District News

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- All three GRPS wrestling programs have made waves this season with standout performances from wrestlers throughout the district. 

One of the standout stories from Union High School this season comes from Sam Kik, a veteran wrestler for the Redhawks. In addition to winning his conference bracket, Kik took first place at the MHSAA District Championships. As a result, he enters this weekend’s Regional Tournament as a number one seed. Should he advance out of regionals, Kik will compete in the Individual State Finals at the end of the month. 

Middle School Program Shows Promise

This year, eight dynamic wrestlers, including one girl, competed for the GRPS middle school wrestling team. During the team’s four competitions, all eight wrestlers earned victories.

Leading the middle school charge was Chance Hammingh, an 8th-grade scholar-athlete from City High Middle School. He went undefeated on the season, winning all of his matches in the first round by pin or technical fall. In addition to his dominance on the mat, Hammingh’s leadership made an impact.   

Brodie Larson, Middle School Athletics Coordinator, shared, "Chance is the kind of athlete who pushes himself every day. His work ethic sets a great example for everyone in the program. He’s an incredible leader and teammate.” 

Center for Economicology’s Taadi Fenton also put together a solid season as a sixth grader. He is slated to wrestle two more years on the middle school team while Hammingh is sure to shine as a Redhawk freshman next year. 

“I am excited about the potential of all of our middle school wrestlers,” Larson said. “They have improved their skills and established the strong foundation they need to compete at the next level.” 

Ottawa Hills High School

Ottawa Hills High School wrestling is another program demonstrating great potential. Despite having only seven varsity wrestlers this year, the roster was competitive in multiple individual and team competitions. 

According to Ryan Davis, Bengals Varsity Wrestling Coach, “Ottawa wrestlers are the hardest working athletes. Even with half a team, they managed to achieve two team victories.” 

In addition to the team wins, multiple individual wrestlers shined brightly, earning accolades at the conference level. In total, the Bengals had five wrestlers place at the OK White Conference Tournament:

• 2^nd place, 138 pounds – Eathen Olser (10^th grade, City High Middle School)
• 2^nd place, 215 pounds – Nicholas Ladomato-Fisher (11^th grade, Grand Rapids University Prep) 
• 3^rd place, heavyweight – David Blair (12^th grade, Grand Rapids University Prep)
• 4^th place, 126 pounds – Edwin Cuellar-Cruz (10^th grade, Ottawa Hills) 
• 4^th place, 132 pounds – Jameer Runyon (9^th grade, Museum High) 

With six of their seven wrestlers set to return next year, including four conference placers, Coach Davis and the Bengals are excited to keep pushing toward greater success.

Union High School

Union High School wrestling has undoubtedly sparked attention this season with 28 wrestlers on the roster, including six who competed in the girls' division. As a team, the Redhawks took fourth at the OK Gold Conference Tournament. Nine Redhawk wrestlers also placed individually:

• 1^st place, 106 pounds – Sam Kik (11^th grade, CA Frost Middle High)
• 3^rd place, 113 pounds – Jaxson Koltak-Nowlan (9^th grade, City High)
• 3^rd place, 150 pounds – Chris Rogers (11^th grade, Union)
• 3^rd place, 175 pounds – Chris Mazariegos (10^th grade, CA Frost Middle High)
• 3^rd place, heavyweight – Wadaase McSauby (11^th grade, Union)
• 4^th place, 110/115 pounds (girls division) – Kerrona Manning (11^th grade, Union)
• 4^th place, 120/125 pounds (girls division) – Jasmin Galvan-Flores (11^th grade, Union)
• 4^th place, 138 pounds – Wahidullah Obaidi (10^th grade, Union)
• 4^th place, 157 pounds – Ivan Vail Mencho (12^th grade, Southwest Middle High)

Ryan Smith, Redhawks Varsity Wrestling Coach, could not be more pleased with his team’s effort. “We made a lot of progress this year,” Smith said. “Myself and my staff all wrestled at Union. We want to bring back how tough Union wrestling used to be.” 

With performances from the stellar athletes already on the roster and with successful middle school wrestlers rising through the ranks, the Redhawks are set to continue their success.