordan Ringler took to the mat against Sparta senior Dylan Wilkins, who is currently ranked #1 in the state of Michigan. Ringler and Wilkins went head to head but Ringler successfully defended Wilkins’ signature low single as time expired, final score 5-3. Patrick Depiazza had the anticipated last match of the evening against Sparta senior Tom Rock, who is currently ranked #2 in the state of Michigan. Depiazza and Rock battled into overtime, with Depiazza defeating his opponent with the first take down and final score of 5-3.

Saturday, December 19, Cedar Springs traveled to Davenport University for the Kent County Championship. The tournament attracted 17 area teams and some of the best wrestlers in the area. The best fan base award was claimed by our very own Cedar Springs crowd. Final team standings were Lowell, 1^st Place; Forest Hills Central, 2^nd Place; Rockford, 3^rd Place and Cedar Springs, 4^th Place.

The individual records were: heavyweight, Patrick Depiazza, who went undefeated with 3 wins and took home the Championship title; 119 lb Jordan Ringler, with two wins and 2^nd place; 145 lb Lucus Pienton and 171 lb Ryan Ringler with three wins and 3^rd place each; 130 lb Jordan Andrus with 4 wins and 5^th place; 112 lb Logan Hull and 160 lb Nate Patin with two wins each and 6^th Place. 152 lb Anthony Topolski, 160 lb Gage Gardner and 189 lb Chris Shaffer won two matches each and 125 lb Patrick Fliearman and 135 lb Jesse Empie with 1 win each.

“Facing adversity, the boys decided to double down this weekend,” said Head Coach Nick Emery. “There were unexpected and eye opening performances throughout the day. In the words of the great Vince Lombardi, ‘It doesn’t matter how many times you get knocked down, as long as you keep getting back up.’ Our fans were spectacular and I love our grassroots mentality. Freshmen Ryan Ringler and Lucus Pienton both proved they are legit contenders with tough battles against all-state seniors.”

If you are able to come support the Red Hawks, the next tournament will be held at Grandville High School, next Wednesday, December 30. Competition will start at 9 a.m.