Polson wins divisional title, qualifies 12 for state

Zach Urness Leader Staff

Six Pirate grapplers were crowned division champions and 12 qualified for the state tournament as Polson claimed it’s first Northwest A division tournament going away.

“I was pleasantly surprised,” said head coach Bob Owen. “We had an unbelievable day of competing. I knew we were close to being on par with all of the other teams at the tournament and we got some great performances from the four guys we were able to add to the team.”

The second-ranked Pirates rode championship performances from Conlin Benson (125), Logan Torgison (135), Billy Johnson (145), Brock Picard (152), Ted Morigeau (160) and Bryce Picard (171) to earn top honors.

Perhaps the most impressive of the championship group was fourth-ranked freshmen Brock Picard, who won a toughly contested weight class championship with a pin in the semi-final match and a major decision, 13-2, over Libby’s Steve Gary in the championship.

“Its very unusual for a freshmen to win like this in the middle weight classes,” said Owen. “Maybe at lower weight classes but not at the middle weights. It is very impressive.”

Conlin Benson, who is currently ranked second, also had a very impressive win over Ronan’s Seth Clary, a wrestler he was defeated by in the last dual against Ronan.

“He turned that match around,” said Owen. “He let his wrestling do the talking this time.”

Top ranked Logan Torgison was his usual dominating self, winning the championship and semi-final matches via pin.

“Logan hasn’t lost to a class A opponent yet this season,” commented Owen. “His calling card is how hard he competes.”

Billy Johnson, who has fought injuries all season, also won his championship in convincing form, pinning both wrestlers he faced on Saturday to take top honors.

“Billy hasn’t been healthy all year,” said Owen. “So it was good to see him doing so well.”

Ted Morigeau, the top-ranked wrestler in the 160-pound division, had a tougher time taking home his championship match as it pitted him against the second-ranked 160 pound grappler Steve Bertelsen. Morigeau prevailed though, earning a hard-fought victory, 6-5.

“Those two are the best in that weight class, no question,” said Owen.

Bryce Picard, last year’s state champion of the 189 weight class, and this year’s number two-ranked grappler, made it a clean sweep for the Picard family in championship matches with a decision victory over Ronan’s Tyler Espinosa, 8-3.

“Bryce is pretty strong in the 171 pound class,” said Owen. “You’re not going to see anybody as strong as Bryce in that weight class.”

Taking home third place for the Pirates was Keio Salmonson (119), who earned a close decision victory over Travis Pete of Columbia Falls, 2-1. Trae Fouty (125) also scored a third place finish with a pin over Vargil Matt of Columbia Falls. Fouty might have placed even higher were it not for the fact that he was beaten in the semi-finals by teammate and eventual champion Logan Torgison.

Shayne Ludwick (130) also earned a third place finish with a pin over Columbia Fall’s Casey Stewart. Taking fourth place for the Pirates were Jared Champion (152), Ryley Duford (160) and Pat Dellwo (171).

This weekend the Pirates travel to Billings for the state championship tournament.

“We’re going to be a contender,” said Owen. “It will be hard to overcome a team like Havre (the top ranked team in class A) because of how well they are seeded. But our best kids are as good as theirs, and if we can have another week like we just had were going to be contenders.”