Wrestling Roundup: Chiefs third at divisionals
The Ronan wrestling program earned its first trophy at divisionals since 2016-17 with a third-place finish over the weekend at Frenchtown.
Freshman Ridge Cote improved to 48-1 on the season and took the title at 113 pounds. He was one of three Chiefs wrestlers to earn a divisional title. Sophomore Landon Bishop finished first at 145 pounds, while sophomore Tristan Fisher won the 170-pound title.
Ronan also got second-place finishes from freshmen Koy McAllister (126) and Koda King (132), and from junior Caleb Cheff (152).
Also placing for Ronan were Ian Dillard, fourth at 103; James Kenelty, eighth at 126; Peterson Watkins, eighth at 145; Brady Hout, sixth at 160; Jamison Webster, seventh at 170; Isaac Rodriguez, sixth at 182; Max Morency, third at 285; and Jackson Davis, sixth at 285.
Ronan will send 14 boys and four girls to the state tournament this weekend in Billings. Previously qualifying for the girls competition were Saellah Hugs, Katie Dolence, Juliette Cheff and Tirza Twoteeth.
Polson’s Ryley Knutson just missed a title at 103 pounds. Knutson lost a 7-6 decision in the championship match against Frenchtown’s Isaac Stewart.
Also placing for Polson were Jaren Keene, fourth at 170, and Lincoln Burrough, seventh at 205.
Bulldogs send four to state
Four wrestlers from Mission-Charlo and two from Arlee qualified for the state tournament with strong performances last weekend at the B/C divisional tournament at Butte.
Mission’s Canyon Sargent was the top local placer after finishing fourth at 170 pounds. Also making the podium for Mission-Charlo were Kody Dillard, seventh at 103; Charley Adams, eighth at 152; and Deago Hostetler, eighth at 182.
Meanwhile, Arlee’s RJ Knoll finished seventh at 160, while Brody Smith was eighth at 113.
Class A Western Divisionals
Team scores
Frenchtown, 332; Columbia Falls, 265.5; Ronan, 219.5; Libby-Troy, 126; Beaverhead Co.-Sheridan-Twin Bridges, 19; Browning, 114.5; Corvallis, 96; Hamilton, 88.5; Whitefish, 52.5; Polson, 43; Stevensville/Victor, 38; Butte Central, 8; East Helena, 8.
Ronan top performers
103: Ian Dillard (28-22) placed 4th and scored 15 team points.
Quarterfinal - Ian Dillard (Ronan) 28-22 won by major decision over Jaxson Sterling (Columbia Falls) 23-17 (MD 8-0); Semifinal - Isaac Stewart (Frenchtown) 37-3 won by fall over Ian Dillard (Ronan) 28-22 (Fall 5:40); Cons. Semi - Ian Dillard (Ronan) 28-22 won by injury default over Colton Morgan (Hamilton) 0-3 (Inj.); 3rd Place Match - Pita Fish (Browning) 17-11 won by fall over Ian Dillard (Ronan) 28-22 (Fall 3:59).
113: Ridge Cote (48-1) placed 1st and scored 25 team points.
Quarterfinal - Ridge Cote (Ronan) 48-1 won by fall over Cash Byrd (Columbia Falls) 1-2 (Fall 1:35); Semifinal - Ridge Cote (Ronan) 48-1 won by major decision over Xavier Reatz (Libby/Troy) 19-16 (MD 12-4); 1st Place Match - Ridge Cote (Ronan) 48-1 won by decision over Ryder Hansen (Frenchtown) 22-9 (Dec 6-0).
