2018-2019 Fan Gear Stores Are Open
11/13/2018
 HOLLAND, MI- We have teamed up with the Embroidery House, Addix, and NBS Fightwear to provide the West Ottawa wrestling family its fan and team gear this season. FAN GEAR This order from the Embroidery House is put together to ensure friends and family have wrestling shirts to wear during our matches. Or our athletes have team wear to work out in. Please print off a flyer and return it with cash or check to one of the coach prior to Nov. 20th, 2018. All checks MUST be made out to West Ottawa Public Schools (No exceptions). If you have any questions, email them HERE. TEAM GEAR
Though most of this will be gear that the wrestlers use to compete this season, fans will be able to get their hands on it as well. Place an online order and Addix will ship it directly to you (NBS Fightwear Store will open next month to coincide with our Little Panthers program).
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Myrmidon Attack Tournament Results
10/29/2018
 HOLLAND, MI Wrestlers from all over the state gathered at West Ottawa High School on October 28th to take part in the 4th Annual Myrmidon Attack Tournament. The Panthers had a great showing, with multiple placers. While it was a fundraiser for both West Ottawa and Myrmidon programs, a portion also went to Pinning Down Autism, a charitable organization whose mission is to respond and address the immediate needs of children and their families within our local communities that are affected by autism and to promote education and awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder’s. This year, we also donated to another important organization in the wrestling: Pin Cancer. Pin Cancer is a registered 501(c)3 charity. All their proceeds go to building awareness on all types of cancer as well as research initiatives at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Having both programs both effected recently by cancer, Coach Lancaster thought it would be fitting to give back, The Attack Tournament is unique, as it is the only one of its type. The Attack Bandz are utilized to keep score instead of traditional takedowns and escapes. The Attack Bandz themselves are a removable strap for wrapping around and securing to a wrestler's ankle. "Think like flag football, but for wrestling, " Coach Ryan Lancaster describes to new wrestlers."It's also a great learning tool," he went on to say, "that makes wrestling accessible to everyone, even kids that have never competed before." $30.00 was donated to Pinning Down Autism. Myrmidon and West Ottawa have raised $948.50 for this charity since 2016. $30.00 was donated to Pin Cancer. Myrmidon and West Ottawa have raised $107.00 for this charity since 2017 2018 Attack Tournament Results Attack Kids 40-48 1st Jackson Domanski- Jackattack 2nd Trey Nadolsky- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 3rd Dominic DeCarlo- Grandville 4th Anthony Casares- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 45-50.5 1st Markko Foster- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Chase VanPortfliet- Grandville 3rd Carson Egbert- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 60-63 1st Chase Shults- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Matthew Quigley- Titan Pipeline 3rd Ayden Hendrickson- Titan Pipeline 4th Mason Carr- Zeeland 64.5-69 1st Andrew Moro- Mean Machine 2nd Juelz Soto- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 3rd Aiden Cruz- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 70-75 1st Josh Vazquez- West Michigan Pursuit 2nd Bryson Soto- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 3rd Wyatt Berghuis- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 70-75 1st Quinten Cassiday- West Michigan Pursuit 2nd James Foster- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 3rd Zandir Kladder- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 4th Braylon Cates- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 79.7-86 1st Abel Anaya- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Gaven Cruz- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 3rd Raymond Casares- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 85 1st Alexander Trbulin- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 93.2-100 1st Abrielle Vander zwaag- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Ariana Jo Henderickson- Titan Pipeline 150 1st Diego Mata- Panther Elite/Myrmidon Youth 90-100 1st-Mathew Hakken- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Jacob Chase- Hamilton Hawkeyes 109-120 1st Owen Foster- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Christian Quintanilla- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 3rd Noah Quick- Allendale Wrestling Club 138-152 1st Gabby Ramirez- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Hunter Jurries- Myrmidon 3rd Michael Brower- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 167-173 1st Logan Hornshaw- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Michael Gibson- Myrmidon 195-215 1st Eric Hernandez- Fennville 2nd Humberto Zamora- Kalamazoo Central Adult 145-165 1st Michael Fries-Fennville 2nd Vincent Kladder-Panther Elite/Myrmidon 171-175 1st Kasey Nadolsky- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Travis Myrkle- Kalamazoo Central 3rd Justin Domanski Jackattack Takedown Kids 45-50 1st Jackson Domanski- Jackattack 2nd Trey Nadolsky- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 