Ward, Schoff Striving to Become Brandywine's 1st Finals Champs Since 1992
By
Scott Hassinger
Special for MHSAA.com
January 30, 2024
NILES – Niles Brandywine wrestlers Maddison Ward and Gavin Schoff literally have gone the extra mile to set themselves up for success.
Ward and Schoff, along with their teammates, have traveled many miles this winter competing in some of the more elite weekend tournaments across the state.
The two Bobcats grapplers hope that exposure is enough to push them to the top of the podium at the MHSAA Individual Wrestling Finals in early March at Ford Field.
Both Ward, a junior, and Schoff, a senior, could become the first Brandywine wrestler to win a Finals title since Dean Heath captured the 1992 Class C crown at 275 pounds.
Ward, ranked No. 2 in the state at 170 pounds by MichiganGrappler.com, is 23-1 this season. Her only loss came 5-4 at the Montague Tournament to Romeo’s top-ranked Amarisa Manuel, last season’s runner-up at 155 and the 145 champion in 2021.
Ward comes from a wrestling family. Her older brother Marty Ward, a 2015 Brandywine graduate, was a standout grappler and football player for the Bobcats. It was Marty who influenced Maddison most to give the sport a try.
"My brother wrestled, and I come from a family of wrestlers,” Maddison Ward said. “I'm the only female in my family that showed interest in the sport. My parents were skeptical about it at first, but I wanted to give it a try to see if I could do it as well beginning when I was in seventh grade."
Ward eventually joined Midwest Extreme Wrestling Club, a program affiliated with Penn High School in Mishawaka, Ind.
"I really started to improve toward the end of my freshman year when I started hitting more freestyle tournaments. I learned how to be more aggressive, hone in on my skills and (I) started working harder," Ward said.
She is in her third year season competing on Brandywine's varsity team and is one of just two female wrestlers on the squad.
"It's very difficult to get girls to come out for wrestling,” Ward said. “Right now there are only a couple of us girls in the high school program, but there are several participating on the junior high team. But it's been a dream of mine to help grow the interest here and in Southwest Michigan and leave a message that this sport is as big here for females as it is in the bigger cities.”
Ward believes her technique and strength are big keys to her success.
"I feel like my biggest strengths are that I'm a pretty technical wrestler and for a female I have good strength that I'm able to use to my capability," Ward said.
Also a former cross country runner and track & field athlete, Ward does a lot of weight training to help build stamina and endurance. Her success already has generated interest among college coaches.
"Right now I have a lot of interest in Grand Valley State University for wrestling. I feel like their coach (Jake Short) is going to be able to help me a lot with my goals and where I want to eventually end up with wrestling. My end goal is to compete in the Olympics," Ward said.
Ward plans to pursue a career as a physical therapist and become a coach.
"I want to coach younger kids in wrestling working with the MYWAY Program or coaching at the middle school level," Ward said. "I wouldn't mind coaching anyone because I really love it."
The late David Schultz, an American Olympic and World Champion freestyle wrestler, has been a big inspiration to Ward.
"I've read a lot about him and have just always looked up to him because he was a phenomenal and technical wrestler. Looking back at his quotes, it just really helps build me up as a wrestler. I just look up to him for his accomplishments and who he was as a person," Ward said.
Ward looks to qualify for the Individual Finals for a third consecutive year. She finished seventh at 155 her freshman year and third her sophomore season at 145. Being in the higher weight class will make it tougher, but Ward is looking forward to the challenge.
"I was much more of a scrambler at 145. It's a lot different wrestling at 170 where you have to be a lot more physical. You have to know where you're at all the time on the mat and be careful," Ward said. "My experience, mat time and having a lot of confidence in myself are my biggest advantages. I've made a good adjustment this year with my mental preparation, not giving up and really believing in myself. I just have to continue that positive mentality, eating well, lifting and getting the most out of every practice."
Rex Pomranka, Niles Brandywine's head wrestling coach since the 2004-05 season, has been impressed with Ward's interest and work ethic since she joined the Brandywine wrestling program. He believes Ward is very capable of reaching her goal.
