Wrestling: Roberts aims for fourth title

Only 23 wrestlers have done what Shonn Roberts is trying to do — win four state titles in a high school career.

While his third title in 2014 seemed inevitable — Roberts defeated Ethan Graves of Sidney 6-0 in the 126-pound final for an undefeated season — the elusive fourth title will be much harder to obtain.

Roberts has just two losses this season while wrestling at 138 pounds, one of which came to an opponent sitting on the opposite side of the bracket at the MHSA All-Class State Wrestling Tournament this weekend in Billings.

Jarret Deegan of Belgrade edged Roberts, 4-2, to win the Great Falls C.M. Russell Holiday Tournament in December. If all goes as planned, top-ranked Deegan will meet second-ranked Roberts in the finals.

“It’s either me or him,” Roberts said. “This has been my goal for a long time so you definitely want to make sure you go out on top.”

“They’re both just outstanding individuals. We’re excited they’re on opposite sides of the bracket so they have a chance to meet in the finals,” Columbia Falls head coach Jessie Schaeffer said.

“Shonn has been wrestling hard and working hard. Deegan knows how to compete and knows how to win close matches. It’s going to be great. Win, lose or draw (Shonn) has to hold his head up. He’s had a great career to look back on. With that being said, we want to win that fourth one.”