The Harlem Wildcat and Lady Cat wrestling teams were in Great Falls this past Friday and Saturday. Many took part in the CMR Holiday Classic both days, while others were at Great Falls High Saturday for the Walt and Trudy Currie Tournament.

The CMR Holiday Classic is one of the premier tournaments across the state and includes many of the states top wrestlers. Unlike most tournaments this one features brackets filled with individuals representing schools from all four classifications. For the boys this is vastly different than say the state tournament where a wrestler competes against others from the same class. The girls however are use to wrestling against everyone.

Harlem Lady Cat junior Kaitlyn Johnson turned in an outstanding performance earning herself a spot on the podium at tournaments end. Johnson finished sixth in the 126 pound girls division. Johnson went 5-3 over the course of the two day event with all five wins coming by way of pinfall.

Head Coach Jonny Baker was proud of how hard Johnson competed, "Kaitlyn's podium finish was earned. She worked hard for it. Facing bigger schools at this tournament was not an easy task and even when she lost a match she didn't let it become a head game. She left it all on the mat and wrestled back to a placing round finish." Baker added, "Kaitlyn's focused and continues to improve week after week. It's been said that if you place at CMR you'll place at state and she looks to do just that."

The Lady Cats as a team continued to wrestle well while in Great Falls, "Again all my girls performed well. Newcomer Svea Hogan celebrated a couple big wins while fighting through with an injury," In an unusual twist to the end of the day Friday Johnson, freshman Cyla Adams and sophomore Izzy Baker were told they were done for the day. The three weighed in for Saturday took a shower and got dressed.

Tournament officials then called all three back to the mat and explained to Baker that they wanted to complete the round before days end. "I ran to my girls who were just as confused as I was, and told them I needed one more win for the night! They ran back to the locker room, changed back into their singlets, headgear and shoes, and answered the call to the mat. All three girls wrestling on three different mats at the same time. I stood in the middle of the four mats set up and coached all three at the same time. All three girls stuck their opponents right after the other! They went from idle to full throttle without missing a beat. Mentally tough and battle ready whenever they call!"

Baker talked about some of his other wrestlers accomplishments on the mat as well, "Kendon Young showed up to wrestle this weekend taking on some heavy matches. Making it to the second day for the boys team. The boys on Saturdays Great Falls High Tournament took on many of the same kids they had faced the day before and with even better success. Trent King and Landen Gray brought home some medals for their collections with a second place and third place finish in their respective weight class."

Baker is pleased with what he is seeing from his boys team, "All the boys picked up the pace and made headway in their quest to become a champion. It's that momentum brewing we've been talking about. Trent Kings second place finish was a result of pressing forward, wrestling all six minutes and in one case even seven with his overtime win. He just didn't let up. Landen Gray's third place finish was just as sweet coming back around the consolation aside of the bracket and not giving in to the pressure. He continues to be a good leader for his younger crew this year. He talks with his underclassman and motivates and encourages them to be great and that's what I like to see with these older boys."