This Day In History: West Ottawa Competes In It's First Dual Meet

Article originally printed by the Holland Evening Sentinel News

​WEST OTTAWA TIES WRESTLING MEET
Dec. 2, 1965
GRAND RAPIDS- West Ottawa’s wrestling team held its first match in history here Tuesday night and the Panthers were impressive as they held Grand Rapids West Catholic to 24-24 tie. Coach Sid Huitema was pleased with the showing West Ottawa in its opening match. Huitema thought the pre-season hard work paid off for the Panthers. With only two seniors on the team, he is optimistic for the team’s success this season and in the future. The West Ottawa reserve team scored a decisive 23-6 win against the West Catholic reserves. Freshman Dan Martinez scored a first period pin in the 112- pound class while sophomore (Al Vander Kooi scored a second-round pin. Scoring decisions for the Panthers were sophomore Roy Alofs and seniors Al Sroka and John Oonk Sophomore Dale Kardux won his match on a forfeit when his opponent couldn’t make weight. The Panthers lost the 95-pound match in the same way. Junior Richard Schultz, outweighed by more than 25 pounds, was pinned with seven seconds left in the third period in the heavyweight class. In reserve action Chris Bade won on a decision and Bill Jaques. Al Chaves, Wayne Stewart and Richard Boyd won on pins. The Panthers host Byron Center in the home opener next Monday in the West Ottawa gym. The reserves begin action at 6:30 p.m. and varsity meet is at 7:30 p.m.

Varsity results in order of finish: 
95 pounds-Terry Phome ( WC) won on forfeit. 
103 pounds - Dale Kardux (WO) won on forfeit. 
112 pounds - Dan Martinez (WO) pinned Jim Patrick (WC) first period 
120 pounds - Roy Alofs (WO) dec. Tom Symanski (WC), 15-2. 
127 pounds— Ed Pass (WC) dec. Randy Zomermaand (WO), 8-4) 
133 pounds - Al Sroka (WO) dec. Ed Owzarscak (WC), 10-8 
138- Gary Sosnowski (WC) dec. Jesse Fuerst (WO) 10-3. 
145 pounds— Cal Vander Kooi WO pinned Gary Lehman (WC), second period 
154 pounds-R. Schulz (WC) dec. Larry Tibbet (WO), 8-0
165 pounds-John Oonk (WO) dec Chuck Dauser (WC), 11-3 
180 pounds - C. Mysliwiec WC pinned Larry Schregardus (WO), second period.