3rd Dominic DeCarlo- Grandville 50-62 1st Chase Shults- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Mason Carr- Zeeland 3rd Chase VanPortflient- Grandville 4th Markko Foster- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 62.4-64.5 1st Matthey Quigley- Titan Pipeline 2nd Ayden Henderickson- Titan Pipeline 3rd Aiden Cruz- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 69-71 1st Quinten Cassiday- West Michigan Pursuit 2nd Andrew Moro- Mean Machine 3rd Zandir Kladder- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 75 1st Josh Vazquez-West Michigan Pursuit 2nd Payton Paguada- Broncos Wrestling Club 3rd James Foster- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 79.7-80 1st Abel Anaya- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Gaven Cruz- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 3rd Raymond Casares- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 86 1st Alexander Trbulin- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 93.2-100 1st- Abrielle Vander zwaag- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Arianna Jo Henderickson- Titan Pipeline 150 Diego Mata-Panther Elite/Myrmidon YOUTH 75-90 1st Josh Vazquez-West Michigan Pursuit 2nd Jacob Chase- Hamilton Hawkeyes 100-109 1st Owen Foster- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Mathew Hakken- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 112-120 1st Christian Quintanilla- PantherElite/Myrmidon 2nd Noah Quick- Allendale Wrestling Club 160-173 1st Michael Gibson-Myrmidon 2nd Logan Hornshaw- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 195-215 1st Eric Hernandez- Fennville 2nd Humberto Zamora- Kalamazoo Central 3rd Nicke Fries- Fennville ADULT 140-165 1st Kasey Nadolsky- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Michael Fries- Fennville 3rd Robert Espinoza- Kalamazoo Central 4th Vincent Kladder- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 171-196 1st Shane Kelly- Kalamazoo Central 2nd Justin Domanski- Jackattack 3rd Travis Myrkle- Kalamazoo Central  HOLLAND, MI- West Ottawa has a fine tradition of wrestling competing on the national stage. Mathew Hakken has added his name to the list of national team members this school has produced (joined also by his team mate Julian Jimenez). Hakken is a man on a mission and he inspires those around him to dedicate themselves to something greater. We chatted with Mathew about his upcoming sophomore season, his adventures in Fargo, and the fears he has faced.
How did you prepare for this season? The way that I prepared for the upcoming season is I practiced at least 3 days a week. I worked out most weekends preparing for Nationals in Fargo with some of the best coaches and wrestlers in the state. I was able to travel to some of the best facilities in the state. I also pushed myself harder than I have ever in order to get ready to wrestle at the national level which will help me this season. Realizing that when you think you're done, you're not, you just need to push through a little farther. What was being on a travel team like? Being on a travel team was pretty fun. I got to meet a lot of new people from around the state as well as people from other states. It was a great experience wrestling for different coaches who had a lot of different techniques. It was also really great to work with other wrestlers from around the state who are some of the top kids at their schools. How was your experience wrestling at the national finals in Fargo? Wrestling in Fargo was very intense. I was able to wrestle with some of the top wrestlers in the country. I was able to pick up different skills and moves from some of the best wrestlers the country. It was an amazing opportunity that I was able to take part in this past summer. I realized with hard work, and dedication I can achieve some of the goals I have set for myself sooner than I thought possible. What are some of the hurdles you have to face? One of the biggest hurtles I have is getting in my head before a match. I have to realize that the match right before me is the one I need to focus on. It doesn't matter who I am wrestling, it doesn't matter who they have beat in the past, this is the match that matters right now. I also have to continue to work on my quickness. I need to continue to get a little fast each day. What has been for motivation in the off season? My motivation during the off season originally was to make it to Fargo. After Fargo, my motivation is to make it have another winning season. I would like to make it to regionals, and then to state this year. Realizing that I was able to make it to the national level really helped motivate me to continue to grow throughout the off season, as well as continue to grow through the season. Who is your wrestling hero? My wrestling heroes are Coach Jared and Coach Lancaster. They continue to push me farther than I thought I could. Both coaches have been by my side throughout my wrestling seasons, whether that be folk style, or free style/Greco. They both inspire me to reach for goals that don't seem possible, and even when I fall short, they continues to push me, and encourage me to keep my head up, stay focused, and try again. They are not only a great coaches, but a great people as well.  HOLLAND, MI- Being involved with the program for the last four years has really defined Gavin Hoefakker. We discussed his plans for his senior season and the setbacks he has to overcome.
