HOLLAND, MI
They say football is a game of inches. The same can be said about the sport of wrestling; advancement made incremental over years of training. Junior Santos Ajpop has shattered that notion, improving in wrestling by leaps and bounds. In a mere 2 years, he has cemented himself as not only a varsity wrestler, but as a team leader. Ajpop opened up to us about his training regiment and what motivates him to excel. 

How did you prepare for this season?
I prepared for this season by going to most of the off-season practices and getting in the room with Coach Keenan and also attending Myrmidon and learning new techniques.

What got you into wrestling?
I got into wrestling because I was ashamed of my athletic abilities and I was always interested in combat sports and always wanted to try one out and wrestling was a good opportunity.

How were the open mat sessions this summer?
During the summer I went to all the open mats that I could.

What are some of the hurdles you have to face?
One of my hurdles was that sometimes there would be a scheduled open mat and I'd be busy.  But thankfully Coach Keenan would make time so that I could get into the room and practice my technique and learn new things. 

What has been for motivation in the off season?
My motivation for this season is to make it to Regional(s) and to advance my techniques.

Who is your wrestling hero?
My wrestling hero is probably gonna be all my mentors because they give me a whole bunch of opportunities to improve in this sport and they give me more one on one mentoring than what other athletes would usually get. 

HOLLAND, MI
West Ottawa a storied tradition of wrestling excellence over the last 50 years. To celebrate this, we are asking YOU the fans to help us decided our ALL-TIME TEAM. Each week, we will be going through one weight class and have you vote on your favorite wrestler. We will announce wrestlers each week and set up our 1st, 2nd, 3rd team. Make sure you check back often (and vote often)!

VOTING FOR 112 CLOSES 10/18/19 at 10pm

Lance Lamar ('79)

• 1979 MHSAA State Qualifier 
• 1979 MHSAA District Champion

Ryan Kruithoff ('95)

• 1995 MHSAA State Qualifier 

Gaven Daniels ('13)

• 2013 MHSAA State Qualifier 

Ethan Curtin ('15)

• 2015 MHSAA State Qualifier 

Ethan Curtin ('16)

• 2016 MHSAA State Qualifier 
• 2016 MHSAA District Champion
• 2016 OK Red Conference Champion
• 2016 MWA Academic All-State

Karl "Kasey" Nadolsky '95

• 1995 MHSAA State Champion
• 1995 MHSAA Regional Champion
• 1995 MHSAA District Champion
• 1995 OK Red Conference Champion

Honerable Mention: Jace Garza ('15), Jason Fuller ('99)

HOLLAND, MI

In a sport that breeds hard workers, it can sometimes difficult to separate the truly exceptional from the pack. This is not the case for Logan Hornshaw. The tenacious senior looks to close out his career at West Ottawa as a champion. Logan opened up to us about his work ethic, wrestling in the sand, and the legacy he wished to leave behind, 


How did you prepare for this season?
For this season I have been weightlifting and doing conditioning all summer, with some greco-roman wrestling tournaments.

What was sand wrestling like?
Sand wrestling is one of my personal favorite types of wrestling, shoving people into the sand and throwing, but it took days for the sand to go away.

How has your brother being a wrestler impacted you?
My brother wrestled for about 4 years while I was in elementary school, I saw him as a guy who would never back down, so in 4th grade I started wrestling.

What are some of the hurdles you have to face?
Hurdles I have had to face in wrestling was breaking the wall in my physical conditioning, starting up every season and you come back doing sprints and 3 mile runs and hard drilling and workouts, you hit a physical wall and end up breaking past that, but when you hit that wall you end up puking, sweating, and your body gives up on you, but the next day you can run faster, longer, and the workouts don't bother you.

What would you like your legacy to be for the program?
I want my legacy to be known as someone who never backed down, never quit, and never broke.

Who is your wrestling hero?
My wrestling hero was my dad who was one of the first wrestlers of his hometown high school.

