PHS Boys Wrestling Opens New Year with Success

The Portland High School boys wrestling team started the new year strong, with an impressive tournament championship at the Fruitport Wrestling Legends Team Dual on January 3 at Fruitport High School.

The Raiders went a perfect 5–0 on the day, defeating Grant (68–10), Fruitport (40–28), Greenville (32–29), Kent City (40–35), and Muskegon Reeths Puffer (46–22) to claim the tournament title.

Senior standouts Gunnar Williams (HWT) and Brad Meyers (190) recorded the team's quick pins. Williams pinned Landon Johnson of Muskegon Reeths Puffer in just 34 seconds, while Meyers followed with a 36-second pin over Blake Carr of Kent City.

Several Raiders went undefeated throughout the tournament, including Branlun Simon (120), Griffin Opperman (157), Landon Espinoza (165), Brad Meyers (190), Landon Guilford (215), and Gunnar Williams (HWT).

On January 7, the team traveled to Mason High School for a double dual against Ionia and Mason. In the opening match, the Raiders dominated Ionia with a 67–12 victory. Junior Landon Guilford (215) highlighted the dual by pinning his opponent in just 12 seconds.

The second dual pitted Portland against the host Mason Bulldogs. Key late first-period pins by freshman Braiden Wiborn and senior Gunnar Williams helped propel the Raiders to a hard-fought 43–34 win.

Coach Pulling praised the team’s effort, chemistry, and continued support for one another as the season progresses.  The Raiders are now 23-1 on the season.

Portland returns to the mat on Wednesday, January 14, hosting county rival Lakewood in a special assembly dual honoring the men and women who have served our country. Girls wrestling will begin at noon, followed by the boys.

Courtesy photos.