"Maddie is kind of young compared to some of the girls that have been wrestling since they were 5 or 6 years old. But she's always asking questions, watching videos, going to camps and competing in offseason freestyle tournaments, Pomranka said. “You've heard of basketball players who are gym rats, well Maddie is a mat rat in wrestling. She quite often comes in before and will stay after practice to work on moves or techniques to make herself better. She doesn't give up, is a hard worker and just goes and goes. A lot of girls Maddie wrestles can't match her strength."
Schoff is aspiring to become a three-time Finals qualifier and placer. He is 34-0, ranked No. 1 in Division 4 at 157 pounds and regarded among the top eight in his weight class across all four divisions. All the wrestlers above Schoff in the power rankings are from Division 1 and Division 2 schools.
In his two other previous Finals appearances, Schoff finished fifth at 152 his sophomore year and third at 157 as a junior. He is expected to reach the 150-career win mark within the next couple weeks.
"My stamina has really improved this season. I used to get gassed in matches. I've done a lot of running and tried to keep up a good pace in practice. I'm pretty strong, and I try to lift a lot," Schoff said.
He’s also played football at Brandywine and was a starter for two years on the offensive and defensive lines (at right guard and nose guard, respectively). He participates in track & field as well, and plans to finish his wrestling career on the high school mat this winter as he will enter the skill trades after high school with hopes of becoming a plumber.
"Playing football helps you with your balance, and it just teaches you a lot of how to be tough. Track helps me with my stamina and staying active," Schoff said.
Schoff hopes those factors help lead him to a Finals title. Pomranka believes the Bobcats' competitive schedule also will benefit his two standout grapplers.
In addition to its Lakeland Conference meets, Brandywine has wrestled in weekend tournaments this season at Montague, Quincy, Hillsdale, Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, East Jackson, Kalamazoo Central and Parchment.
"We want to see the best competition we can and get the best matchups possible that are going to help our kids the most later on this season," Pomranka said.
Schoff is only the third Brandywine wrestler during Pomranka's coaching tenure to record 100 career pins, including 27 victories by pinfall this season.
"Gavin is so flexible, strong and athletic. He can get himself out of all kinds of different positions, including some (ways) you just can't coach,” Pomranka said. “There have been matches where it looks like his opponent will take him down, and next thing you know Gavin has the guy turned over on his back.”
Scott Hassinger is a contributing sportswriter for Leader Publications and previously served as the sports editor for the Three Rivers Commercial-News from 1994-2022. He can be reached at [email protected] with story ideas for Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph and Branch counties.
PHOTOS (Top) Maddison Ward, top position, from Niles Brandywine has the upper hand in a dual match at home earlier this season. (2) Niles Brandywine senior Gavin Schoff works out with the heavy ball at a recent Bobcats' wrestling practice. (3) Niles Brandywine junior Maddison Ward, right, stands on the podium after winning the championship in the 170-pound weight class at the Adam H. Provencal Invitational this season at Grand Haven High School. (4) Gavin Schoff, far right, from Niles Brandywine, holds up his bracket after winning the 157-pound weight class at the Shawn Cockrell Invitational at Quincy High School earlier this month. (Top photo by Scott Novak/Leader Publications; workout photo by Scott Hassinger, and awards photos courtesy of the Brandywine wrestling program.)
Amrhein's Pin Run Highlights Another Record-Setting Finals for Dundee
By
Drew Ellis
Special for MHSAA.com
March 1, 2025
DETROIT – The Dundee wrestling program had another statement night at the 2025 MHSAA Individual Wrestling Finals.
The Vikings tied the MHSAA record for most individual champions in a single year with eight, matching their 2021 effort.
Of the eight champions, none was more impressive than junior Jeremy Amrhein, who won his first title at 157 pounds.
The junior ran through the competition all weekend, winning all of his four matches by pinfall during the first period.
The longest bout was Saturday’s championship, where Amrhein (45-6) defeated Constantine junior Brody Jones (55-2) in 1:17.
