Pirates top 'A' school at Rocky Mountain Classic

The Polson Pirates wrestling squad returned home rather victorious after last weekend's Jug Beck Rocky Mountain Classic, in which the team finished tied for third out of 21 schools, and beating out a number of AA schools in and out of state.

Kevin Owen and Logan Kugler took home championships in the 171 and 160 pound weight classes, respectively, and a total of seven Pirates placed in the top six in their classes. For Owen, it was his fourth championship in as many different weight classes over the years.

"We were really hoping to do well. We had a great tournament, and the kids wrestled really well. It was nice to beat some of those bigger schools, too," said coach Bob Owen.

Shayne Ludwick represented his team well in the 98-pound class, finishing sixth overall after battling his way into the semi-finals.

Logan Torgison finished third after getting a 7-3 decision over Corvallis' Coby Kolodejchuk.

"That third-place finish was great for a freshman," Owen said.

Conlin Benson took second in the 112-pound class after getting pinned by Chase Fish from University High in Spokane. Kaine Zetterberg took third with a pin over Flathead High's Duran Flaget.

"It was a crime that he didn't make it into the finals. He did a great job," Owen said.

Ted Morigeau took second in the 145-pound class, finishing only behind Flathead wrestler Mikey Kuehne. Owen was pleased with all of his underclassmen, he said.

"For a sophomore to finish in second was great. Ted wrestled really well, and I expect big things from him," said Owen.

For Kugler, it was deja vu all over again when he defeated Corvallis Blue Devil Caleb Cousins to take the championship. He'd wrestled Cousins last week during the Ronan tourney.

Kevin Owen got his fourth tourney championship with a decisive 11-6 decision over Libby's Jake Spencer, one of the top wrestlers in the state in his weight class. Spencer will have a chance for revenge today (Thursday) when the Loggers come to Polson High. The Pirates will then host Whitefish and Columbia Falls this Saturday, for three conference duals in as many days.

Pirates Colby Wolfenden and Billy Johnson will be back in action this weekend after being sidelined by injuries, Owen noted, which will bring the team back up to full force.

"This is going to be a tough week. Those are the best three teams in the conference. This will be a big week for us in terms of seeding as we get ready for the divisional meet in a couple of weeks," Owen said.