Blog
Permanent link for GVSU Wrestling Competed in the Ben McMullen Open and the Tiffin University Women's Open on November 6, 2024
The Grand Valley State University Wrestling Club, focusing on growth,
displayed grit and resilience over the weekend as the men's and
women's teams took to the mats for early-season tests. The men
competed in the Ben McMullen Open at Muskegon Community College, while
the women headed to the Tiffin University Women's Open in Ohio.
Although the competitions were tough, the Lakers walked away with
valuable experience, showcasing a season of growth and hard work.
In the 125-pound division, freshman Zach Koenig made a notable
impression with a fiery start. Koenig opened with a fall over Liam
Castricone from Niagara CC, followed by an impressive 41-second pin
against Mott Community College's Keenan Pake. His aggressive style
propelled him into the semifinals, where he met Muskegon CC's Jack
Guerrero. Despite a valiant effort, Koenig fell to Guerrero by a
technical fall. In the consolation semis, Koenig was pinned by Ayden
Downing of Niagara CC, rounding out a hard-fought day.
At 141 pounds, Jacob Bathas won his opening about in a close 9-7
decision over Muskegon CC's Owen Cruden. Batha's journey was cut short
by a technical fall loss to Dylan Phelps of Olivet College in the
quarterfinals, and his day ended with a loss in the consolation rounds
against Brennan Bolen from Western Michigan's club.
Ellery Smith, competing at 165 pounds, began his day with a pin
over Sonny Gilbert from Marian University Ancilla. Smith advanced to
the quarterfinals but was stopped by Alma College's Carter Melonio. In
a close consolation about, Smith fell to Calvin Huggler from Alma
College with a 7-2 decision.
Heavyweight Jason Smith led the men's team with a fourth-place
finish. After a first-round bye, Smith advanced due to an injury
default by Olivet College's George Daniel. He was defeated by Jayson
Roy from the University of Michigan's club in the semifinals but
bounced back in the consolation semis with a major decision win over
Dennis Weston of Marian University Ancilla. In the third-place match,
Smith was pinned by Brody Miskimon from Alma College.
Head Coach Ryan Lancaster praised the men's team's determination
and relentless effort. "Every match, every minute on the mat,
these young men are learning and growing," Lancaster remarked.
"Wins and losses don't just measure success; it's about the
fight, the resilience, and the constant pursuit of improvement. I'm
proud of the grit they showed out there and excited to see how this
experience shapes them for the rest of the season."
The women's team competed intensely at the Tiffin University
Women's Open, with wrestlers Ayla Lipscomb, Krysta Luce, and Sophia
Sunior stepping onto the mats against tough opponents.
Despite the early exits, Lipscomb's determination underscored her
potential as she took away valuable lessons to fuel her future growth.
In the 180-pound division, Luce faced Jordan Torres-Carrillo from
Tiffin University in a closely contested match, ultimately falling
8-6. In the consolation rounds, Luce met Mia Gaetjens from Adrian
College, who secured a technical fall. Luce's performance demonstrated
her resilience and promise as she continued to build her skill set in
collegiate competition.
Sophia Sunior, competing at 207 pounds, faced a formidable
first-round opponent in Mount Union's Lyndsee Young, who claimed a
10-0 technical fall. In the consolation rounds, Sunior advanced with a
bye but was defeated by Kiley McClain from Bluefield State, who won by
fall. Sunior's performance highlighted her willingness to compete and
grind it out against strong opponents.
Reflecting on the women's performance, Coach Lancaster noted,
"Every time these women step on the mat, they gain critical
experience to fuel their growth as wrestlers. The Tiffin Open was a
reminder that while the scoreboard may not always reflect the effort
and heart these athletes put in, each match is a building block in
their journey. We're not just looking for winsýwe're building
resilience, grit, and skills that will pay off in the long run."
Both the men's and women's teams showed flashes of potential and
moments of growth that will set the stage for the season ahead. The
Ben McMullen Open and Tiffin Open gave the GVSU Wrestling Club a
glimpse of their strengths and areas for improvement, laying a solid
foundation. These teams are ready to push their limits and bring
intensity to each upcoming tournament, leaving the audience hopeful
for future performances.
Categories:
Wrestling
Posted
on
Permanent link for GVSU Wrestling Competed in the Ben McMullen Open and the Tiffin University Women's Open on November 6, 2024.
Permanent link for GVSU Wrestling Club Grits Out Solid Performances at Fall Brawl Open on October 28, 2024
FLINT, MI ý The GVSU-WC entered the 2024 Fall Brawl Open at Mott
Community College with a determined spirit and a point to prove.
Despite the fierce competition, the Lakers displayed remarkable
resilience, delivering promising performances in a day filled with
challenges and triumphs.
