The Varsity Red Hawks traveled to Allendale on Saturday, January 6, for the Falcon Individual Invite.

Three Champions were crowned as the team took third place behind Lakeshore and Allendale. 

Aaron Smith (17-6) won his first ever Varsity tournament at the 135lb weight class. Lucus Pienton (21-2) dominated the 152 division. Ryan Ringler (22-1) earned Most Outstanding Wrestler while claiming the prize at 171.

Jacob Galinis won his 100th Varsity match while placing third at 140lbs. Consolation Champions also included Trevor Marsman (17-5), Logan Hull (21-2) and Anthony Brew (12-2). David Erxleben, Zak Schmid, Chris Shafer and Caleb Baty placed for the Red Hawks as well.

On Friday night, January 5, the team kicked off OK-White duel action with a victory over Northview and a loss to four-time defending State Champion Lowell.

The boys will be at Forest Hills Northern this Friday, January 12, at 5:30 for a showdown with the Huskies and Rangers. Saturday they will travel to the east side of the state to take on Warren Woods Tower and foe.

The Red Hawks lost to the FHC Rangers last week, landing them in second place in the OK-White. They need to win their last game to make the playoffs. Photo by K&R Lalone.

By Kayleigh Boomgaard

On Friday, October 13, at 7pm, the Varsity Red Hawks of Cedar Springs faced off against the undefeated Rangers of Forest Hills Central at Red Hawk Stadium. The Red Hawks were defeated in this conference match up, with a final score of Forest Hills Central 35, Cedar Springs 20, setting a somber mood for senior night in Red Hawk Stadium.

Forest Hills Central athlete Luke Majick ran in the first touchdown of the night, with 9:25 left to play in the first quarter. Ranger Daniel Riser went on to kick a PAT (point after touchdown). The Hawks got on the board with only a little time left in the first quarter when junior Ryan Ringler made a 5-yard run into the end zone, followed by a completed two point conversion. Additional points for the Rangers in the quarter were scored by Kyle Basch and Ranger kicker Riser. The first quarter concluded with a score of Forest Hills Central 14, Cedar Springs 8.

The Red Hawks took the lead in the second quarter when Ringler made two additional completed runs into the end zone. The attempted PAT’s after these runs were incomplete. 

After returning from halftime with a standing score of Cedar Springs 20, Forest Hills Central 14, the game slowly went downhill for the Red Hawks. In the third and fourth quarters, the Red Hawks were unable to add to the scoreboard. The Rangers racked up a total of 21 points. 

Final score was FHC 35, Cedar Springs 20. This boosted FHC’s record to 6-0 in conference and 8-0 overall; and the Red Hawks’ record went to 4-1 conference and 5-3 overall. Although the Cedar Springs varsity football team was defeated by Forest Hills Central, the night was memorable, as the seniors played for what may be the very last time on their home turf. The boys walked the length of the field alongside one another as the song “The Boys of Fall” played throughout the stadium.

The next, and last regular game of the season for the Red Hawks will take place on Friday, October 20th against Ottawa Hills. This game will begin at 7 p.m. at Ottawa Hills’ home stadium. 

The Red Hawks need just one more win to advance to the playoffs. 

Junior Patrick Depiazza placed fourth at state in the heavyweight division.

By Barbra Chong

This past weekend the Varsity Red Hawks traveled to the Palace of Auburn Hills for the 2016 High School State Finals. Four individuals entered the competition and two finished in the top 4.

Junior Patrick Depiazza wrestled the Heavy Weight Division. His first opponent was senior Billy Titoff of Mt. Pleasant and won by major decision 12-1. Another win by fall against sophomore Owen Miller of Marshall kept his momentum going. Senior Sam Benson of Mason proved to be a contender and Patrick took his first loss of the season by a close regular decision 2-3. Depiazza came back against sophomore Evan Gast of Byron Center and won by regular decision 2-1. His last opponent of the season, senior Jake Gnegy of St John, also proved to be a tough competitor and Patrick lost by fall. Patrick ended his season in fourth place, earning an All State title and a record of 52-2. Senior Isaiah Espinoza of Adrian is the Heavy Weight Division 2 State Champion.

Freshman Ryan Ringler placed third at state in the 171 lb division.

Freshmen Ryan Ringler wrestled the 171 lb weight class. He started the competition against junior Gabe Larner of Dewitt and lost by regular decision 4-6. He quickly shook that off as he stepped on the mat with senior Nate Nutter of Gaylord, ending with a win by fall. Next up was senior John Penfold of Goodrich and a win by regular decision 4-3. Ringler kept his momentum going against sophomore Drake Pauwels of New Boston Huron, with another win by regular decision 6-2 and over senior Levi Sabin of Allegan, with a win by major decision 11-2. With pure determination on his mind, his last opponent did not stand a chance. Ringler won by major decision 19-10 against junior Will Feldkamp of Dexter. Ringler came back from his first loss and still ended his season in third place earning an All State Title and a record of 52-5, which is truly unheard of at the State Finals. Junior, Jalani Embree of Warren Lincoln is the 171 lb, Division 2 State Champion.

The other two Red Hawk wrestlers that went to state were junior Jordan Ringler and freshman Lucus Pienton. Both lost their first match, won their second, then lost their third.

“Ryan Ringler pulled off a legendary performance defeating five competitors in a row to capture a third place finish,” said Head Coach Nick Emery. “Pat DePiazza showed he is the heavyweight to beat next season in Division II. Jordan Ringler wrestled as well as he had all season but couldn’t quite break through on a tough chart. Freshman Lucus Pienton is the fifth freshman in school history to qualify for state and will contend for the title next season. I’m proud of these kids,” he added.