Flathead's Francis 3rd; Libby's Leir 4th at Tri-State wrestling

COEUR D'ALENE, IDAHO - Flathead's Larry Francis placed third at 160 pounds and Libby's Kyle Leir was fourth at 145 on Saturday at the 2011 Tri-State wrestling tournament.

Team-wise, the Libby Loggers scored 47 points and were 25th. Flathead scored 42 points for 31st and Polson scored 32 points and was tied for 37th.

Defending champion Mead roared to life on Saturday to finish with 204 points and claim the title. Lewiston, at 171, was a distant second. Post Falls was third at 170.5. Lake Stevens (165) and Tahoma (159.5) rounded out the top five.

Francis lost 24-8 in the semifinal to eventual champion Chandler Rogers of Mead, but bounced back to claim third.

"He's a little bummed out to not have a chance to win it, but it was great that he came back and got third," said Flathead coach Matt Owen.

"He responded really well (to the loss). He came back and beat a tough kid in the consolation semis, then pinned an extremely tough kid (for third)," the coach said.

Francis was up 4-0 and had Rogers on his back in the early going, but the kid came back, Owen said.

"Third place is a huge deal at this tournament. It seems like it gets tougher every year. Great performance for him."

"It's a really big tournament. There are no easy matches and it can be a little bit overwhelming for people. It was great for a lot of our kids to come over and witness it. They won't be so gun-shy the next time."

Owen was proud of the Braves.

"They all went out there and competed hard. We knew coming into it, this was going to be a tough task for us, but we were wrestling to win," he said.

"I know they enjoyed watching the wrestling. It's great for them to come and wrestle in something like this. Some of them aren't up to this type of tournament yet, but seeing it and participating in it will only make them better."

Owen complimented the efforts of Suny Cheff (138) and Bowen Smith (285). Both made it to the second day.

"That was good for both of them."