Chiefs wrestlers look to have every weight class filled

Zach Urness / Leader Staff

The Ronan Chiefs have shown improvement every year since Ryan Fisher took control of the program in 2004, culminating last season with a 14-2 record in duels, two tournament titles, and a sixth place finish at state.

The Chiefs will look to continue improving this season as they get their season underway this Friday at Whitefish.

The team returns eight wrestlers who qualified for state last season and three who placed, including Tyson Noyes, Cameron Neiss and Zach Robinson.

"We have a good group of kids that I expect to place at state," said Fisher, noting that while they will be able to fill every weight class for the second year in a row, there is some inexperience at the lower weights.

"Although we have a complete team," he said, "we are weak in depth at the lower weights, but seem to have good numbers in the middle to upper weights. We cannot afford injuries at the lower weights and still be competitive in both dual and tournament competition."

The Chiefs will be road warriors to begin the season, participating in four duels and a tournament in Superior before their first home dual of the season against Whitefish on Thursday, Nov. 13.

Looking at Northwestern A conference, Ronan figures to grapple against arch-rival Polson — a team they swept in three duels last season — and Libby.

"I expect great competition and rivalry with Polson and Libby again this year," said Fisher. "Columbia Falls is also going to be very tough. In general, the Northwest 'A' graduated a strong senior wrestling group, so it will be interesting to see how each of the teams adjust and respond to those team vacancies."

Statewide, Fisher thought that there was a fairly even field.

"There is no clear dominance by any one team," he commented. "At the state level, obviously Havre is favored to take the championship again. Beyond that, it could be a dog fight for the other two trophies."