Raider Wrestlers Win Team Regionals - Advance to Team States

The Raider Wrestling Team was back at it again Wednesday night as they battled for the Team Regional Title. In dramatic fashion, the Raiders persevered and came away with a close victory over Freeland (37-36) advancing to Regional Finals where they topped Birch Run (44-30) to become Regional Champions. Regional Semifinals were against #10 Freeland and your #9 ranked Raiders. The Raiders trailed most of the dual giving up pins but also clawing back one match at a time until they needed back to back pins to win and advance to Regional Finals. Thats just what they did! Ethan Webert wrestling at 126 lbs battled off his back to pin his opponent and the very next match, Drew Miller stayed focused dominating his match and securing a pin on the edge of the mat, allowing the Raiders to win by a single team point! Just 15 minutes later, the Raiders found themselves wrestling for a Regional Title and a trip to Team States. The Regional Final was tense but also ended up one-sided as the Raiders handled Birch Run 44-30 to close out the night. After the night was over, Coach Andy Pulling said enthusiastically, “This team just straight up grinds and battles regardless of what’s in front of them. They don’t lose focus, they stay in the fight and are extremely coachable. They’re a tremendous group of teenagers!” For just the 5th time in program history, Raider Wrestlers won their region, allowing them to advance to Team States where just 8 teams remain. Team States will be at K-Wing Stadium in Kalamazoo on February 24th at 4:30p. (Find tickets here: https://www.wingseventcenter.com/events/2023/mhsaa-wrestling-team-state-finals#buy) This team has now won their League, District & Region while advancing 9 wrestlers to the Individual Regional Tournament Saturday starting at 9:30am in Belding. If you think you can make it to Individual Regionals (at Belding this Saturday), Team States (next Friday) or Individual States (March 3rd & 4th) at Ford Field, it is suggested to grab some Raider Wrestling gear HERE! (Store closes 2/21 @ 5pm):