The consolation finals wrapped up earlier this afternoon and when the dust settled, Kent City had four wrestlers earn All-State honors. It was a strong day for the Eagles, especially considering five wrestlers qualified for the tournament that began Friday morning. Of the four medalists, one was making his first trip to Ford Field while the other three stepped onto the podium for the second time in their careers.

Dylan Russo – 106 lb – 7th Place
In the consolation quarterfinals, Dylan wrestled tough against the eventual 4th-place finisher but fell 4–1 after surrendering an early takedown and escape. His final match of the season looked much different, however, as Dylan scored two takedowns on his way to a 6–0 victory and a 7th-place finish. An impressive All-State performance in his first trip to the Motor City as a freshman.

Sam Kik – 113 lb – 5th Place
Sam fell behind early in his consolation semifinal match, giving up a first-period takedown. In the second period, Sam scored his only points of the match with an escape, before the eventual 3rd-place finisher added a takedown and escape in the third to secure a 7–1 win. In the 5th/6th place match, Sam wasted little time in the final match of his high school career, scoring a 17–2 technical fall in the second period. The victory earned Sam a 5th-place finish and his second All-State medal.

Brooklin Armstrong – 120 lb – 7th Place
Brooklin dropped her consolation quarterfinal in heartbreaking fashion, 6–1. Both takedowns by the eventual 3rd-place finisher came as time was running out in the first and third periods. Brooklin bounced back in the 7th/8th place match, earning a second-period pin in the final match of her high school career. Her only losses at the Finals came to the 3rd and 4th place finishers. This also marked Brooklin’s second All-State finish at Ford Field.

Sammy Anderson – 126 lb – 7th Place
Sammy carried a 3–2 lead into the final period of his consolation quarterfinal match, but the eventual 4th-place finisher outscored him 8–5 in the third to earn a 10–8 win. Sammy closed his high school career in strong fashion with an 11–2 major decision in the 7th-place match. He never trailed, scoring in every period, including a late takedown. Sammy appeared at the State Finals three times and finishes his career with two All-State medals as a junior and senior.

Logan Thompson – 165 lb – State Qualifier
In his first appearance at the State Finals, Logan battled tough competition but came up short in his first two matches. He dropped his opening-round match by technical fall, 17–2, and then fell 6–1 in the consolation round. Logan finishes his senior season as a State Finals qualifier, a testament to his toughness and persistence.

Congratulations to all of our state finalists and the entire Kent City wrestling program on a tremendous season. The Eagles captured a District Championship and advanced to the Regional Finals in the team tournament before falling to perennial powerhouse Whitehall. Individually, the Eagles had four All-State wrestlers, nine All-Conference selections, and both Head Coach Chad Kik and Assistant Coach Jarrud Ellicott were named Regional Coaches of the Year, plus Coach Ellicott was name D3 Assistant Coach of the Year in Michigan!  

Great season, Eagles!