At 133 lbs, sophomore Zach Koenig turned in a gritty effort to
snag a fourth-place finish. It wasn't an easy road, as Koenig was
caught in the second round by Vicente Navarro of Henry Ford College,
losing by fall at 6:30. Undeterred, he bounced back. He delivered a
29-second pin over Keenan Pake from Mott Community College, giving
GVSU a big lift. Despite dropping his other two matches, Koenig's
persistence shone through.
"Zach's got that scrapper mentality," head coach Ryan
Lancaster said. "He took his lumps but came back and showed what
he's made of with that lightning-fast pin."
Unattached wrestler Zach Egan had a rollercoaster ride at 157
lbs, but his win was hard-earned. Egan got off to a rough start,
getting caught by Dayveon Rupert of Southwest Michigan Community
College in 3:51. He bounced back strong, putting Alex Daniel of the
Michigan Club on his back in just 40 seconds in the consolation
bracket. Egan's day ended with a loss to Carter Simota of Henry Ford
College, who scored the fall at 3:28.
"There's no quit in Zach," Lancaster remarked. "He
got right back up after a tough loss and took care of business. He's
got the potential to be a real force for us."
In a remarkable women's folkstyle exhibition match, Krysta Luce
made quick work of Alex Anguina from Michigan, pinning her in the
first period and electrifying the GVSU bench. The exhibition might
have been outside the official bracket, but Luce did not doubt her talent.
"Krysta went out there and dominated," said Lancaster.
"She's setting the tone for our women's program, and I can't wait
to see where she goes from here."
Freshman Jacob Batha had his work cut out in the 141 lb bracket.
He started against Henry Ford's Daniel Gonzalez-Cancel, who took the
match via technical fall, 15-0. Batha received a consolation bye but
fell short in the semi against John Hurley, losing by a major decision (15-7).
"Jacob's day didn't go as planned, but he kept
swinging," Lancaster said. "He's learning with each match,
and that's what matters."
The day's highlight for GVSU came from Luke Lyons, who took
second place in the 197 lb division. Lyons narrowly lost his opening
match to Lionel Baldwin of Michigan, 2-1, but came back with a
vengeance, pinning NCWA National Qualifier Anthony Janowski of Akron
in 3:50 to secure the runner-up spot.
"Luke's a warrior," Lancaster said proudly. "He
didn't let that one-point loss rattle him. He regrouped and delivered
a statement pin."
At heavyweight, Blake Wilson's first taste of collegiate
competition didn't come with a win, but it did provide plenty of
learning opportunities. In the opening round, he dropped a tight 13-8
decision to Lance Gray of Henry Ford. After a consolation bye,
Wilson's day ended with a fall to DeAngelo Williams at 1:27.
"Blake showed flashes of what he's capable of,"
Lancaster said. "He's got the tools; with more experience, he'll
be a difference-maker."
Coach Ryan Lancaster, while acknowledging the difficulties faced
at the Fall Brawl, saw plenty of reasons to be hopeful. "It was a
challenging day, no doubt, but we showed heart and glimpses of our
potential. Our team fought hard, and that's what I'm excited to see."
As the Lakers look forward to the rest of the season, Lancaster
and his squad will sharpen their skills, focus on conditioning, and
fine-tune their techniques. The results may not have gone their way
yet, but GVSU is ready to grind.
"We're laying the foundation for something bigger,"
Lancaster said. "Every match, win or lose, brings us closer to
where we want to be. The important thing is to keep pushing and
growing as a team."
The Fall Brawl may not have ended with the Lakers at the top of
the podium, but their grit and determination suggest brighter days
ahead for the Grand Valley State University Wrestling Club.
Categories:
Wrestling
Posted
on
Permanent link for GVSU Wrestling Club Grits Out Solid Performances at Fall Brawl Open on October 28, 2024.
Permanent link for Rising Resilience: Grand Valley State University Club Wrestlers Show Out at 2024 NCWA National Championships on March 20, 2024
The wrestlers representing Grand Valley State University displayed an
impressive blend of determination and skill during the 2024 NCWA
National Championships held at the Brookshire Grocery Arena in
Shreveport, Louisiana, from March 14 to March 16, 2024. Despite
encountering formidable opponents from renowned collegiate wrestling
programs nationwide, the GVSUWC athletes exhibited unmatched
resilience and prowess. Their performance highlighted their profound
devotion to the sport and the university, evident in their steadfast
determination and unyielding quest for achievement. As they navigated
through demanding matches, each member of the GVSU Wrestling Club
exemplified the culmination of extensive training and preparation,
garnering recognition and respect for their exceptional performance on
this esteemed national platform.
In a gripping match against Alexandria Green from Texas State
University, 116-pound wrestler Isobel Wharff displayed her skills,
engaging in a fierce battle until the 3:41 mark, ending with Green
securing the victory. However, Wharff's determination remained
unwavering as she prepared for her next challenge against Angelina
Walker from Ottawa - Arizona. Despite a valiant effort, Wharff faced a
quick defeat, with Walker claiming victory in just 17 seconds.
