Keeping the dynasty going

Every year, other teams think they have a shot at winning the Class AA wrestling title.

And every year Flathead High School disappoints those hopefuls and delights Flathead fans by winning the team trophy.

It happened again last weekend on the mats in Billings, where Flathead marched off with its fifth straight state championship.

On the strength of four grapplers in the final round (including two who wound up as champs) and eight wrestlers in third/fourth-place matches, the Braves once again ruled the mats in Billings.

That’s not to say the team points race wasn’t close — Billings Skyview gave Flathead a scare before the Braves’ superior performances in wrestlebacks put Flathead in command for good.

Congratulations to all the Flathead wrestlers, coaches and supporters for keeping the dynasty going.

IN ANOTHER SPORTING venue, Montanans have plenty to cheer for this week during the Vancouver Olympics.

Freestyle skier Bryon Wilson helped put the state and his hometown of Butte on the map when he churned his way to a bronze medal in moguls skiing.

Wilson had some help from other Montanans: Justin Hunt of Troy is the trainer for the U.S. freestyle ski team and Libby native Scott Rawles is head coach of the moguls team.

Meanwhile, a Missoula native earned gold when Jason Lamy Chappuis (who competes for France) won the Nordic combined event at the Vancouver games.

IT WAS ONLY a small step, but it was heartening to see the state launch the Highway Watch Program last week.

The program is part of ongoing efforts to improve safety and address concerns about large truck use of Montana 35 on the east side of Flathead Lake. It provides a way for people to report unsafe driving by commercial motor carriers and other motorists through the use of signs and radar.

Four signs placed along Montana 35 and U.S. 93 display a toll-free number motorists can call to report unsafe driving. If enough calls come in, the state Department of Transportation hopes to see patterns that it can use to better regulate the highway.

Meanwhile, you are reminded that in event you see a serious driving offense such as drunk driving, you should still call 911 for an immediate response.