Rice headlines for wrestlers

Senior wrestler Cole Rice is on the brink of history.

Senior wrestler Cole Rice is on the brink of history.

Finishing second in the state in 2009 and winning the 140-pound weight class last season, he could become potentially the winningest wrestler in Arlee history.

"He's wrestled for so long, he's extremely smart, extremely strong and as fast as a snapped towel," Arlee wrestling coach Ken Hill said.

Rice will anchor an Arlee team that has more than a few guys with their sights set high.

Junior Logan Lefler was third at state last season and first at divisionals. His playing weight in football was 145 pounds.

"He should do some good stuff this year," Hill said.

Junior Zach Tameler has been working out with Rice all summer and wrestled last year at 140 pounds. Senior Kurt Seidel has improved mightily and should be a force this season, wrestling between 215 and 189.

"He's a lot stronger with weightlifting and has more speed," Hill said.

Sophomore Albert Plant played three sports in the fall season and is looking impressive coming into the winter. He wrestled at 140 last year and is going to wrestle at 160 pounds this season.

"Al is really, really smart and has improved in strength and technique," Hill said.

Sophomore Austin Rubel was first at divisionals last season in the 105-pound class and was 32-20.

"He wrestled good all last year," Hill said.

Carter Clinkenbeard and Clayton Trimble should also make an impact on the Arlee wrestling team.

The conference is going to have plenty of good squads vying for a title and Arlee will be in the mix of things.

"What's going to win it is those younger kids that step up and knock the older kids off," Hill said.

Arlee's wrestlers should be the ones knocking off opponents and working for the ultimate goal at the state tournament.

"This is our winter hobby," Hill said.