"In moments like these, we witness the essence of our team's
ethos: show up, be prepared, and understand that every match begins at
0-0," said Head Coach Ryan Lancaster. "Isobel exemplified
this spirit in her recent encounters. Against Green, she engaged in a
gripping battle, showcasing her skills until the final buzzer. Every
match presents an opportunity to score bonus points, not just on the
scoreboard, but in character and grit."
In the 125-pound
weight class, Zack Koenig of GVSUWC exhibited exceptional prowess,
navigating a series of challenging matchups with remarkable skill.
Koenig started his campaign with a dominant technical fall victory
over Gabriel Matamoros of Rutgers WC, followed by another impressive
triumph against Brennan Garate-Flores of Pacific Lutheran. Continuing
his winning streak, Koenig secured a major decision victory over Luis
Barajas of Grays Harbor, showcasing his tactical proficiency on the
mat. In a closely contested about against Joseph Jimenez of Sacramento
State, Koenig demonstrated his resilience and determination, clinching
a hard-fought decision victory to advance further in the tournament.
Despite facing a formidable opponent in Dominic Ciolli of Ohio State,
Koenig displayed unwavering determination and fought bravely,
ultimately falling short but leaving an indelible mark with his
stellar performance.
Coach Lancaster said, "Zack's journey through a series of
challenging matchups showcased his remarkable skill and unwavering
commitment to our team's philosophy. Each victory, whether by
technical fall or a hard-fought decision, underscored Koenig's
tactical proficiency on the mat and his resilience in the face of
adversity."
The GVSUWC's Maria Potrero also left her mark on
the tournament, engaging in intense bouts that showcased her talent
and tenacity. Potrero faced off against formidable opponents such as
Marinthia Mendoza from Grays Harbor and Carly Manning from Clemson.
Despite experiencing both victory and defeat, Potrero demonstrated
resilience and a fighting spirit that echoed throughout the
tournament. One of the standout moments for Potrero was her match
against Manning, where she dominated the mat, securing victory in 5
minutes and 26 seconds.
"Win or lose, she exemplified our core values, demonstrating
resilience and a relentless fighting spirit. Her decisive victory over
Manning was a defining moment for her and our entire team," said
Coach Lancaster.
Jack Sherman, representing GVSUWC in the 157-pound weight class,
also performed remarkably throughout the tournament. Sherman kicked
off his campaign with a commanding technical fall victory over Dominic
Acosta of Central Florida, setting the tone for his subsequent
matches. He continued his winning streak with a dominant major
decision win against Brady Bollander of James Madison, showcasing his
technical proficiency and strategic prowess on the mat. Despite facing
a setback against Keaton Fischer of West Chester in a closely
contested about, Sherman bounced back with an emphatic pinfall victory
over Clay Queen of Lyon, displaying his resilience and determination.
He followed it up with another impressive pinfall victory against
Anthony Colavito of Montclair State, further solidifying his
reputation as a formidable competitor. Despite facing a tough opponent
in Mitchell Helgert of Washington State, Sherman fought valiantly but
ultimately fell short, concluding his campaign with a commendable performance.
"From his commanding technical fall victory over Acosta to
his dominant major decision win against Bollander, Sherman displayed
skill and a strategic finesse that set him apart. Even in facing
setbacks, like his closely contested about against Fischer, Sherman
exhibited resilience, bouncing back with emphatic pinfall victories
over his opponents," said Lancaster.
The final standings at the Nationals reflected the culmination of
months of arduous training and unwavering dedication. West Chester
emerged victorious with a narrow lead, followed by Ohio State WC and
Clemson. However, the GVSUWC's remarkable journey captivated the
attention of wrestling enthusiasts. With a total score of 15.5 points,
the GVSUWC claimed a notable 16th position. While the team didn't
clinch the top spot, its performance underscored the talent and
resilience ingrained within its ranks.
"The GVSUWC adheres staunchly to our fundamental principles:
show up, be prepared, score bonus points, and remember the score is
always 0-0. Jack and Zack's commendable 4-2 record at Nationals
exemplifies our commitment to these principles. Though not atop the
leaderboard, the final standings reflect the culmination of months of
relentless training and unwavering dedication. While West Chester
ultimately seized victory with a narrow lead, our 16th position
underscores our team's undeniable prowess and resilience," said Lancaster.
The GVSUWC demonstrated impressive perseverance and resolve at
the 2024 NCWA National Championships. Their outstanding performance
underscored the result of extensive preparation, unwavering
commitment, and a relentless pursuit of greatness. Every wrestler gave
their utmost effort, reflecting the team's embodiment of sportsmanship
and unity, garnering respect from spectators and opponents. As the
event concluded, the GVSUWC emerged as a dominant force, illustrating
the resilience and enthusiasm characteristic of collegiate wrestling.
Categories:
Wrestling
Posted
on
Permanent link for Rising Resilience: Grand Valley State University Club Wrestlers Show Out at 2024 NCWA National Championships on March 20, 2024.