Grand Haven wrestling squad falls in state quarterfinals
March 2, 2015
What happened: The Buccaneer wrestling squad traveled to the Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek on Friday, Feb. 27 to compete in the team state finals. The Bucs faced No. 2 seed Anchor Bay in the quarterfinals where they fell 49-12. Senior wrestlers Camden Bertucci, Nick Mulcahy and Chase Vanhoef all put points on the scoreboard for the Bucs. The team finished off the season with a 26-4 overall record and an 8-0 record in the O-K Red conference.
Best match: 185-pound wrestler Senior Chase Vanhoef added six points to the Bucs score. Vanhoef pinned his opponent in the first period of the final match of the night. Vanhoef is currently ranked No. 5 in the state according to Michigan Grappler and will travel to the Palace of Auburn Hills on Friday, Mar. 6 for the individual team state finals.
Quote: “This season meant a lot to us,” junior 125-pound wrestler Connor Jettner said. “The seniors on this team have made a lasting impact and despite our loss we had a great season and one loss can’t determine what type of team we are.”
Freshman, 103-pound wrestler, Seth Ryder awaits his match while teammates junior Marco Orduno and senior Antonio Reyes wish him luck. Ryder was pinned by Anchor Bay’s 103-pound wrestler.
Senior Camden Bertucci attempts to belly out Anchor Bay’s 130-pound wrestler. Bertucci defeated Anchor Bay in a 5-2 decision to put up three points for the Buccaneers. Bertucci wrestled at 130-pounds for the state quarterfinals but is currently ranked No. 2 in Division 1 for 125-pounds.
Senior, 135-pound wrestler, Antonio Reyes discusses the match with head coach James Richardson and assistant coach Jack Provencial during an Anchor Bay blood time. Reyes was defeated 11-8. Reyes qualified to compete at individual state on Friday, Mar. 6.
Senior, 160-pound wrestler, Aaron Cummings prepares for the breakdown. Cummings lost his match against Anchor Bay in a 3-0 decision. Cummings is currently ranked No. 6 in Division 1 according to Michigan Grappler and will wrestle at the individual state tournament at the Palace of Auburn Hills on Friday. Mar. 6.
Junior, 152-pound wrestler, Jorge Pedroza listens to advice from coach James Richardson. Pedroza was defeated by Anchor Bay’s 152-pound wrestler in a 8-6 decision.
Head coach James Richardson and assistant coach Tom Foley follow the team as they march through the Kellogg Arena. Richardson, Foley and the rest of the wrestling team coach staff led the team to a final season record of 26-4 and 8-0 in the O-K Red conference.