126: Koy McAllister (26-10) placed 2nd and scored 21.5 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Koy McAllister (Ronan) 26-10 won by tech fall over William Chiavarini (Stevensville/Victor) 13-13 (TF-1.5 6:00 (17-2)); Quarterfinal - Koy McAllister (Ronan) 26-10 won by fall over Blake Hoerner (Columbia Falls) 25-11 (Fall 2:48); Semifinal - Koy McAllister (Ronan) 26-10 won by decision over Gabe Mobley (Frenchtown) 25-10 (Dec 5-3); 1st Place Match - Noah Huffaker (Beaverhead Co. (Dillon)/ Sheridan/Twin Bridges) 33-3 won by major decision over Koy McAllister (Ronan) 26-10 (MD 12-3).
132: Koda King (35-14) placed 2nd and scored 22 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Koda King (Ronan) 35-14 won by fall over Conner Jessop (Corvallis) 8-13 (Fall 1:37)
Quarterfinal - Koda King (Ronan) 35-14 won by fall over Bradyn Rate (Frenchtown) 18-10 (Fall 4:31)
Semifinal - Koda King (Ronan) 35-14 won by decision over Chris Rathjen (Columbia Falls) 7-1 (Dec 7-5)
1st Place Match - Josiah Kilman (Columbia Falls) 29-7 won by fall over Koda King (Ronan) 35-14 (Fall 1:13)
145: Landon Bishop (38-6) placed 1st and scored 30.5 team points.
Champ. Round 2 - Landon Bishop (Ronan) 38-6 won by fall over Noah Trosper (Polson) 1-21 (Fall 1:30); Quarterfinal - Landon Bishop (Ronan) 38-6 won by fall over Tahj Wells (Browning) 13-13 (Fall 5:05); Semifinal - Landon Bishop (Ronan) 38-6 won by tech fall over Rowdy Crump (Columbia Falls) 29-22 (TF-1.5 4:58 (18-2)); 1st Place Match - Landon Bishop (Ronan) 38-6 won by major decision over Zane Martin (Frenchtown) 29-11 (MD 13-3).
152: Caleb Cheff (23-14) placed 2nd and scored 20 team points.
Quarterfinal - Caleb Cheff (Ronan) 23-14 won by decision over Joey Wise (Libby/Troy) 34-13 (Dec 7-2); Semifinal - Caleb Cheff (Ronan) 23-14 won by injury default over Henry Bennetts (Whitefish) 15-5 (Inj. 2:36); 1st Place Match - Gavin McLean (Frenchtown) 39-1 won by fall over Caleb Cheff (Ronan) 23-14 (Fall 3:00).
170: Tristan Fisher (27-14) placed 1st and scored 26.0 team points.
Quarterfinal - Tristan Fisher (Ronan) 27-14 won by fall over Noah Guisinger (Hamilton) 8-18 (Fall 2:23); Semifinal - Tristan Fisher (Ronan) 27-14 won by fall over James Warner (Libby/Troy) 22-11 (Fall 1:07); 1st Place Match - Tristan Fisher (Ronan) 27-14 won by decision over Brandon Role (Columbia Falls) 36-13 (Dec 5-1).
285: Max Morency (33-12) placed 3rd and scored 17 team points.
Quarterfinal - Max Morency (Ronan) 33-12 won by fall over Austin Brush (Frenchtown) 15-6 (Fall 5:23); Semifinal - Aydan Williamson (Libby/Troy) 31-5 won by fall over Max Morency (Ronan) 33-12 (Fall 3:04); Cons. Semi - Max Morency (Ronan) 33-12 won by major decision over Jackson Davis (Ronan) 12-12 (MD 8-0); 3rd Place Match - Max Morency (Ronan) 33-12 won by decision over Austin Brush (Frenchtown) 15-6 (Dec 5-2).
Polson top performers
103: Ryley Knutson (28-13) placed 2nd and scored 20 team points.
Semifinal - Ryley Knutson (Polson) 28-13 won by fall over Pita Fish (Browning) 17-11 (Fall 2:47); 1st Place Match - Isaac Stewart (Frenchtown) 37-3 won by decision over Ryley Knutson (Polson) 28-13 (Dec 7-6).
170: Jaren Keene (14-8) placed 4th and scored 16 team points.