“I was just going out there and trying my best. It was my first time winning the state final, so I was nervous, but I just had to go out there and give it my all,” Amrhein said. “I think my cardio was where it needed to be this weekend. It has allowed me to become stronger and more dominant. I was expecting three periods for this final, but I will take the early night.”
Adding to the victory for Amrhein is that it also marked his 100th win of his high school career.
106
Champion: Danny Vaneeckhoutte, Erie-Mason, Soph. (46-2)
Decision, 5-3, over Branlun Simon, Portland, Soph. (45-5)
Vaneeckhoutte took a 5-0 lead midway through the final and held off a game Simon.
“I knew I had to dig deep,” Vaneeckhoutte said. “I knew the match was getting late and (Simon) got two, but I wasn’t going to give up. It felt great to hear that final whistle and be a champion.”
Vaneeckhoutte scored takedowns in each of the first two rounds. Simon threatened with a reversal in the third to make it 5-3, but couldn’t get any closer.
113
Champion: Mason Katschor, Dundee, Soph. (34-5)
Fall (3:45), over Mackey McClelland, Yale, Fr. (44-4)
Katschor won his second championship in as many years, as the sophomore pinned McClelland in the second period.
“It was on my mind all the time,” Katschor said of winning a second title. “I work hard all year for these moments.”
Katschor had an 8-1 lead after the first period and got a reversal to open the second, which eventually led to the pinfall.
120
Champion: Mason Haines, Dundee, Jr. (37-5)
Decision, 4-2, over Haydn Nutt, Dundee, Jr. (31-7)
After being forced to forfeit in the District Final and Regional Final, Haines finally got his match with Dundee teammate Nutt.
With things tied 1-1 in the third period after each scored an escape, it was Haines that managed a takedown that pushed him to the victory.
“After having to forfeit the last two tournaments, I was going to leave it all on the mat today,” Haines said. “I got what I wanted, a state title.”
126
Champion: Dale Gant, Grand Rapids Catholic Central, Jr. (40-1)
Technical Fall (5:02), 21-6, over Logan Whidden, Comstock Park, Sr. (33-4)
Gant cleared his third hurdle toward becoming the next four-time individual champion.
After winning the 113-pound title as a freshman in 2023, Gant won the 120-pound title as a sophomore in 2024.
This year, Gant scored seven takedowns to earn the technical fall and put his focus toward his senior season.
“That is everyone’s goal, to be a four-time state champion. Now that I have three, that is where my focus is,” Gant said. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s definitely a goal I have set for myself.”
132
Champion: Braden Broderick, Dundee, Jr. (35-10)
Decision, 1-0, over Lucky Gartin, Algonac, Sr. (53-6)
After finishing runner-up at 120 pounds last year, Broderick dug deep to win a low-scoring match in the 132-pound final Saturday.
After a scoreless first period, Broderick executed an escape to start the second, then rode Gartin for two minutes in the third to win, 1-0.
“We do these situations all the time in the practice room. I was tired, but I knew that was all that stood between me and a state title,” Broderick said of the third period. “I just wanted it more and got it done. Last year really stung, so it drove me each day and in that third period.”
138
Champion: Wyatt Burns, Dundee, Soph. (38-9)
Decision, 7-2, over Jacob Fink, Richmond, Sr. (39-9)
In a rematch from last week’s Regional Final that went to an ultimate tie-breaker, Burns made sure he left no doubt in Saturday’s championship match.
He scored a quick takedown in the opening period and then added another one late in the third to claim his first title.
“I just made sure to stay on my offense. I didn’t attack like I needed to last week. I think that was the difference this time,” Burns said. “I knew I had the speed and the takedowns to win. I just needed to believe in my abilities.”
144
Champion: Mikey Wilson, Grand Rapids Catholic Central, Sr. (46-1)
Technical Fall (5:14), 15-0, over Stone Redmon, Dundee, Fr. (43-14)
Wilson won his second consecutive championship in dominant fashion, not giving up a point.
He had a pair of takedowns that were followed by numerous near-fall points to earn the tech fall in the third.
His 144-pound title came a year after he won the 138-pound championship.
