The Rangers competed in the first round of team districts this past Wednesday. The Rockford Rams hosted this year’s opening round, as they competed against the Rangers. The Rams have always been a formidable opponent in past years, as they are a difficult district foe that the Rangers meet up with most seasons.

Between the two teams, there were several highly ranked wrestlers in the state; therefore, the team knew every match would count in the end. Senior Caden Jacobs upheld his terrific undefeated record, as he won one of the first matches for the Rangers. Fellow seniors Bryce Hysong and Mason Childers also had two keys wins for the team, gaining three pins to their total score. Freshman stand out Greyson Ripmaster was also one of the stand out wrestlers, as he was able to gain another pin for the boys in his victory. Unfortunately for the Rangers, they had a slow start to the dual and were unable to mount a comeback. The final score was 52-24.

Following this loss, the Rangers’ season as a team is over.  The boys conference record was 5-4, and their overall record was 15-6. However, their playoff gauntlet continues this Saturday, March 20th at Grand Haven High School. The team will travel to the lakeshore to start their individual district battles at 9:30 AM. Several wrestlers are expected to end the day with big results, as head coach Brad Anderson has an impressive track record for bringing wrestlers deep into the postseason.