For his work in winning the Cumberland Valley Kickoff Classic this past weekend, Gerrit Nijenhuis is being recognized as the Wrestler of the Week. Gerrit cruised his way to the 160 lb. finals with 3 straight pins; he earned a spot on top of the podium with a 14-1 major decision in the championship match.
Photo Source: Youth 1
This is not Gerrit’s first tournament win; among his others, the sophomore says that winning the Jr. High State Tournament is his favorite victory and wrestling memory. In addition to wrestling, he also plays football for the Big Macs. One of the upsides to football compared to wrestling is that Gerrit doesn’t have to cut weight for the former. In fact, he actually gets to indulge in his favorite restaurant, McGrogen’s, and favorite drink, McDonald’s Caramel Frappe, when it’s not November through March. Other than competitive sports, the grappler enjoys riding horses at his grandparents and rooting for the Steelers and Detroit Red Wings (uh-oh Pens fans!).
Much like Louden Swain in his favorite movie, Vision Quest, Gerrit is on a journey of his own to become a PIAA State Champion. After a 3rd place finish at 152 lbs. last season, he has his eyes set on the gold. With a 50-7 high school career record, we are sure to see great things from him in the future. Local fans can see great things from him as early as this Wednesday, when Gerrit and the rest of the team take on Montour in the Big Mac’s first home match of the season.
Cover Photo Source: Facebook