The Ranger wrestling team always shows up to meets to prove what it means to be “Ranger Strong.” Although the Rangers battled hard, they fell short to three of their four opponents. 

On Wednesday, the FHC Ranger wrestling team faced off against Sparta, Wayland, Zeeland West, Kent City, and Coopersville in the Coopersville Military Appreciation Tournament. The team was victorious over Zeeland West but fell short against Wayland, Sparta, Kent City, and Coopersville, leaving them at a 1-4 record for the day. 

“It was a rough day for the Rangers,” head coach Brad Anderson said. “We lost four close duals, two of which came down to the last match. In retrospect, we may have scheduled two very tough competitions too close together [The Kent County Championship and the Coopersville Military Duals]. As head coach, that’s on me; I take responsibility.”

Even though the day may not have gone as planned, some of the team’s top wrestlers did come out on top. For example, junior Landon Cooke came out of today’s match with a flawless 5-0 record. 

“Landon Cooke had a really good day, as did Will Richardson,” coach Anderson said. “Those are bright spots, and we will build off those.” 

Landon’s fellow teammate, senior Will Richardson, ended the day at a 4-1 record, leaving him at the top of the board for the Rangers in terms of victories. 

Some of the other Rangers that competed at the meet were sophomore Josh Elzinga, who went 4-1, junior Blake Jacobs, who went 3-2, and sophomore Greyson Ripmaster, who, in addition to Blake, went 3-2 as well. 

FHC plans to use setbacks from Wednesday to fuel an even greater resolve on Saturday, January 8, at the FHC Quad meet. But, for now, the team will work hard to tweak any problems they have run into so that they can confidently return in 2022 to start the new year off right.