PLAINWELL, Mich. (WOOD) — Plainwell Middle School’s gymnasium has a new namesake: former wrestling coach and farmer Ryan Meert.
Meert was killed in a farming accident in 2023, according to the district. The dedication ceremony on Tuesday night brought Meert’s family, friends and former students to the middle school gym. Former colleagues shared stories of Meert during his teaching days and years as a Plainwell student before reflecting on the legacy he left behind.
“Under its roof and inside its walls, I’m sure Ryan would want our community to grow, to continue in the quest of figuring out who they are and what they are made of. He would want them to laugh, to play and to even kindly tackle one another, said Travis Reardon, who taught and coached alongside Meert…