How did you prepare for this season? I did get up in the morning and run and lift thing throughout summer and watch my videos in the past. What are you doing different your opponents are not? (I think) about the move and stance that I can do and working on fixing my technique. How was your experience with the Boy Scouts this summer? Working with boy scouts was great I get to ... learn not to be afraid of anything and building friendship and other bond with kids I did not know. What are some of the hurdles you have to face? My appendix was taken out (in October) it (sets me back) on wrestling when I can be on the mat. What has been for motivation in the off season? Being my last year I want to go out with the biggest BANG that I can do. Who Is your wrestling hero? My wrestling hero, would be (Coach) Montoya because he (reminds me) that when you fall you need to pick yourself up and continue the match.  HOLLAND, MI- Integrity is not just an important aspect of a person; it is a pillar of a Pantherstyle wrestler. Jose "Eduardo" Perez-Jaquez embodies that for our team, as he is a straight shooter, and works hard even when others are not watching, Eddie chatted with us about his senior year, acclimated to colder weather, and the hurdles he plans on conquering this year.
How did you prepare for this season? (I've) been practicing in some new techniques that I think is going to help my wrestling style. What are you doing different your opponents are not? At practice I try to wrestle people from weight classes above and under mine because it’s gonna improve my strength and speed . How different is wrestling in Michigan compared to California? When I transfer to west Ottawa I learned a lot of new techniques that I never seen before and that was pretty cool but something that was really interesting was learning new things from a different state . What are some of the hurdles you have to face? The biggest hurdle I have to face would be making weight . Making weight and keeping a clean diet is something I been facing every year since my freshman year and it’s something I have to face in order to accomplish what I want. What has been for motivation in the off season? Get faster on the mat and improve my endurance. Who is your wrestling hero? My wrestling hero is coach Sarli because he always pushes me to the limits and tells me to never give up when I’m about to break down and that's something that keeps me going.  HOLLAND, MI- Few people epitomize hard work quite like Julian Jimenez. Over the past four years he has dedicated himself to the "pantherstyle" ethos on his quest for the state finals. We sat down with Julian and reflected on his career as well as his off season preparations.
How did you prepare for this season? I got ready for this season by taking on a lot of tougher competition. What are you doing different your opponents are not? I was making sure everyone I wrestled in practice was better than me when I had the chance. That was probably something I did to set myself apart from my opponents. How was your experience wrestling with the national dual team in Oklahoma? Wrestling out in Oklahoma was fun. There was a lot of tough competition that I'm glad I was able to experience. I also learned a lot from some of the better wrestlers on our team, not just from watching them wrestle, but asking them questions and working on technique. What are some of the hurdles you have to face? Probably the biggest hurdle I have to face is my mindset. I feel like I have done a lot of work to improve my wrestling, but I just need to believe in myself and be aggressive. What has been for motivation in the off season? My biggest motivation for the off season has been that I'm a senior and it is my last year to make it to state. Who is your wrestling hero? My wrestling hero is still Keenan Montoya. He has the mindset I strive to have, and he is always taking time out of his day and looking for ways to get people in the room and work with them, whether it is just me and him or other kids as well.  HOLLAND, MI – West Ottawa wrestling coach Ryan Lancaster has unveiled the team's schedule for the 2018-2019 season, highlighted by six home events. The Panthers will look to build off a successful 2018 campaign that saw the squad rack up 269 individual wins, and following up an 19-19 dual record.
