Braves, Wolfpack start strong at Pacific Northwest Classic wrestling

SPOKANE, Wash. - Flathead opened the Pacific Northwest Classic wrestling tournament on Friday at University High School by advancing eight of its nine entrants to the second round.

There was just one round held, and the Braves had four wrestlers advance by pins - Gavyn Wilson at 106, Tyler Davis at 120, Suny Cheff at 138 and Larry Francis at 170.

Coty Piasecki at 132, won by major decision; Jacob Egley at 152, won by tech fall, Conner Hagel at 220, won by decision, and Axel Bladholm at heavyweight, won by major decision.

"A really good start," Flathead coach Matt Owen said.

"We're looking forward to getting some (good) competition tomorrow."

Seventeen teams are in attendance.

"A lot of tough teams," Owen said.

"Deer Park is the Washington state champion, Glacier is here, U High always has great teams. It's still a tough field even though it's a little bit smaller (than some tournaments we attend)."

Glacier was very impressive, posting eight pins in the first round. Those winners were: Christian Knopp at 120, Kaleb Mitchell at 132, Zach Barber at 138, Cooper Sipe at 145, Shane St. Onge at 160, Riley Pisk at 170, Jake Tudhal at 182 and Mack Sutherland at heavyweigth.

Glacier's Alex Mitchell at 126 and Lane Armstrong at 195 had first-round byes.

The Wolfpack lost just two matches.

Glacier coach Mark Fischer said Zach Dennehy at 220 had an impressive opener, despite losing by two points.

"He really turned the final period around in his match," Fischer said.

"He had his kid on his back."

Wrestling resumes at 9 a.m.

Glacier finished second at this tournament last year.