Polson Invitational gets winter season rolling

Zach Urness / Leader Staff

While the first snowstorm of the year blew outside, the action inside Polson Middle school was hot with wrestling action all day, as 13 teams from throughout Western Montana battled for nearly 12 hours at the Polson Invitational last Saturday.

The Pirates, who took second place at least year's invitational, had to settle for fifth place this year with 114.5 points, trailing first place Flathead, who lapped the pack with 306.5 points, more than double of any other team in attendance.

"It was good because we figured out exactly where we are right now," said head coach Bob Owen. "We didn't place very many kids but they're really a hard working bunch and I think that once they get more experience, they'll be fine."

Last year's 135 pound state champion Logan Torgison picked up right where he left off, moving up 10 pounds to take first place in the 145 pound division.

"Logan had an outstanding tournament," said Owen. "He beat some very tough kids."

Sophomore Brock Picard, who will look to follow in the footsteps of his two-time state champion brother Bryce, scored a second place finish in the 160 weight class, narrowly losing to Frenchtown's Tyler Wells in the championship.

"Brock was a little tentative in his championship match," said Owen of Picard, who lost a decision 3-1 in the finals. "I think he realizes he needs to open up a little, and I think he will in the future."

Trae Fouty also earned a medal on the day, taking third place in the 135 pound class and Randy Kelley made it to the semi-finals and finished in fourth place at 125 pounds.

"Both Trae and Randy had good tournaments," noted Owen. "Both had three pins on the day and Trae did well to fight his way through the losers' bracket after a tough opening draw."

The Pirates also had three wrestlers who came up one match short of placing, including Ryley Duford, Ty Fouty and Shawn Medland.

"We're putting in the work," noted Owen. "It will just take a little time."

Polson will host Whitefish at 6:30 p.m. tonight (Thursday, Dec. 6) and will travel to Butte for the Mining City duels over the weekend.