The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

The Chinook Sugarbeeter and Harlem Wildcat boys wrestling teams turned in a fine effort on the mat this past weekend. Competing at the Eastern B/C Divisional in Colstrip both the 'Beeters and the Wildcats qualified three grappler's each for next weeks State B/C Wrestling Tournament in Billings.

The Sugarbeeters were led by junior Tyler Schoen who went 3-0 and claimed the 170 pound weight class championship. Also advancing to next weeks state tournament for the Sugarbeeters will be senior Wyatt Dunbar following his runner up finish in the 285 pound division. Junior Lane Snider punched his ticket to the big dance with a fifth place finish at 142 pounds.

Harlem saw three wrestlers qualify for the State B/C as well, beginning with senior Darrius Longknife who finished fifth at 170 pounds. Senior Michael King tallied a sixth place finish at 182 pounds. Rounding out the Wildcat contingent in Billings will be junior Landon Gray following his seventh place effort at 132 pounds.

Chinook Head Coach Ben Stroh was very pleased with his team, "As a team we wrestled well. It was exciting to see the team compete like they did with state on the line. It was clear Lane was going to state. He put it in his mind and made it happen. It was fun to see that effort and determination from him."

Dunbar has wrestled well all season but once again faced his nemesis. "Wyatt had another tough match with Hanford out of Fort Benton. They have been trading wins all year. It is time to get back in the room Monday and fix a few things before state," added Stroh.

Of course Stroh was amazed by the 'Beeters Champion, "Tyler wrestled awesome. Both his semifinal match, as well as his finals match were big wins for Tyler. Those two wrestlers have been ranked over him all season. Tyler made a statement this weekend by being very dominant over both of those high ranking competitors."

Harlem Senior Mike King 182 Lb. - 6th Place

"State is going to be a long hard fought weekend. With the girls starting Thursday and the boys starting Friday. It is time to show what we have been working for all year," said Stroh. "As a team we need to take it one match at a time. Some of the Chinook wrestlers will need to make a couple of sets happen to get on the podium. There is no better time than the state tournament for that to happen."

The All Class State Wrestling Tournament will get started on Thursday with the Girls Tournament. Some brackets get started wrestling early as they trim the field down to fill a 16 Woman Bracket. Girls wrestling is rapidly gaining traction and organizers say a Divisional Tournament may be required as soon as next year.

Friday will feature a full day of wrestling with early rounds and wrestle-backs taking place. Saturday will see semifinal and championship action take center stage.