POLSON WRESTLING: Strong on the mat

There's one important thing about Polson's six wrestlers that

placed at the state tournament last year. They're back. And as

wrestlers almost always are, they're back with a mission... to do

better than last year. Even that in itself is no easy feat as the

Pirates placed seventh at state.

There's one important thing about Polson's six wrestlers that placed at the state tournament last year.

They're back.

And as wrestlers almost always are, they're back with a mission... to do better than last year. Even that in itself is no easy feat as the Pirates placed seventh at state.

"We have a good solid nucleus of kids," Polson head coach Bob Owen said. "It's going to take us a little while to mold the attitude that they all can compete at the state level."

The big returner for the Pirates is junior Craig Feistner, who took second at state last season and should be one of the top contender's for the state title this season at 125 pounds. His seemingly limitless supply of energy makes this a guy you want to watch in person this season. He was able to wrestle for Team Montana during the offseason and wrestled at the Disney Duals down in Florida.

"He has a super attitude," Owen said. "Craig wants to be a college wrestler and he wants to be a state champion."

Sophomore Carlos Quinones also has his sights set high this season, and showed his talent by taking first at the year opening Polson Invitational at 112 pounds.

Quinones took third at last year's state tournament and that lit a fire that's going to rage.

"He feels that he definitely should have challenged for first at state last year," Owen said. "This year he has shown he really wants to get it done."

There's depth in the lower weight classes, as junior Lucas Polk took sixth at the 98-pound weight class last year and sophomore Dylan Moll took fifth at 105 pounds at the state tournament.

"Dylan has the same aspirations as Carlos and they work out together and practice against one another so they're going to push each other all year long," Owen said.

At 140 pounds, Alex Nystrom appears to have come in on a quest and wants his senior season to be one to remember. His focus should get him far.

"He sure works hard," Owen said. "He's one of my best workers."

Mike Devlin will return for his senior season after placing fourth at state last year in the 152-pound weight class. Senior Josiah Clairmont will also be looking to continue the momentum from placing third last year in the heavyweight division.

In this year's Northwestern A conference, Owen expects Columbia Falls to be strong while Whitefish and Libby should be much improved. Frenchtown is the new kid on the block and should be able to throw a few punches of their own. They placed sixth last year at the state tournament and have 40 wrestlers.

"They're going to be the team to beat," Owen said. "They were almost always right in contention for the Southern division crown."

If last weekend was any indication though, Polson has plenty of contenders of its own and should again give Mission Valley plenty of great moments on the mat.

"We're going to need to be better every week of the season," Owen said.

POLSON WRES.

The Skinny - The Rock and John Cena couldn't match up to some of the wrestling talent that is coming back for the Pirates

Keys to success - There are several wrestlers that are looking to place high at state this season after a strong showing last season.

The team to beat - Frenchtown was constantly in contention for the Southwest wrestling title and with the move to the NWA, they bring a stable of strong wrestlers looking to make an impression on their new competition.