Big Rapids wins invitational, beats Traverse City West 46 to 35
Big Rapids captured first place at the eight team Big Rapids Invitational on Dec. 7, topping Traverse City West 46 to 35 and posting a tournament record of four wins and one loss. The victory highlighted unbeaten performances by Henry Cornell and Bryce Selzer, and provided a mid season momentum boost for the Cardinals and their supporters in Grand Traverse County.
Host Big Rapids secured the championship at the Big Rapids Invitational on Dec. 7, finishing first in an eight team field after a 46 to 35 victory over Traverse City West in the final. The Cardinals posted a tournament record of four wins and one loss, with standout work from Henry Cornell and Bryce Selzer, each posting five wins and no losses on the day.
The final swung on a series of decisive pins and late match turnarounds that erased a slim deficit and put Big Rapids ahead at critical junctures. Pins that came in the middle of the card changed momentum and allowed the Cardinals to build a cushion they maintained to the final whistle. Beyond the two unbeaten wrestlers, several other Cardinals delivered key victories that contributed to the team score and kept Big Rapids in contention throughout the tournament.
Tournament performance offers useful statistical evidence as the season progresses. A team record of four wins and one loss against a field of eight schools suggests depth across multiple weight classes, and the pair of five win, zero loss individual results indicates that at least two weight divisions are performing at high levels. Those results matter for seeding and confidence heading into more competitive invitationals and regional qualifying events later in the season.
Local impact is immediate. The win reinforces the Cardinals program and offers momentum for students and families who follow the team, while increasing visibility for youth wrestling programs that feed the high school roster. For coaches and athletic administrators, the tournament provides data points on where to focus training and where to manage weights and matchups in coming weeks.
The Cardinals are scheduled to return to competition later this week with additional dual matches and tournaments planned through the holiday period. The Invitational victory gives Big Rapids a clear lift as the team moves into the next phase of the season and prepares for district and regional competition.
