The FHC boys varsity wrestling team has had a season of highs and lows, and after winning the district championship, its season ended on Wednesday night in a tough matchup by falling to Middleville Thornapple Kellogg.

The Rangers have been battling it out all season to lead up to regionals on the 16th, and despite trying their hardest, fell 61-15 in regionals. The three wins the team came from sophomore Greyson Ripmaster and seniors Evan Elzinga and Will Richardson. 

“We had a great season,” head coach Brad Anderson said. “We are a very young team and we had a lot of new faces in the varsity lineup. We finished as district champions and 10 team victories and we have a bright future ahead.”

Senior Will Richardson is one of the top guys on the team that his teammates look up to, and even though his final season with his team is over, he reflects back in a very positive way and is proud of everything it has accomplished. Will still has the individual regionals to compete in for a chance at states, but he will be doing that without his team wrestling by his side. 

“It was a good season,” Will said. “It started low and we came together and became a team towards the end. It hurts that the team is done, but I’ve still got to prepare for regionals.” 

Will’s fellow teammate Arash Kordbacheh is also looking back at his final season satisfied with his performances and also his team.

“The season was a great time; I enjoyed being with the guys,” Arash said. “As a senior, I am at peace. The lessons I’ve learned through wrestling will live with me forever.”

The Rangers will make their last appearance with seniors Evan Elzinga and Will Richardson competing at the individual wrestling regionals, where they will try to prove themselves and earn a ticket to states. Make sure to wish the boys good luck and stay tuned to find out if their seasons will end coming up on Saturday. 

“I feel like we maximized our potential and got every ounce of effort out of our team this season. The coaching staff is really proud of their accomplishments,” coach Anderson said.