Quarterfinal - Jaren Keene (Polson) 14-8 won by fall over Rowdy White (Columbia Falls) 13-3 (Fall 4:48); Semifinal - Brandon Role (Columbia Falls) 36-13 won by fall over Jaren Keene (Polson) 14-8 (Fall 5:44); Cons. Semi - Jaren Keene (Polson) 14-8 won by fall over Dillon Warner (Frenchtown) 18-22 (Fall 2:26); 3rd Place Match - Rowdy White (Columbia Falls) 13-3 won by fall over Jaren Keene (Polson) 14-8 (Fall 0:54).
205: Lincoln Burrough (18-17) placed 7th and scored 4 team points.
Quarterfinal - Brody Harris (Frenchtown) 27-11 won by fall over Lincoln Burrough (Polson) 18-17 (Fall 5:10); Cons. Round 2 - Lincoln Burrough (Polson) 18-17 received a bye () (Bye); Cons. Round 3 - Cadogan Wheat (Hamilton) 22-9 won by fall over Lincoln Burrough (Polson) 18-17 (Fall 2:59); 7th Place Match - Lincoln Burrough (Polson) 18-17 won by fall over Josh Price (Columbia Falls) 14-24 (Fall 2:24).
Class B/C Western Divsionals
Team scores
Jefferson (Boulder), 204; Cut Bank, 199; Lincoln County (Eureka), 123; Superior/Alberton, 122; Thompson Falls, 117; Whitehall/Harrison, 117; Anaconda, 114; Fairfield/Augusta, 112; Choteau, 111; Cascade, 99; Three Forks/Ennis, 97.5Conrad, 96; Florence-Carlton, 84; Simms, 73; Mission-Charlo, 72; Bigfork, 68.5; Broadwater (Townsend), 64; Plains/Hot Springs, 63; Manhattan, 30; Arlee, 25.5.
Arlee top performers
113: Brody Smith (23-21) placed 8th and scored 8 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Brody Smith (Arlee) 23-21 won by fall over Jon Post (Florence-Carlton) 10-11 (Fall 3:05); Quarterfinal - Brayden Linville (Three Forks/Ennis) 22-6 won by fall over Brody Smith (Arlee) 23-21 (Fall 2:00); Cons. Round 2 - Brody Smith (Arlee) 23-21 won by fall over Diego Rodriguez (Bigfork) 0-2 (Fall 3:21); Cons. Round 3 - Bradin Murphy (Cut Bank) 19-8 won by major decision over Brody Smith (Arlee) 23-21 (MD 11-0); 7th Place Match - Poncho Ibanez (Lincoln County (Eureka)) 25-11 won by fall over Brody Smith (Arlee) 23-21 (Fall 2:34).
160: RJ Knoll (30-15) placed 7th and scored 14.5 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - RJ Knoll (Arlee) 30-15 won by fall over Ayden Davis (Shelby) 1-30 (Fall 0:39); Champ. Round 2 - RJ Knoll (Arlee) 30-15 won by fall over Jacob Hjartarson (Cut Bank) 24-16 (Fall 2:49); Quarterfinal - Shane Reishus (Thompson Falls) 22-5 won by decision over RJ Knoll (Arlee) 30-15 (Dec 7-5); Cons. Round 4 - RJ Knoll (Arlee) 30-15 won by tech fall over Chance Bockman (Mission-Charlo) 20-16 (TF-1.5 4:36 (15-0)); Cons. Round 5 - Chris Graham (Conrad) 36-19 won by decision over RJ Knoll (Arlee) 30-15 (Dec 4-2); 7th Place Match - RJ Knoll (Arlee) 30-15 won by fall over Dawson Sweat (Broadwater (Townsend)) 24-13 (Fall 2:50).
