The Chinook Sugarbeeter wrestling team continues to make strides as their season moves along. This past weekend the team was in Fort Benton for the Longhorn mixer, Friday they were at the Charles M. Russell Holiday Classic and Saturday the team split time between the CMR and the Great Falls Bison Invitational.

The CMR Holiday Classic, now in its 40th year is one of the most prestigious wrestling tournaments in the state and features wrestlers competing from all over Montana. In all 55 teams made up the field from all four high school classifications AA, A, B, and C. Everyone competes against everyone as this tournament is open.

Freshman Austin Swanson (103), freshman Garrett Pruttis (120), sophomore J.T. Hauer (145), junior Ross Reed (152), freshman Favion Couturier, junior Tye Mitchell (182) and sophomore Reubin Swenson (205) all earned victories Friday at the Holiday Classic.

Hauer qualified for day two of the Holiday Classic, a nice accomplishment for the sophomore. The rest of the team took part in the Bison Invitational Saturday at Great Falls High.

Junior Ross Reed finished second Saturday going 4-1 on the day in the 145 pound division. Freshman Favion Couturier also wrestled his way to the championship match and finished second at 160 pounds going 4-1 on the day.

Freshman Rebecca Stroh went 5-1 on the day and finished third in the 103 pound weight class. Freshman Garrett Pruttis wrestled his way to a fourth place finish at 120 pounds going 3-2 Saturday.

"Their all getting better, they are working hard and learning how to win," said coach Perry Miller. "Rebecca, Ross, Favion, Garrett they placed Saturday but the rest of them performed really well too. Colton, Reubin, Tye, they are working hard every time out."

The Sugarbeeters had to face adversity Friday as freshman Austin Swanson was injured, "He's in concussion protocol right now, our thoughts are with him and his family during his recovery. He will continue to travel with us and finish out the season supporting the team," added Miller.

This Friday the Sugarbeeters will head to Shelby for the Coyote Invitational before heading into the Christmas break.

"The kids are wrestling better, they are improving daily. They are young and eager and their really coming on," said Miller. "We'll use the break to get in the room and work on the things we learned these first few weeks, make adjustments and just get better."

"These kids are growing, their eager and we're at a point now where they are confident in their ability to win matches. We'll use that to our advantage and start preparing for the post season when we take the mat in Chester January 4th to begin the new year.

CMR Holiday Classic Results

Austin Swanson (103) - Won Oliver Post (FLC) Fall :47; Lost Camron Reilly (FOR) Default; Lost Draven Stein (GF3) Default.

Garrett Pruttis (120) - Lost Hunter Renville (GFH) Fall :33; Won Dallas Biggers (CON) Fall :31; Lost Spencer Stagg (RON) Fall :59.

Colton Liddle (132) - Lost Brandon Thomas (CLF) Fall :25; Lost Tabris Correa (SHE) Fall 2:57.

JT Hauer (145) - Lost Russell Wienholz (GFH) Maj Dec 15-4; Won Tyler Carter (CM2) Fall 2:36; Won Adam Elerick (GLR) Decision 4-3; Lost Caden Benboe (SEN) Fall 3:54.

Freshman Garrett Pruttis gains control of the match Thursday in Fort Benton. The Sugarbeeters will be in Shelby this Friday before heading into the Holiday break. They will return to the mat January 4th in Chester.

Ross Reed (152) - Won Kellen Maart (HGT) Fall 1:30; Lost Brandon Held (GLN) Fall 2:28; Lost Daylon Moore (HAM) Fall 1:28.

Favion Couturier (170) - Won Luke Fuhrman (THF) Decision 8-5; Lost Chance Lee (CAP) Fall 3:08; Lost Dax Miller (FLC) Fall 2:27.

Tye Mitchell (182) - Won Kale Larson (CON) Fall 1:31; Lost Wyatt Blythe (FER) Fall 4:22; Lost Justin Denton (BRD) Maj Dec 13-4.

Reubin Swenson (205) - Won Luke Wilson (HGT) Fall 2:55; Won Brett Monroe (VHS) Fall 2:40; Lost Clancy Gout (ANA) Fall :46; Lost Cooper Larson (GHS) Fall :54