Raider Wrestling Team Splits to Complete at Olivet Invite and Tri County Duals

The Raider Wrestlers separated into two squads where both competed at the varsity level. A “Varsity B” group traveled to Olivet HS on Friday and placed 7 of 10 wrestlers taking home 5th place as a team.

Coach Any Pulling said, "This was a great showing by our younger guys who were not intimidated stepping up to the varsity level. They showed courage especially our two champions, Ethen Webert (112) and Carter Johnson (119)."

The “Varsity A” squad traveled to Howard City - Tri County HS to battle some very respectable and competitive teams. The Raiders had a tough start, losing 43-31 to last year’s Division 4 semifinalists, Carson City. Losing 37-30 to Jenison and then again losing to Sparta 43-27. At this point in the tournament, Coach Pulling and the team had a “heart to heart”.

Pulling said, "We discussed the purpose of the day was to win positions, rather than focusing on matches. The team listened, reset and came back to compete in dominant fashion. Beating last years Division 3 Regional Finalist Team 64-24 and Tri County 51-23. Our guys had to earn every position and every point. This was a great tournament and test for us. I’m proud of these guys, their work ethic and their willingness to learn."

Undefeated wrestlers were Caiden Pelc 5-0 (119 & 125), Jared Thelen 5-0 (140 & 145) and Dillon Vroman 5-0 (171).

Be sure to catch your Raider Wrestlers at Carson City this Wednesday, December 18th and over winter break in Ionia on Saturday, December 28th.

Photos courtesy of Renae Goodman.