Polson Invitational marks start of wrestling season

Zach Urness / Leader Staff

With the departure of two state champions and a host of state placers from last year's team, the 2007-08 Polson Pirates will have some large shoes to fill.

"It is going to be a tough class to replace because they were such quality kids," said head coach Bob Owen. "But we have a great nucleus coming back this year."

Led by returning state champion Logan Torgison and state placer Shayne Ludwick, this year's Pirates will fire their first shots on the mat this Saturday at the annual Polson Invitational beginning at 9 a.m. at the Polson Middle School. The tournament, as usual, will be run in the individual format and will feature four Class B/C schools, six class A teams and three Class AA schools.

"The team is anxious to wrestle," said Owen. "Flathead has won the past four years and are pretty dominating, but it should be a good tournament."

The Pirates are returning two state placers (Torgison and Ludwick) as well as six wrestlers who placed in the Pirates divisional championship team from last season, including Torgison, Ludwick, Brock Picard, Trey Fouty, Keio Salmonson and Riley Duford.

Owen had hoped to be able to fill all of the weight classes — something he was unable to do last year and which ultimately cost the Pirates a number of duels — but after one athlete dropped out and another is likely gone for the season because of an injury, the Pirates will begin the season with two open weights.

"I thought we'd be able to fill them all this season," said Owen. "Hopefully, we'll be able to fill those classes by the end of the season."

With the loss of so many seniors from last year's team, the Pirates will look to many youngsters to fill the void, and Owen pointed out Sheldon Fisher, a state champion from Little Guy wrestling, as well as Jacob Young and Justin Evertz as freshmen ready to make an impact.

"They might not all crack the starting lineup," said Owen, "but they are very talented."

Owen all noted that senior Skyler Knutson, who was injured at the end of last season, will bring some leadership to a young team.

The battle for the Northwest A will likely come down to three familiar foes in Polson, Ronan and Libby.

"We're all pretty even right now," said Owen.

Following the Polson Invitational, the Pirates host Whitefish next Thursday, Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m.