WO will open the season on Dec. 5 in Hesperia, MI with a dual against the Panthers. On Dec. 8, they will match up against a number of local teams in a round robin format at the Gene Kraai Memorial in Zeeland, MI. The team will open up its home slate on Jan. 2 in WOHS Main Gym against Hudsonville and Caledonia in an OK Red Tri-meet before heading back out on the road for a handful of events at Gobles (Jan. 5) and Rockford (Jan. 16). The historic WO-Grand Haven rivalry continues on Jan. 23 in Holland, as the Panthers will look to finish off the Buccaneers for the first time in several seasons at home. The Panthers will look to place many at the only individual tournament of the regular season in Holt (Jan. 19), but not before hosting their ever tough WO Invitational (Jan. 12). They finish up the regular season on the road at Montague (Jan. 26). The MHSAA Individual State Finals are scheduled for March 1-2 at the Ford Field in Detroit, MI. 2018-2019 Varsity Schedule 11.28.2018 7:00pm Black N' White Night 12.01.2018 12:00pm Battle for the Bridge 12.05.2018 5:00pm Hesperia Quad 12.08.2018 9:30am Zeeland West Invite 12.12.2018 5:00pm @Lansing Waverly 2.15.2018 9:00am Holland Invite 12.19.2018 7:00pm @Grandville 01.02.2019 5:00pm Hudsonville/Caledonia 01.05.2019 9:00am Gobles 01.09.2019 6:00pm East Kentwood 01.12.2019 9:00am West Ottawa Invite 01.16.2019 7:00pm @Rockford 01.19.2019 9:00am Holt 01.23.2019 7:00pm Grand Haven 01.26.2019 9:00am @Montague 02.01.2019 Conference Tournament 02.07.2019 MHSAA Team District 02.09.2019 MHSAA Ind. District 02.13.2019 MHSAA Team Regional 02.16.2019 MHSAA Ind. Regional 02.22.2019 MHSAA Team Final 03.01.2019 MHSAA Ind. Final JV/ Varsity B Schedule 11.28.2018 7:00pm Black N' White Night 12.01.2018 12:00pm Battle for the Bridge 12.05.2018 5:00pm Hesperia Quad 12.08.2018 9:30am Allendale 12.12.2018 7:00pm TBA 12.14.2018 5:00pm Holland Invite 12.19.2018 7:00pm Grandville 01.02.2019 5:00pm Hudsonville/Caledonia 01.05.2019 9:00am East Kentwood Invite 01.09.2019 6:00pm East Kentwood 01.11.2019 5:00pm West Ottawa Invite 01.18.2019 7:00pm @Rockford 01.18.2019 5:00pm Montague Invite 01.23.2019 7:00pm @Grand Haven 01.26.2019 9:00am Grand Haven Invite Other Important Dates 10.29.2018 First Day of Preseason 11.12.2018 First Day of Practice 11.14.2018 Alpha Weigh-In 01.01.2019 2 Pound Allowance 03.04.2019 Gear Turn-In 03.08.2019 Team Banquet  HOLLAND, MI
To increase knowledge and interest in the sport of wrestling, West Ottawa and Myrmidon Training Systems will be hosting a 4 week, 2 session camp at the North High School wrestling room beginning in October. The aim will be to introduce new athletes to the sport and teach rudimentary skills that will help on and off the mat. This camp will be set up for kids that have little to no experience in the sport, and will prepare them (if they wish) for the competitive season in November. This September we are also hosting our advanced high school camp aimed at preparing wrestlers in the West Michigan area for fall competitions. 7th-12th Grade athletes that are serious about the sport should apply. All camps are lead and instructed by Myrmidon Training Systems staff. KIDS DEVELOPMENTAL CAMP Two 2-Week Sessions Session 1: Oct. 2-4 & Oct. 9-11 Session 2: Oct. 16-18 & Oct. 23-25 Days: Tuesday and Thursday Times: K-2nd meets 5pm-6pm 3rd-6th grade meets 6pm-7pm Cost*: (Register by what grade you are entering) K-2nd: $20/session or $35 for all fall sessions 3rd-6th: $20/session or $35 for all fall sessions *All siblings are half priced. Session 1: Takedowns Session 2: Top and Bottom REGISTER HERE FALL TRAINING CAMP September 4th –October 30th Ages: 7th-12th Grade Days: Tuesday and Thursday Times: 7:00pm-8:30pm Cost*: (All members have a mandatory fundraising requirement of $45 (you can select to opt-out of this requirement by paying the $45 yourself). *All siblings are half priced. REGISTER HERE  HOLLAND, MI
