C-Falls, Libby, Polson, Whitefish wrestlers tested, up for state

The hard work is done.

Now comes the fun part - at least for the area wrestling coaches headed to this weekend's All Class Wrestling Tournament at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings.

The wrestlers ... they've still got some work to do.

"The guys put in a lot of work all season. Everybody is in a pretty good mindframe. They've dedicated themselves to the season. I think they're confident in where they're at," said Libby coach Kelly Morford.

"All in all, we got pretty good draws for the most part. Six guys have a pretty realistic shot at the semis. It's anybody's ballgame from there," he added.

As far as numbers go, Frenchtown came out of last weekend's Northwestern A Divisional in great shape. The Broncs qualified 16 for state. Divisional champion Polson qualified 14, as did Columbia Falls. Divisional runner-up Libby qualified 12 and Whitefish four.

"As a team, we want to finish in the top six. With the lack of depth, but the good talent at top, we're better suited for the state tournament," Morford said after the divisional wrapped up last Saturday night.

The brackets worked out fairly well for the Pirates as well, said Polson coach Bob Owen.

"It helps to be seeded one or two. But eventually you have to be tough (to win it)."

He sees 125 as one of the tougher weight classes.

"There are some real studs (including Polson's Craig Feistner) in that weight. Somebody is going to have to have a really good Saturday to win it," he said.

There was one Eastern A upset that has the Pirates a bit worried. Alan Neuib of Sidney beat Josiah Clairmont at heavyweight last year. He's on Clairmont's side of the bracket this year.

"It might be a good thing. You've got to beat them all if you want to win it. I think (Clairmont) is OK with it," the coach said.

Morford and Owen both see defending champion Laurel as the team to beat. Both also see Havre, Corvallis and Sidney right in the mix.

"Any one of those teams are capable of coming out with a state title," Morford said.

"I think it's going to be a pretty good battle between Laurel, Corvallis and Havre. If I had to pick a favorite, I'd take Laurel," Owen said.

"(The others) don't have the front line people that Laurel has."

Both coaches are looking forward to the tournament's return to the Metra.

"Butte did a good job of hosting (last year), but nothing quite matches the excitement of the Metra. I'm looking forward to having our kids experience that," Morford said.

For himself, Morford is from the area. His brother, best friend and family are all planning to attend.

"I think it's the best thing for the sport," Owen said.

There are a lot of wrestling fans who enjoy seeing all three classes, plus college coaches have the opportunity to see everyone in the same place, Owen said.

Plus, "I've got a lot of friends who coach at the AA and B-C levels," he said.