Braves again in title hunt at Rocky wrestling

The Daily Inter Lake

Area wrestlers are competing in one of the state's biggest tournaments this weekend - Missoula's Rocky Mountain Classic. More than 20 schools from Montana and Washington converge for the tough competition.

Last year, squads from Flathead, Polson (fourth), Whitefish (seventh), Libby (eighth) and Columbia Falls (11th) all had strong showings. The Braves finished second, just five points behind tournament winner University High from Spokane.

Brian Ham (105) and Mikey Kuehne (152), who each won individual titles last year, return with six other Braves to give Flathead another chance to make a run for a team title.

The Braves have fallen just short of team titles in tournaments this year, placing third at the Holiday Classic in Great Falls, second at the Butte Duals and fourth at the National Duals in Minnesota.

Libby, ranked third in class A, will likely have a stronger showing this year. The Loggers return three placers from last year and have a powerhouse lineup in the upper weights with Steve Bertelsen, Jake Spencer, Jake Graham and Travis Hjort.

Polson, plagued in duals this year with open weights, has a strong tournament-style lineup. Shawn Medland (98), Shayne Ludewick (112) and Bryce Picard (189) definitely have the opportunity to make some waves.

Whitefish has had a similar season to Polson with the Bulldogs struggling in duals but placing well at tournaments. The Bulldogs also had three placers last year at the Rocky. With five ranked wrestlers, especially Cody Mikesell and Tim Lehner, Whitefish should have some grapplers on the podium.

Columbia Falls will probably have to chalk this one up as good experience. The Wildcats' young team has strong wrestlers in Cody Kolodejchuk (125), Corey Pete (135) and Michael Hader (140), but has struggled with consistency this season.

Flathead's Lineup

98 - Dan Jenkins, 9-7; 105 - Brian Ham, 17-1; 112 - T.C. Decker, 13-4; 119 - Ricky Janes, 15-3; 125 - Austin Zapata, 17-3; 130 - A.J. Stoick, 0-0; 135 - Duran Flaget, 16-4; 140 - Colter Lane, 12-4; 145 - Luke Fischer, 17-5; 152 - Mikey Kuehne, 13-2; 160 - David Lau, 12-7; 171 - Levi Holt, 14-5; 189 - Scott Cassel, 17-4; 215 - Casey Poier, 12-1; 275 - Dan Ogden, 14-0