Player to watch: Chase VanHoef
Senior heavy weight wrestler Chase VanHoef’s current record is 25-1. VanHoef is ranked fourth in the state and recently signed to play football at Kent State this fall.
Senior 285-pound wrestler Chase VanHoef is the player to watch for Grand Haven athletics this week.
At the Lakewood duals meet this past weekend, VanHoef had a strong performance which helped lead the Bucs to a third place finish. With a 25-1 record, he has contributed 95 points to the team thus far this season. VanHoef, a 3-year starter for Grand Haven, is ranked fourth in the state in his weight class as of Jan. 27, 2015, according to michigangrappler.com.
VanHoef attributes his wrestling success to a strong will to win.
“I just don’t want to lose,” VanHoef said. “I have a motor, I don’t really stop, and I have physical intangibles being as big as I am.”
Head wrestling coach James Richardson believes it’s VanHoef’s leadership skills which have lead to so much personal success.
“He’s an incredibly good wrestler, but more importantly, his ability to lead others and set a good example much outweighs his contributions while on the mat,” Richardson said.
Wrestling isn’t VanHoef’s only forte – he has committed to play Division I football at Kent State University this fall.
“I love my coaches there and the guys on the team are great players and people,” VanHoef said.
Fans should watch for VanHoef as the wrestling team travels to Grandville on Wednesday Jan. 28 to face the Bulldogs in the second conference meet of the year.
Senior reporter Kevin Swain has lived in Grand Haven ever since he was born in 1997. A varsity track runner and co-captain of the varsity soccer team,...
Senior Sports Editor Brianna Moynihan, loves sports. This is her third year on staff and second year as Sports Editor. You can often find Brianna in the...