“If you put this tournament on too much of a pedestal, it’s going to impact how you wrestle, so I tried not to let the focus be on this match or winning another title, just going out and wrestling to the best of my ability,” Wilson said.
150
Champion: Blake Cosby, Dundee, Jr. (37-0)
Technical Fall (1:56), 19-4, over Bryson Boucher, Lakewood, Soph. (46-7)
Cosby completed an unbeaten season and won his second-consecutive championship with an impressive tech fall in the first period.
Cosby had five takedowns in the first and used some near-fall points to secure the win. Last year, he was the champion at 144 pounds.
“I wanted to go out and dominate. I knew I could do it; the training has been there,” Cosby said. “I know nobody is working as hard as me, so if I just go out and wrestle, I will get positive results.”
165
Champion: Donny Beaufait, Dundee, Jr. (47-1)
Fall (4:42), over Julian Walker, Algonac, Jr. (53-6)
Losing in the 2024 150-pound Final in an ultimate tie-breaker stuck with Beaufait throughout this season.
In Saturday’s 165-pound Final, he was going to leave no doubt.
With the match trending toward a technical fall in the third period, Beaufait managed to get Walker’s shoulders on the mat to close out his junior year with his first championship.
“The match last year affected how I approached this season in every way. From the summer, to lifting, to practices, to each match of the season, it drove me,” Beaufait said. “This year, I was going to make sure nobody but me decided how things were going to go.”
175
Champion: Kole Katschor, Dundee, Sr. (44-4)
Major Decision, 10-2, over Alex Hicks, Hart, Sr. (53-3)
Katschor secured his third-consecutive championship thanks to a pair of early takedowns that gave him a sizable lead.
“There was a little bit of pressure coming into this, but I am just glad I could end my career with a third state title,” Katschor said.
After winning the 150-pound championship as a sophomore and the 157-pound title as a junior, Katschor was the eighth and final champion on the night for the Vikings.
“It’s a great program with a lot of great wrestlers that do things the right way,” Katschor said of Dundee. “I am very proud to be able to be part of the success that Dundee has had.”
190
Champion: Gavin Craner, Whitehall, Sr. (58-0)
Major Decision, 11-0, over Rocco Redmon, Dundee, Jr. (27-5)
Craner concluded a second-consecutive unbeaten season with a dominant 11-0 victory.
He won the 175-pound title as a junior and went 112-0 over the last two years.
“I just had the mindset that nobody could touch me this weekend,” Craner said. “It’s been a tough season, but it’s all about keeping that positive mindset. If I am scoring points, I don’t think anyone can beat me.”
Craner got points in all three periods, scoring takedowns in the first and third, along with near-fall points in the second.
215
Champion: Wyatt Jenkins, Whitehall, Sr. (53-3)
Decision, 4-3, over Josh Petersen, Hillsdale, Sr. (50-4)
Jenkins had scored three first-round pins this weekend coming into Saturday’s Final.
However, Petersen gave him a championship-worthy match.
After Jenkins established a 4-0 lead in the first period, Petersen fought back to cut the deficit to one point. But Jenkins managed to hold on, driven by the motivation of his ailing grandfather.
“My grandfather is at home and not sure how much time he has left, so that was what was on my mind today and what was pushing me in that third round,” Jenkins said. “I am proud to be a state champion, but I really just wanted to do it for him more than myself. It feels good to get this for him.”
285
Champion: Reid Hiltunen, Algonac, Sr. (55-1)
Major Decision, 11-1, over Joel Simon, Lake Odessa Lakewood, Sr. (49-5)
Hiltunen stormed out to an 11-0 lead after one period and then did his part to keep Simon from getting back in the match, securing his first championship.
“I felt like I could dominate on my feet and on top,” Hiltunen said. “The first period was great, being able to put up 11 points. My mindset all year had been to win this, and it feels amazing to have it all come together.
Hiltunen scored a takedown in the first period and then had two near-fall attempts score four points each. Simon wasn’t able to mount much offense from there, as Hiltunen proved to be elusive.
PHOTO Dundee’s Jeremy Amrhein, in blue, hoists his opponent into the air during their Division 3 championship match. (Click for more from High School Sports Scene.)