​HOLLAND, MI
It's one thing to build yourself into a champion; its a completely other thing to build up those around you as well. Mathew "Mad Dawg" Hakken has dedicated himself to the sport and the program at large. Any given day you'll find Mathew in the gym training or helping coach the next generation. Hakken opened up to us about his career at the national level, and his quest to be West Ottawa's next All-American.


How did you prepare for this season?
I prepared for this season by learning from my matches last year. I watched the matches back, and saw what I needed to improve on by changing my style. I changed my mind set from a pure folkstyle mind set, to a freestyle/Greco Roman mindset. I feel like I wrestle better when I think of my matches as freestyle/Greco. I feel like I am a pretty strong Greco Roman  wrestler, and if I think of what I might do in a Greco match I may have an advantage since a lot of people in West Michigan are not as familiar with Greco. I also prepared by competing in tournaments during the off season. I placed at States in both Freestyle and Greco Roman. Because I placed at the state level I was able to compete with Team Michigan again this summer. I was able to practice with some of the best kids in Michigan every weekend, and get coach by some great coaches from around the state. I traveled around the country this spring and summer to compete at the National level. I competed this spring at the Folkstyle Nationals in Waterloo, Ia,. I also traveled to Fargo ND to compete at the Freestyle and Greco Roman National tournament. I also continued to practice at least 3 times a week at Myrmidon. I was able to get one on one training there by some of the best coaches in our area. I worked on not only physical training and drilling, but worked a lot on my mindset and making sure that I will have a strong, positive mindset for this up coming season. 

What was practicing at Myrmidon in the off-season?
Practicing at Myrmidon during the off season consisted of both physical training, learning new technique, and changing my mental game. I mostly focused on Freestyle and Greco Roman wrestling this summer. By continuing to learn about different wrestling styles, this will give me an advantage over my competitors. I focused a lot on my mental game because that is where most matches are won or lost. If I can be stronger mentally than my opponent before we set on the mat, I will have a better chance of beating him when we step on the mat. I have coaches who have helped me realize that I can compete and beat the best kids locally and best around the country, and with them believing in me, it helps me believe in myself. Myrmidon also helps me build new friendships from kids who compete at different schools around the area and across the country. Some of my closest friends are from neighboring schools, and even from other states who workout with me over the summer months. Because I have been attending Myrmidon for a while, I am able to help teach some kids who are newer to the sport, or don't have as much experience as I may have with certain situations.

How was the experience of wrestling at Fargo and Iowa?
The experience of wrestling in Waterloo and Fargo were great, challenging, and definitely a learning experience. Wrestling in Waterloo was very difficult, I was at the very low end of the weight class and competed against kids who were bigger, and stronger than I am. I learned that leading into a tournament you need to be at the top of your game, both physically and mentally. Fargo was also a learning experience. I competed again kids who were top in the country. I had matches that were against All American wrestlers, and was able to score on the wrestler who took first in my weight class. I learned that I am good enough to compete against them, and even have the chance to be an All American next year. This was a huge mental hurdle that I feel I am making progress on. Being able to travel around the country and have my family members from other states there was also very nice since they are not able to watch me wrestle live most of the year. 

What are some of the hurdles you have to face?
One of the main hurdles I face is athleticism. I have never been the fastest or strongest kid, so I have had to work harder than a lot of my competitors. Another hurdle I have is my mental game. Although I have grown this summer, it is still something I need to work on. I have to realize that I am good enough to compete against the kids who are maybe more naturally athletic  than I am. I need to continue to get stronger both physically and mentally.  I need to continue to work on not only my basic drills, but the techniques I have picked up over the last couple of years. 

What has been for motivation in the off season?
One of my main motivations during the off season has been Fargo. My ultimate goal is to be an All American, and in order to do that, I have to continue to train all year long. As much as I look forward to folkstyle season, it is only a stepping stone to where I want to go. For my folkstyle season I want to do better at than I did last year during the High School season. I did better last year than my Freshmen year by making it to Regionals, but I would like to compete and place at the State level. So my main motivation is to keep getting better, and keep reaching for my ultimate goal of being All American. 

