Vasquez wins second state title, hungry for more

Two down, two to go.

Glacier’s Teegan Vasquez won his second state title Saturday at the State AA wrestling tournament at Flathead High School.

He was the only state champion from Glacier this year.

Vasquez, a sophomore, is aiming to join the ranks of those who have won four straight state titles, and he’s well on his way.

Vasquez took note of Cooper Birdwell of Lewistown, who joined the club of 36 other four-time champs Saturday, and went 178-0 during his high school career.

Wrestling at 120 pounds, Vasquez beat Billings Senior’s Jalen Vladic (who Vasquez beat in the 113 semifinals last year en route to his first individual title), 8-0, a major decision. It was Vladic’s only loss this season.

“I’d already beat that kid once, so I was still feeling good and already winning one kind of takes that pressure off me,” Vasquez said. “My goal is to win four, but if I’ve already won one that’s good enough.”

He was in control from the start. Vasquez scored on a two-second near fall 32 seconds in and a takedown a minute later. Vladic was nicked for stalling, which gave Vasquez another point. In the third period, Vasquez scored on an escape and a takedown before time expired and he was again a state champion.

Vasquez ended this year’s shortened campaign at 18-0.

“The amount of time and effort and work he puts in every season and 12 months out of the year is incredible,” Glacier coach Ross Dankers said. “And so for him to be able to come here and dominate, it’s good for that to come to fruition for him.”

Oddly enough, Vasquez’s victory helped out Glacier’s crosstown rival, Flathead. Billings Senior was nipping at Flathead’s heels for the team title heading into the finals and Vladic’s loss ensured the Broncs could not catch the Braves.

Vasquez pinned Hunter Ketchem of Billings Skyview (a 2020 state champ at 103) in semifinals and pinned Bozeman’s Jack Montoya and Butte’s Cole Worley in earlier rounds as he blazed his way into the 120-pound final.

“He’s just an outstanding individual, just a good kid, good grades,” Dankers said. “And his character is just outstanding on top of being one of the most dominant wrestlers I’ve ever seen. Just completely dominated (this weekend), pretty incredible.”

Vasquez turned 17 on March 1, and since he was trying to make weight for state, he didn’t want to eat birthday cake then. But Saturday, Vasquez, holding a Captain America shield (in honor of the late Maverick Bench), said cake would absolutely be involved in his family’s celebration after the tournament wrapped up.

“I’ve got a lot of friends and family behind me, my brothers and sisters are always pushing me,” Vasquez said. “They always taught me to be the best and do whatever I can do to be the best. I’m definitely striving for that.”

Glacier’s only other state placer was senior Rocco Beccari, who placed fifth at 285. Beccari was beaten by Oakley Woody of Gallatin in the second round and wrestled his way back to the fifth place match, where he won by medical forfeit over Helena Capital’s Talon Marsh.

Glacier placed 10th as a team, with 68 points.

“The future is definitely bright,” Dankers said. “We had a bunch of young kids who won really good, solid matches that are right on that doorstep. And it was awesome for Rocco Beccari to come out as a senior and place at the state tournament. It was pretty special.”