Ronan wrestlers take second place at Corvallis

The Ronan wrestlers had a good showing in Corvallis this weekend, taking second place out of three teams. They had six tournament champions overall, including two second-place finishers and one third-place finisher.

"We had six champions and one third place finish, which is a nice achievement for our team," said head coach Ryan Fisher. "As we head into our mid-season tournaments, we need to continue to focus on winning."

Despite having three wrestlers injured, the Chiefs gathered a total of 201.5 points, narrowly trailing tournament host Corvallis who finished with a total of 237.5 points. Frenchtown finished with a total of 181 points for third.

"We have three wrestlers nursing injuries right now," said Fisher. "That no doubt factored into the score. It may or may not have affected team placing. However, it would have made the fight for first more interesting."

Ronan did lose some points in forfeighted weight classes.

"No matter how well we did in any given round, Corvallis seemed to stay just a step ahead," continued Fisher. "They were receiving points from all weight classes, and we were not able to do that."

Cameron Neiss was champion of the 98 pound class, beating out Tyler Stedman from Frenchtown.

"Stedman has been favored as a wrestler to watch this year," said Fisher. "So it was nice to finally match up with him. Cameron did a great job and tech falled him 16-0."

Tyson Noyes (112) also faced a tough challenge in Josh Stedman of Frenchtown.

"Stedman is a two time state champion," said Fisher. "We had him on his back the first round, but as is expected with all multi-time state champs, they don't give up easily. Tyson lost in the third period 19-4."

Seth Clary, in the 119 pound class, faced a very talented freshmen from Corvallis named Taylor Allen and in the third period Clary found himself down 2-1 with less then a minute left. But staying strong, and maintaining his composure, he worked a cradle and earned a three point near fall in the final second to win 4-2, said Fisher.

"I like winning those matches," he said. "It shows character and lets me know as a coach where my wrestlers' strengths and weaknesses are when it comes down to a close match."

Micky Cheff also won a close match and was crowned champion of the 125 pound class.

"Micky continues to impress me with his youthful instincts," said Fisher. "Just when you think he's about to lose a takedown, or we're out of position, Micky pulls through with great poise. He is very coachable and extremely determined."

Ben White (152) also came through for the Chiefs. He won two very difficult matches to take the tournament championship. He also took the quick pin award from the tournament in the upper weight division.

It was an all Ronan match up for the 171 pound championship, as Tylar Espinosa pinned teammate Frank Swan.

"There is something gratifying about this situation," said Fisher. "Maybe it's the fact that Ronan is going to win no matter what, but I really think it's just nice to see the boys both succeeding."

Heavyweight Mike Trosper was the Chiefs final champion of the day, pinning Wes Sherman.

"When Mike was just a sophomore and wrestling varsity, he got himself in some very sticky situations for lack of instincts, balance and experience," commented Fisher. "As a senior, he has shown tremendous growth and maturity. He wrestles smarter, more aggressively and with greater confidence. His excitement when he wins is comical, and all I can do is smile."

Levi Guenzler (189) took home third place, beating Chris Jessop of Corvallis.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed watching Levi grow as a wrestler," said Fisher. "He is a second year wrestler who has improved enormously. His unwavering work ethic has been a key factor. He doesn't know how to do anything halfway. He has one mode and that is to go all out all the time."

For their next few duels, the Chiefs will be slightly shorthanded with three wrestlers currently out of the lineup. According to Fisher, Joe McCarthy and Zach Robinson, who were injured last week, will most likely be out until after Christmas break and Josh Krantz, who broke his leg just before the season, is supposed to be cleared by Wednesday.

"Without Joe and Zach, we will struggle. Their weight classes can be filled with junior varsity wrestlers, but the overall effect of their absences will be felt. I am eager to see how the team adjusts to overcome this obstacle. We have to pin when we can, and limit our losses to decisions. The ability to do this will determine the outcome of upcoming duels," he said.

The Chiefs will duel tournament foe Frenchtown on Thursday, and face rival Polson on Saturday. Fisher knows that his team will be facing two difficult teams, but feels that it will be a good test for his team.

"It will be a test of heart to see how we perform under pressure," he said.

The Ronan/Polson duel is at 6:30 p.m. at Linderman Elementary Saturday.