Who is your wrestling hero?
I would have to say that my coaches at Myrmidon are my wrestling heroes. Coach Jared Lancaster has taught me so much over the years. He has taught me how to stay strong even when I am feeling down, how to overcome my losses. He has shown me how to look at both my wins and losses and learn what I can do better next time so that I can continue to grow. Coach Aaron Parr-Basemer has shown me even though I am not as athletic as some of my opponents, by putting in the work I can compete with the "big dogs". He has shown me some moves that work well for lighter weight classes. He has shown me that being small is not a bad thing, and has given me a lot of tools that I can use to continue to improve. Both these coaches, as well as others at Myrmidon, have stood behind me, even when it is difficult. They have helped me realize that I am better than I think I am. They have supported me, mentally, physically and emotionally when I need it. All of my coaches have shown me what it means to not only be a great wrestler, but a great person. They have taught me lessons that will work not only on the mat, but will help me throughout my life time. I am truly grateful to not only call them my coaches, my heroes, but also my friends.

HOLLAND, MI
​
The saying goes that it takes a village to raise a person. Well, if that is true, Owen is the mayor of that village. Seldom the man to turn down a challenge, we sat down with Owen to discuss his big debut at the high school, his dedicated regiment, and his experience at the national level. 

How did you prepare for this season?
To prepare for this upcoming season, especially being my first High School wrestling season, I have done multiple things. The first one, and most likely, the best thing was working out over the summer. This summer I really focused on lifting, primarily keeping a good schedule with lifting to reach my full potential and strength for the season. I lifted through the West Ottawa Wrestling Weight Training Program set up by Dr. Nadolsky, and it showed really good results. Another thing I did to prepare for the upcoming season was running cross-country throughout the summer and this fall. Cross-country is one of the best conditioning sports I could do to help increase lung capacity, and get me in good shape for the season. It helps with keeping a good mindset, to always keep going, even if it hurts. It has helped my mental game a lot because of the adversity it makes me face when I am running at my hardest. Cross-Country will definitely help my mental game and conditioning for the season. The final main thing to prepare me for the upcoming season was that I kept wrestling through the spring and summer through practices, camps, and competitions. During the spring I attended open mats at the High School, myrmidon practices and also competed at the Michigan Freestyle/Greco states. During the summer I also attended Myrmidon, trained up at Muskegon Community College through Jayhawk wrestling, and went to multiple camps across the state. To name a few, the Hudson Wrestling Camp, Richmond Wrestling Camp, and West Ottawa's Wrestling Camp. I also competed in multiple events such as the Barn Brawl in Ludington, and the Beast of the Beach in Grand Haven. 

What was has travel baseball helped your wrestling?
To be honest, travel baseball didn't fully help my wrestling, as much as wrestling has helped my baseball skills. From positioning to explosiveness on the field, it all comes back to wrestling. When fielding grounders, the ready position is extremely similar to a wrestling stance. Being a wrestler, allows me to have really good footwork and explosiveness in that position. This corresponds to everything in baseball, from catching and pitching, and batting. 

How was the wrestling combine at Cornell?
The wrestling combine at Cornell University was an extremely cool experience. I got to train with some of the best kids in the country under some of the best coaches in the country. The people there pushed me and showed me that I can compete at a high level, but I still have a lot to work on to become the best wrestler I can be. There was high level technique, but also basic technique, which cemented the fact that basic moves and positions are just as important, if not more, than advanced ones. I also got to explore the campus of Cornell, which was absolutely stunning. 

