Wrestlers headed to Choteau for post season
Two weeks after the 5-hour trip, the Columbus/Absarokee wrestlers will return to Choteau with state tournament dreams on their minds.
The Southern B/C Divisional wrestling tournament will commence on Saturday at 10 a.m. with the top four wrestlers at each weight class qualifying for the state tournament on Feb. 13 and 14 at Metra Park in Billings.
The team warmed up for divisionals this past week with Senior Night on Tuesday, Friday duals with Forsyth and Hardin, and the Hardin Invitational on Saturday. The team won two of three duals on Tuesday, recording dual wins against Senior JV and West JV while falling to Skyview JV. The team lost to state-ranked Hardin and Forsyth on Friday. Finally, Saturday the team boasted 16 wins in the Hardin Invitational with a limited roster due to illness.
The team will be led by senior Will Griffel, Eli Walston and Isaiah Littlelight. Walston boasts a team-leading 30-4 record and a No. 2 state ranking at 126 pound.
Griffel is currently ranked fifth at 182 pounds and less than double digit losses for the season.
Littlelight’s future is bright at 152 pounds, recording a confidence-building five wins last week.
Juniors headed to divisionals are Michael Sherwood (132 lbs.), Chaz Krone (138 lbs), Karl Berg (145 lbs), Billy Raville (152 lbs), Kevin Finley (160 lbs), and Dylan Clouse (170 lbs). The sophomore class will be represented by Matt Palmer (126 lbs), Robbie Coleman (132 lbs), and Dustin Stepper (205 lbs). Freshman Nate Goddard (113 lbs) and Ben Plymale (120 lbs) will round out the
tournament team.