Last weekend, the Raider Wrestlers brought their 12 regional qualifiers north to battle with the best in their area with hopes of qualifying to MHSAA State Finals hosted at Ford Field. Despite all wrestlers having won a match in their weight classes, only 6 wrestlers were able to make the podium and qualify to state finals on March 1st and 2nd. 

Coach Pulling noted, "It was a bittersweet weekend of wrestling for Portland High School. Not everyone gets to qualify to states, but everyone who wrestled this weekend was competitive and secured a victory, and at this level and that is something to be proud of. Qualfiying 50% of our regional qualifiers onto states is unique. It is also a result of how hard these athletes and coaches work everyday in- and outside of our room."

In addition to the exciting athlete news, Portland Assistant Coach Amie Miller earned Girls Regional Assistant Coach of the Year. This is a prestigious award is given to one girls coach in the region who is nominated and voted on by other coaches. Coach Miller earned this award with her dedicated work beyond her Assistant Coaching role as she is the President of the Portland Wrestling Club and an advocate for girls wrestling at the state level.

Coach Pulling added, "I think it should be noted that our girls team is in their inaugural year and already we are taking 2 athletes to the most prestigious tournament in our state. I'm excited for them and know they're hungry to place at states regardless of how long they've been wrestling. It is also fitting that Coach Miller earned Regional Assistant Coach of the Year as she's a perfect fit for not just starting a girls team, but starting one that has been so competitive so quickly." 

You can watch the following Raider Wrestlers at States in person at Ford Field or virtually through the NFHS Network:

Male State Qualifiers

• Freshman Landon Lanz placed 3rd at 106 lbs
• Freshman Landon Guilford placed 4th at 157 lbs
• Sophomore Brad Meyers placed 2nd at 165 lbs
• Sophomore Gunnar Williams Regional Champion at 190 lbs.

Female State Qualifiers

• Senior Maddy Newburry placed 4th at 170 lbs
• Sophomore Rylan Johns placed 3rd at 190 lbs.