What are some of the hurdles you have to face?
Throughout my career in wrestling, I have faced many hurdles. One hurdle I have overcome is placing at MYWAY states, which I finally achieved last season. I had qualified for states the previous two years but always lost in the blood round to get to the finals. Last season, I did not want that to happen again. I worked on my technique in the off season and in season, constantly drilling (meaning missing some games at practice). I pushed myself to my limits knowing that it will pay off in the end. Due to my hard work, I achieved my goal and passed a major hurdle in my career. Another hurdle that I will face this season, One that I have not overcome is competing and winning in the OK Red. Coming into the season, many kids I have lost to, or wrestle close matches with will be wrestling for schools in the OK Red. This season I have to really push myself and work to match and beat my opponents that I have had trouble with in the past. If I do this, I know I have a shot for an OK Red title and even a state title. 

What has been like transitioning from middle school?
The transition from middle school to high school hasn't been as tough as it could have been. The walking between buildings and changes in schedule from normal to seminar days hasn't been very hard for me. The main aspect of the transition that was difficult was the workload of homework and projects, as well as managing my time so that I can turn everything in and maintain my grades. I have already learned that procrastination cannot happen. 

Who is your wrestling hero?
Personally, I don't have much of a wrestling hero at this point in time. There are many extraordinary wrestlers right now, but the people I look up to most are my instructors and coaches that I've had through my years as a wrestler. They are the ones that have helped me, and shaped me into the wrestler I am today. 

​HOLLAND, MI – West Ottawa wrestling coach Ryan Lancaster has unveiled the team's schedule for the 2019-2020 season, highlighted by five home events. The Panthers will look to build off the 2019 campaign that saw the squad rack up 222 individual wins, and following up an 9-26 dual record. Plagued by low numbers last season, the Panthers are relying on a large incoming freshman class to combat forfeits.

WO will open the season on Dec. 11 in Hesperia, MI with a dual against the Panthers. On Dec.14, they will match up against a number of local teams in a round robin format at the Gene Kraai Memorial in Zeeland, MI. The next weekend they travel across town to the always competitive Tim Horn Invite at Holland (Dec. 21). The last event in 2019 will be the Holiday Quad at Forest Hills Central on Dec. 28. The team will open up its home slate on Jan. 15 in the Aux Gym against #9 Grandville, capping off the weekend of Jan. 18 with the ever tough Panther Duals. The Panthers will look to finish off the #7 Rockford Rams for the first time in several seasons at home (Jan. 29). They finish up the regular tournament season on the road a #4 Chippewa Hills (Feb. 01). The historic WO-Grand Haven rivalry closes out the OK Red season on Feb. 05 in Grand Haven, with the conference meet on that same Friday (Feb. 07) in Rockford.

The MHSAA Individual State Finals are scheduled for March 6-7 at the Ford Field in Detroit, MI.

Holland, MI

Panthers, we are looking  to update our look for the next decade and are looking to YOU the fans and alumni to help us. We want to pay homage to all the designs of the past 50 years and add elements from your favorite uniforms. All we ask is please fill out the survey below and tell us your all time favorite designs.  Feel free to comment below and tell us what you think. Winners will be announced 9/13/19

UPDATE
The polls have closed and we are excited to announce our top fine singlet designs of all time!

Coming in 5th in the first design from the Lancaster era. These were initially based on the now defunct Eastern Michigan University uniform with the added silver accent on the back. The Panther head logo was brought back after years of using the Carolina Panthers mascot to give it a retro feel.

#4 is the most controversial of our designs. Loved by the athletes and loathed by the fans, these all-white singlets are only used for special occasions. That being said, anyone that has wore these finals singlets know they are special.

#3 on the list was designed for one purpose: How do we get kids to come out and try wrestling? The only 2 piece that made the list, these all silver uniforms are intentionally flashy to encourage the middle school athletes to continue to try the sport. 

Runner up on the list is our new home singlets. While the initial idea of "home" and "away" singlet designs was to prolong the life of the singlet, this design based on the Purdue singlets from the same era quickly became a fan favorite.

