Takedown! - Ronan grapplers top Polson

RONAN — The Chiefs defeated Polson in a big 48-33 victory last Saturday, as Ronan moved into the No. 3 ranking in the coaches' poll.

"This dual win was very good for us. Looking at the match-ups on paper, the win could have gone either way. We needed to win some of the 'toss up matches' and avoid giving up pins. In the nine contested matches, we actually lost one more than we won. But, the manner in which we won was crucial to the team score. We pinned four times and only lost one by pin. If you take away forfeits from both sides, we still won the dual 24-21," head coach Ryan Fisher said. "The Polson wrestlers are an extremely talented bunch, so this win is a great confidence builder for the team."

Last year, Ronan came up 12 points short, but not this time. Seth Clary in the 119-pound weight range pinned Randy Kelley in 1:10; Levi Guenzler in the 215-pound weight class pinned Skylar Knutson in 4:30; Micky Cheff at 125-pounds pinned Keio Salmonson at 5:10; Ricky Luchau at 140-pounds pinned Shane Ludwick in 1:42; and Mike Trosper, Cameron Neiss, Ethan Fryslie and Tyson Noyes each won by forfeit.

"Levi, Seth, Mickey and Ricky did a great job in their individual matches and put points on our side. But it was the team effort that won this dual. I was happy with all our wrestlers. They are realizing the importance of staying in a match to the end, and fighting for every point possible," Fisher said.

The Pirates started out strong, getting wins in the first four match-ups. Josh Krantz lost a major decision to Pirate Jered Champion, and then Frank Swan lost a close 8-5 match to Pat Dellwo. Dellwo jumped out to an early lead, but Swan was on his way back before time expired.

Probably the highlight match of the night was Tylar Espinoza's battle with Ted Morigeau. Morigeau ended up winning 10-2, but it was closer than the score suggested.

Marcus Schiele lost by pin to Bryce Picard, who is looking for another state title, and the Chiefs found themselves down 17-0 after that.

And that's when Levi Guenzler stepped in, wrestling Skylar Knutson in the 215 spot. Guenzler had a big reverse in the second to take a 4-2 lead, then got his pin 30 seconds into the third to rally the Chiefs. Polson forfeited the next four weight classes, but Ronan gave up two of their own. By then, Ronan was up 30-17, and never looked back.

The win has motivated the Chiefs to set their sights even higher as the season progresses.

"Hopefully, with the Christmas break, we can get all of our kids healthy and back into action. We have been plagued with injuries and sickness and once we overcome this, our team will be stronger. As we head into the New Year, it's time to step it up another notch in the practice room. We are making some weight changes and bumping kids around trying to find the best fit for the individual as well as the team. Then our focus has to be set primarily on the Divisional and State tournaments," Fisher said.

Against Frenchtown, the Chiefs picked up a few more match wins to give them another team victory.

Luchau once again dominated the competition with a pin over Derick Nelson in 3:39. Tyler Espinosa picked up a pin over Brennan Fisher in 1:16.

Mike Trosper at 285 pounds pinned Keith Brandt, in 5:58. Cameron Neiss in the 98-pound weight division pinned Tyler Stedman in 3:48. Seth Clary at 119-pounds won with a major 10-2 decision over Curtis Sprague. Nate Templer at 130-pounds pinned Ely Inderlund in 3:44. Micky Cheff, Ben White, Nick Weller and Zach Robinson all picked up a win by forfeit.

"Templer did have a good match. For a second-year wrestler, he has done exceptionally well for us. I have a great deal of respect for wrestlers who refuse to give up anything and continue to fight the entire match. He constantly keeps moving, trying move after move until one works. He doesn't have a whole lot of experience, so his success rests in his ability to apply what he learns as opposed to instincts developed over a lifetime of wrestling," Fisher said.

Improvement is at the top of the coach's agenda and he hopes that the team is well rested after the break.

"I was pleased to collect the win, but that fact of the matter is we didn't wrestle very well [against Frenchtown]. We seemed sluggish and hesitant. Even in our wins, we were sloppy. I think the boys are a little wore down and in much need of the Christmas break," he said.

The Chiefs host the Western Montana Dual on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 5-6, with 18 teams competing this year.