The FHC wrestling team faced its most formidable challenge yet this season when it sent four athletes to the individual regionals competition on Saturday and Sunday. The last wrestler standing for FHC was breakout sophomore star Ashley Schenck, who punched her ticket to the state competition. 

Seniors Evan Elzinga, Will Richardson, Remmie Gavle, and sophomore Ashley Schenck all traveled to regionals over the weekend to battle it out for a spot in the wrestling state finals that are coming up fast on March 4 and 5. Although the seniors fought hard out on the mat, they fell flat and concluded their season. 

Senior Remmie Gavle finished with one win and two losses, just narrowly missing the qualification for the state championships.

“Remmie is a fantastic human being and one of the finest young people we’ve ever had in our program,” head coach Brad Anderson said. “She is such a great representative of our program, and I’m proud of her success during the season. She barely missed qualifying. I know whatever she endeavors to pursue, she will be a super success.”

On Saturday, Will Richardson and Evan Elzinga also bowed out of the postseason at the MHSAA Regional Tournament at Allendale High School.

“Will and Evan had great senior seasons; we couldn’t ask any more of them. They gave a lot to the team, and they provided great leadership to an otherwise very young lineup,” coach Anderson said. “They should be proud of all they accomplished and during their years at Forest Hills Central.”

Unlike her teammates, though, Ashley Schenck placed fourth in her weight class, securing her ticket to the state finals. 

“The coaching staff is incredibly proud of Ashley, and we look forward to her pursuing all-state honors at the state championships at Ford field,” coach Anderson said. 

With all eyes on Ashley, the pressure builds up and starts to set into her mind, but it is nothing she can’t handle. One thing is for sure, though, Ashley is ready to compete and prove herself to the state that she has what it takes to win. 

“I feel a little nervous but most confident that I will just try my best and have fun,” Ashley said.  

As the baby of the regional squad, Ashley loves her team and its work ethic that made her season so memorable. 

“My favorite part is the community and friendship that is formed by the team. I also love the hard practices where you feel tired but satisfied afterward,” Ashley said. 

On top of all the Ashley excitement, assistant coach Rick Kacher was recently named the “Girls Regional Assistant Coach of the Year.” Looking ahead, oach Kacher will be in the running for assistant coach of the year honors at the state tournament.

“Coach Kacher is an integral part of our program,” coach Anderson said. “He has been around a very long time and has changed many lives for the better. We are lucky to have him as a mentor in our program, and he’s devoted a lot of miles and hours to the student-athletes of Ranger country.”

Although most of FHC’s wrestlers have finished their season, keep your eyes out for Ashley as she competes on March 4 and 5 for a chance at a climactic state title. 

“I think the team has done pretty well overall,” Ashley said. “We reached our goal of 10 team wins which is great.”