Our winner is the late 2000's singlet. From the Pope era, these were only in circulation for a few seasons, But that didn't stop them from becoming a cult classic. The stark black and white design made the wrestler stand out on the mat.

On our first initial research, we missed 2 sets of uniforms. Here they are posthumously: 

From the mid-1990s, the Nadolsky era all black singlets were worn by arguably our best wrestlers in school history (including 3 state champs). This simple design marked the beginning of using Lycra uniforms, which were much lighter.

Not much is know about these singlets that were used for essentially one season. They were donated to the program by a parent and were used mostly in special occasions. 

KIDS
61-74
1st Jayven Sipkema- Allegan
2nd Aiden Cruz- Myrmidon

82-111
1st Ryder Balkema- Otsego Destroyers
2nd Gaven Cruz- Myrmidon

YOUTH
90-113
1st Mathew Hakken- Myrmidon
2nd James Diel- Myrmidon

123-128
1st Rory Perlow- Team Poeta
2nd Elijah Bunn- Ares
3rd Nahum Krussell- GRWA

145-171
1st TJ Mock- Team Poeta
2nd Logan Hornshaw- Myrmidon

ADULT
155-172
1st Michael Fries- Fennville
2nd Adrian Favela- Myrmidon

220-235
1st Jared Lancaster- Myrmidon
2nd Eric Hernandez- Fennville
3rd- Steve Fries- Fennville

ABSOLUTE
Youth
1st TJ Mock- Team Poeta
2nd Elijah Bunn- Ares
3rd Rory Perlow- Team Poeta
4th Mathew Hakken- Myrmidon
5th Nahum Krussell- GRWA
6th Logan Hornhaw- Myrmidon

Adult
1st Jared Lancaster- Myrmidon
2nd Eric Hernandez- Fennville
3rd Michael Fries- Fennville
4th Steve Fries- Fennville

EXHIBITION
Ryan Lancaster (Myrmidon) dec. Eric Hernandez (Fennville) 4-0

KIDS DEVELOPMENTAL CAMP

Two 2-Week Sessions
Session 1: Oct. 1-3 & Oct.8-10
Session 2: Oct. 15-17 & Oct. 22-24
 
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

FALL TRAINING CAMP

September 3rd –October 31th
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.

2019 COMPETITION SCHEDULE
​Sept 08      Hoosier Preseason Open                           Ft. Wayne, IN
Oct 05         Michigan Grappler Fall Classic             East Lansing, MI
Oct 20         Myrmidon Attack Tournament                     Holland, MI
Oct 25         USAW Preseason Nationals                   Des Moines, IA 
Nov 02       Barbarian Nationals                                      Harrison, OH

Summer Wrestling League (COOPERSVILLE)
Grades: 7 - 12
 
Wednesday Night Duals: 
June 12, 19, 26

Wrestling Starts at 5:00 pm Each Week.
 
​45-minute Dual limit
Matches: 3 minutes Maximum - No Stoppage
Take Downs Only (10-point lead ends the match)
 
Weight Classes: Light, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 165, 180, 200, 225, Heavy
 



​
These weights are just a suggestion to try and fit athletes in a weight class.  Coaches will match up athletes before the dual begins.  The goal is to get every athlete a competitive match.  Be cautious of size and experience when matching wrestlers up.  All matches will count towards team score.
 
Duals will run for 3 weeks at :
Coopersville High School
198 East Street
Coopersville, MI 49404

• Trainer will be available
• Each team will need to provide one referee (Can be a coach), and two table workers for each dual.  Participating teams agree to help clean, and pick up after duals are completed. 
• Fans are welcomed, but must pick up after themselves.  

COMPETITION SCHEDULE

June 12

• West Ottawa vs. Forest Hills Eastern
• West Ottawa vs. Greenville

June 19

• West Ottawa vs. Kent City
• West Ottawa vs. Coopersville

June 26

• West Ottawa vs. Comstock Park​