State Wresting: MatCats' Fainter, Libby’s DeShazer make semis

BILLINGS — Jace DeShazer’s run for a third state championship started strong with a pair of victories on Saturday, and Columbia Falls’ Traic Fainter joined him in the semifinal round after a good early showing.

Fainter picked up both victories via pin, over Lewistown’s Colt McCord and Miles City’s Will Merkel, setting up a rematch of last year's state semifinal with Lockwood’s Phillip Westrick on Saturday.

“Today went great,” said Fainter. “I started off pretty hot, got some good hand fighting in and got right to my offense.”