For the Whitehall Vikings and Fruitport Trojans, the MHSAA team wrestling state finals brought a mix of dominance, heartbreak and history, and reinforced why West Michigan area wrestling continues to command statewide respect.
While Whitehall made another deep postseason push in Division 3, Fruitport broke new ground in Division 2, marking one of the most successful collective seasons the area has seen.
Whitehall: Another Deep Run
Whitehall’s weekend began in impressive fashion. The No. 2 Vikings defeated rival Hart 45-25 in the Division 3 quarterfinals, executing the formula that defined their 31-win season: limit opponents’ bonus points and capitalize on their own opportunities.
After falling behind 9-0 in the upper weights, Whitehall flipped the momentum in decisive fashion. Robert Belinger (106), Blake Wallace (113), and Dominic Zygmuntowski (120) delivered three straight pins to put the Vikings in control, and they never looked back.
Additional key performances included:
- Cody Manzo (132) earning a major decision
- Kolten Weiler (150) delivering a momentum-shifting pin
- Colten Kyser (157) winning by technical fall
- Liam Leeke (165) securing a quick pin
- Pablo Lugo (175) sealing the dual with an emotional third-period fall
The victory pushed Whitehall to 31-0 and into the state semifinals, achieving the program’s goal of wrestling on the final day of team competition after last year’s quarterfinal exit.
Semifinal Setback
Saturday, however, belonged to Yale.
The Bulldogs capitalized on favorable early matchups and never relinquished control in a 56-8 win over the Vikings in the Division 3 semifinals.
Whitehall’s two victories came from:
- Liam Leeke (175), who dominated in a 21-5 technical fall
- Easton Wisniewski (215), who earned a gritty 3-0 decision
Despite the lopsided final score, the Vikings closed the team season at 31-1 and will send 12 wrestlers to the individual state finals at Ford Field.
This senior class reached team state four times and made two state finals appearances during their careers, a remarkable run of consistency. With multiple underclassmen also heading to Detroit and strong youth programs feeding the varsity level, the Vikings’ future remains bright.
Fruitport: A Historic Breakthrough
While Whitehall continued its tradition of excellence, Fruitport built new history. The Trojans advanced to the Division 2 state quarterfinals, the Elite Eight, for the first time in program history. Along the way, they claimed O-K Silver Conference, district and regional championships.
Their tournament run ended against top-ranked Lowell, a perennial powerhouse that went on to capture another state title. The Red Arrows defeated Fruitport 71-8.
But even in defeat, the Trojans produced two standout moments on the sport’s biggest stage. Jeremiah Stone-Tyler (106) pinned Lowell’s Veronica Tapia in 3:28, energizing the crowd early. Murphy Lengkeek (132) delivered one of the most impressive wins of the day, edging returning state finalist Carson Bluhm 5-4 in overtime.
Fruitport finished 26-7 and will send four wrestlers, Lengkeek, Zach Aardema, Chase Rosema and Alex Aardema, to the individual state finals in Detroit.
Courtesy of Beka Johnson
Between Whitehall’s 31-win season and Fruitport’s historic breakthrough, the West Michigan area continues to prove it is a wrestling stronghold in Michigan.
This isn’t just about one weekend in Kalamazoo. It’s about:
- Programs building year after year
- Seniors cementing lasting legacies
- Underclassmen gaining experience for future championship runs
- Local athletes competing — and winning — on the state’s biggest stage
And the excitement isn’t over.
This coming weekend, the focus shifts to the individual state finals at Ford Field, where Whitehall will send 12 wrestlers and Fruitport will send four. Several area athletes enter Detroit with legitimate podium and title aspirations, giving fans even more reason to follow the action.
The team season may be complete, but the biggest individual stage of the year is still ahead.
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