Ronan grapplers take first place in Western Montana Duals

By Trent Makela - Leader Staff

The host Ronan Chiefs won a tense final round by just four points to go 6-0 and win their annual duals tournament on Saturday.

The championship round featured the Chiefs and the Corvallis Blue Devils, each undefeated entering the round, to the tune of a 38-34 finish.

Both Ronan and Corvallis picked up four wins via pins in the championship round, but the Chiefs were able to overcome a forfeited match to outpoint the Blue Devils.

The Chiefs had an intense schedule over holiday break that saw a number of wrestlers drop a weight class, worrying coach Ryan Fisher that his team was going to be a little slow.

"They are a little sluggish and flatfooted right now, because of this, but were still able to put up the wins for us," Fisher said.

Junior Zack Robinson at 105 lbs., and sophomore Cameron Neiss at 112 each got a pin in the final round and provided a consistent backbone of points for Ronan in each dual.

"Zack Robinson and Cameron Neiss are wrestling exremely well," Fisher said. "Their confidence level and intensity is as good as it's ever been. They're focused, determined, and prepared when stepping on the mat; I can't ask for more."

Junior Tyson Noyes also picked up a pin in the final round after dropping a weight class to 125 over the holidays.

"His spirits are high and he continues to be consistent for us," Fisher said.

Ryan Hardy picked up Ronan's fourth pin against Corvallis in the 119 class. Ricky Luchau picked up a decision for the Chiefs at 160 and Justin Hall added another at 189.

"Mickey Cheff is doing a great job as well," Fisher said. "He had a great match against Stormy Day from Glacier, beating him in overtime. We got caught early in the match and he had to fight off a 0 - 5 disadvantage, that's tough to do. He showed great poise."

Fisher has also begun to see better results from the senior class that began wrestling when he was hired four years ago.

"Those days were rough," Fisher said. "When they were freshmen, I'm not so sure we won a class "A" dual. I had to put many of them in the varsity lineup just to fill a team roster. We were beat on, beat up and beat down. But their resolve is what has kept this team continuing towards improvement and I can't express my gratitude enough for their sacrifices."

Ronan received some solid performances from five different freshmen on the varsity level at the tournament. Jesse Robertson, Cole McArthur, Toby Cheff, Max Lacy and Justin Hall combined to win a couple of matches and keep the rest close to help the team score.

"I have high standards for my varsity, and tend to chew on these guys a bit," Fisher said. "They really have done an excellent job so far this year."

Ronan wrestling will host Libby on Thursday night and travel to the Rocky Mountain Classic on Friday and Saturday. The Greenchain consistently has a top-quality team, so the match-up should be good.