Mission-Charlo top performers
103: Kody Dillard (28-17) placed 7th and scored 11 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Kody Dillard (Mission-Charlo) 28-17 won by fall over Wyatt Evans (Shelby) 4-20 (Fall 0:22); Quarterfinal - Traic Fainter (Bigfork) 28-4 won by fall over Kody Dillard (Mission-Charlo) 28-17 (Fall 3:57); Cons. Round 2 - Kody Dillard (Mission-Charlo) 28-17 won by fall over Harley Dunn (Whitehall/Harrison) 0-13 (Fall 1:33); Cons. Round 3 - Isaac Skogen (Whitehall/Harrison) 25-13 won by fall over Kody Dillard (Mission-Charlo) 28-17 (Fall 3:31); 7th Place Match - Kody Dillard (Mission-Charlo) 28-17 won by fall over Izaak Munski (Cascade) 13-16 (Fall 1:42).
152: Charley Adams (26-21) placed 8th and scored 8 team points.
Champ. Round 2 - McCoy Banner (Fairfield/Augusta) 15-8 won by decision over Charley Adams (Mission-Charlo) 26-21 (Dec 11-4); Cons. Round 2 - Charley Adams (Mission-Charlo) 26-21 won by decision over Michael Watters (Lincoln County (Eureka)) 14-15 (Dec 4-3); Cons. Round 3 - Charley Adams (Mission-Charlo) 26-21 won by forfeit over Dante Suazo (Manhattan) 6-24 (For.); Cons. Round 4 - Charley Adams (Mission-Charlo) 26-21 won by fall over Jaiden Connors (Anaconda) 26-14 (Fall 4:39); Cons. Round 5 - Jace Oxarart (Jefferson (Boulder)) 31-8 won by fall over Charley Adams (Mission-Charlo) 26-21 (Fall 3:27); 7th Place Match - Brady Barnhill (Conrad) 26-11 won by fall over Charley Adams (Mission-Charlo) 26-21 (Fall 4:46).
170: Canyon Sargent (32-8) placed 4th and scored 18 team points.
Champ. Round 2 - Canyon Sargent (Mission-Charlo) 32-8 won by fall over Ethan Sullivan (Cut Bank) 11-10 (Fall 1:34); Quarterfinal - Canyon Sargent (Mission-Charlo) 32-8 won by fall over Klause Rauser (Broadwater (Townsend)) 33-7 (Fall 2:14); Semifinal - Max Hannum (Thompson Falls) 23-8 won in sudden victory - 1 over Canyon Sargent (Mission-Charlo) 32-8 (SV-1 7-5); Cons. Semi - Canyon Sargent (Mission-Charlo) 32-8 won by decision over Miguel Perez (Fairfield/Augusta) 20-8 (Dec 7-2); 3rd Place Match - Cyrus Richardson (Manhattan) 13-6 won by decision over Canyon Sargent (Mission-Charlo) 32-8 (Dec 8-6).
182: Deago Hostetler (18-20) placed 8th and scored 6 team points.
Champ. Round 2 - Ethan Goldberg (Anaconda) 14-9 won by fall over Deago Hostetler (Mission-Charlo) 18-20 (Fall 1:09); Cons. Round 2 - Deago Hostetler (Mission-Charlo) 18-20 won by fall over George Ranney (Mission-Charlo) 17-22 (Fall 5:00); Cons. Round 3 - Deago Hostetler (Mission-Charlo) 18-20 won by decision over Walker Spurlock (Broadwater (Townsend)) 19-19 (Dec 9-2); Cons. Round 4 - Deago Hostetler (Mission-Charlo) 18-20 won by decision over Colyn Johnson (Lincoln County (Eureka)) 22-8 (Dec 7-1); Cons. Round 5 - Cael Giles (Fairfield/Augusta) 16-7 won by fall over Deago Hostetler (Mission-Charlo) 18-20 (Fall 4:39); 7th Place Match - Jared Selander (Choteau) 27-14 won by major decision over Deago Hostetler (Mission-Charlo) 18-20 (MD 14-6).