Local wrestlers find podium at qualifier
Arlee High School hosted the Western Montana Little Guy Wrestling (WMLG) Unit 2 Qualifier on March 15, showcasing impressive talent from young wrestlers across the region. Champions from each participating school secured first-place finishes in competitive matchups within their respective weight and age categories.
For Arlee, Tucker Seidel earned first place in the Novice 140-pound division with a decisive win by fall.
Mission/Charlo saw several standout performances. Ryder Middlemist captured first place in the Novice 70-pound division with a solid victory by decision. Harold Cronk demonstrated impressive technique to claim the Novice 85-pound division with a victory by decision. Ellis Ruhkala dominated the Novice 90-pound category, securing his first-place finish with victories by fall.
Hank Zeiler stood out in the Middle Boys 100-pound division, winning convincingly by fall. Jaxen Dally showcased skills to clinch first in the Middle Boys 147-pound category, winning matches by tech fall and pins.
Weston Stocking claimed the Middle Boys 166-pound title with commanding performances, while Haisley Hammond won the Middle Girls 65-pound division decisively with victories by fall.
Polson wrestlers also demonstrated strength and skill throughout the event. Henry Bartel took first place in the Novice 60-pound division, winning his matches by fall. Rhett Jaeger secured first place at Novice 75 pounds with a powerful showing.
Wyatt Sherry captured the Novice 95-pound division by pinning his opponents as did Jace Pierre in the Novice 110-pound category.
Tucker Wolfenden displayed dominance in the Middle Boys 80-pound division, securing the title with a major decision. Cort Dellwo claimed the Middle Boys 85-pound title, and Tucker Doble won by fall in the Middle Boys 90-pound division. Mason Mather impressed by securing first place in the Middle Boys 95-pound division with victories by fall.
Caitlyn Rice won convincingly in the Middle Girls 75-pound division, earning her title by fall. Imari Bird took first in the Middle Girls 95-pound division, securing victory by fall. Lyrik Trevino earned the title in the Middle Girls 112-pound category with strong wins by fall. Sapheria After Buffalo clinched the Middle Girls 166-pound division with a quick pin.
Ronan wrestlers also made their mark at the qualifier. Isiah Whitener secured first place in the Novice 80-pound division through strong performances and pins. Tobyn Fisher earned first in the Middle Boys 65-pound division with decisive victories by fall.
Jon Quequesah emerged victorious in the competitive Middle Boys 105-pound category, winning by decision. Amsden White dominated the Middle Boys 110-pound category, winning each match by fall.
Elly Cheff secured first place in the Middle Girls 85-pound division, collecting pins as well. Harper Hardy captured first in the Middle Girls 90-pound division, as did Divanni Finley in the Middle Girls 100-pound title through victories by fall.
Kodi Sorrell clinched the Middle Girls 120-pound division with a decision victory, and Madison Wayman secured first place in the Middle Girls 147-pound category with powerful performances and pins.