After a very successful season last year for the Ranger wrestling team, the expectations will be high for despite a nonconventional start to the season. Challenges from not knowing if they would have a season to having to quarantine because of contact tracing have slowed the start of the season. However, after finishing with an impressive 18-9 record last year for the boys and the Lady Rangers looking to repeat a state championship, the team will look to its several experienced senior leaders returning in the beginning weeks of the season.

The Rangers are coached by Brad Anderson again this year. Coach Anderson has built up the Ranger wrestling program for years ongoing now, and will look to continue their tradition of excellence by adding more accolades to his impressive coaching career such as winning conference and taking more wrestlers deep into the postseason yet again this year. 

As the Rangers prepare for their season, a tough schedule looms in their future to prepare them for yet another successful postseason this year. After numerous impressive wins last year such as the Hawk Duals, beating Caledonia, and beating a talented Cedar Springs team, the Rangers have proved they are ready for a step up in competition. 

Returning seniors Caden Jacobs, Bryce Hysong, Robby Frazer, and Mason Childers—all experienced wrestlers for FHC—will undoubtedly play a big part for the boys team this season. Caden will be one person the Rangers turn to every match for big points. He managed to take home an impressive individual first-place win last year at the Kent County Classic where some of the best wrestlers from around the state come and compete. Bryce will also be looked at to play a big role for the team this year after being one of the three wrestlers that made it to the individual regional round last year. Four-year wrestlers Robby Frazer and Mason Childers will also be looked to provide efficient results for the team, as well as be leaders for some of the underclassmen on the team.

For the Lady Rangers, the team will look to the experience of seniors Rhoneda Arius, Rebecca Dooley, Rachel Schenck, and Janae Van Dyk to guide them through this season in hopes of repeating another state championship. Rachel will play a big role at leading the girl this year after placing first in her weight class last year. The lady Rangers also face a tougher schedule this year and will have more teams trying to dethrone them in this year’s postseason.

Without a doubt, Ranger wrestling made a name for itself in the state after last year’s boys team, girls team, and individual performances. However, now they will have to rise up to the expectations as well as challenges in front of them for this season to continue their programs path of success. The Rangers’ first competition is scheduled for February 17, at Byron Center at 4 pm where they will face off against the Bulldogs in their first matchup.