West Michigan wrestling cam together this Saturday to wrestle for some good causes. Myrmidon Wrestling Club hosted their second annual Charity duals at West Ottawa High School. All proceeds from the admission went directly to four charities. Notable changes this year were the inclusion of more teams (nine in all), a leaner 7 on 7 dual format, and the addition of a youth division and a legacy (18 years and up) division. Also unique to the event was the format of the matches. In an effort to encourage a resurgence of Olympic Style wrestling into the West Michigan area, the matches were "Frecko", an adapted set of Freestyle/Folkstyle/Greco-Roman rules. First period was augmented Folkstyle, second period augmented Greco Roman, and third period augmented Freestyle rules. As far as team scoring is concerned, the NCWA Optional Team Scoring was implemented, This was used to encourage wrestling throughout a match, and all wrestlers contributed to the team even in an individual loss. The highlight of the day was the Legacy Division match up featuring former Michigan State standout Kasey Nadolsky versus Kevin Claunch was the Bloodround podcast. Nadolsky edged Claunch for the victory (scores unavailable). CHARITIES Pinning Down Autism’s mission is to respond and address the immediate needs of children and their families within our local communities that are affected by autism and to promote education and awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders. $66.50 Raised* *Myrmidon and West Ottawa have raised $918.50 for the PDA charity since 2016. Friends of the Elephant Seal is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating people about elephant seals and other marine life and teaching stewardship for the ocean off the central coast of California. $133.00 Raised Wounded Warrior Project is a charity and veterans service organization that offers a variety of programs, services and events for wounded veterans of the military actions following September 11, 2001. $399.00 Raised Camp Sunshine offers people ages 12 – 50 with mild to moderate cognitive impairments the opportunity to attend summer camp in a safe, caring and inclusive environment. $116.50 Raised RESULTS Youth Division 1. Barry County Grapplers A 2, Panther Elite 3. Barry County Grapplers B High School Division 1. Forest Hills Central 2. Myrmidon 3. Sweet Feet 4. Lakewood 5. Team K.O. Legacy Division 1. Myrmidon 2. Rippin' Necks and Signin' Checks  FARGO, ND
Two West Ottawa wrestlers set off this week to wrestle at the 2018 Marines Junior & Cadet Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota from July 14-20. Every year, the nation's best young wrestlers come together for the world's largest wrestling competition, at the Fargodome on the campus of North Dakota State. This competition produces great stories of champions, many who go on to glory in college wrestling, and ultimately at the World and Olympic levels. West Ottawa has produced several All-Americans over the years. "To me as a head coach, this is the highest honor that you can bestow on one of my wrestlers," stated head coach Ryan Lancaster."If you can constantly produce athletes that can compete on the national stage, the in-season titles will eventually come." Sophomore Mathew "Mad Dawg" Hakken makes his first appearance on the national stage, competing in both freestyle and greco-roman at the cadet level. "Mathew is one of the most dedicated kids I have had the pleasure of coaching," Lancaster said. "He rises to any challenge in front of him. He generally has to bump up and wrestle kids that have 20 to 30 pounds on him, so I look forward to seeing him compete against the best his size." Mathew will compete at the 100lbs weight class. Junior Gabby Ramirez from Zeeland West High School also makes her national level debut. "Gabby is remarkable as a wrestler, said Lancaster. "I first met her last summer at my private club (Myrmidon) and she has excelled rapidly. For her to compete with the best in the country with less than a year under her belt is truly unparalleled. She is also a trailblazer, as girl and the first Zeland wrestler to qualify for the national championships." Gabby will compete in both the cadet and junior divisions at the 152lbs weight class. Senior Julian Jimenez already competed last month at the Junior Dual National Championships in Tulsa, Oklahoma . "Julian sets the tone for all my athletes," said Lancaster. "He seeks out the best competition and refuses the shy away from the best, because he wants to be the best. Julian was a freshman when I took over the program in 2015, and it has been an honor to see him grow as a wrestler on his quest to be the best." Julian competed in the Junior division in both freestyle and greco-roman at the 160lbs weight class. All of the matches on all of the mats from the 2018 U.S. Marine Corps Junior & Cadet Nationals will be broadcast live on FloWrestling. For updated articles, features and results from Fargo, visit TheMat.com. |
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