Raider wrestling leading on and off the mat

The Raider Wrestling Team had an adventurous winter break wrestling multiple times, hosting a youth wrestling night and leading a service project for the Greater Lansing Food Bank.

Over break the Raider Wrestling Team wrestled three times, once in Ionia at the Adamson Invitational where they placed 2nd of 10 teams. Ten Raider Wrestlers placed top 4 in their respective weight classes and 2 were champions; Brad Meyers at 165 lbs and Gunnar Williams 190 lbs.

The Raiders also wrestled at home in a double dual event where they hosted Williamston and Hudsonville. While wrestling Williamston, a back and forth battle ensued. Brayden Hinds came through with a methodical win but in the end it wouldn't be enough as the Raiders suffered a loss 33-39.  The second matchup of the night was with division 1 Hudsonville Eagles. The Raiders struggled early on, losing their first 7 matches before Landon Guilford was able to start the Raiders momentum securing 3 team points over his opponent. Then the Raiders would win 4 of their next 5 matches but it was too little too late, finishing with a loss 22-43.

Unique to this double dual event was the Portland youth wrestlers (K-5th grade boys and girls) wrestled on a separate mat against other youth wrestlers. Having competitive high school wrestling alongside elementary wrestlers trying the sport for their first time made for a fun "full circle" event in front of a packed home gym!

The final competition over break was on Friday, January 5th at DeWitt High School where the Inaugural Raider Girl's Wrestling Team competed in a female-only tournament. The Raiders brought all 8 of their female wrestlers to Panther Country  where 5 placed with Maddie Newberry placing 1st. The team had a great experience, battling 14 other schools and took 4th.  Way to go Girls!

Come watch your Raider Wrestlers take on League Rival and #8 state ranked Lakewood on Wednesday, January 10th at 5:30pm at Lakewood High School.