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Ronan wrestling secures B-C Divisional title

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The Ronan Chiefs wrestling team had a solid showing Saturday, taking first place at the Western B-C Divisional Tournament in Philipsburg with 147.5 points. Ronan edged Eureka (125.5) and a talent-packed Thompson Falls (124) during the one-day meet. Florence finished in fourth place with 123.5 points, while Arlee (120) finished in firth place.

The Chiefs qualified eight of the 13 wrestlers sent to the tournament, impressing head coach Dustyn Azure.

“The boys went out and competed well,” Azure said. “Their confidence level is high now, and they are ready for State.”

Despite the strong showing, Azure says the ultimate goal is to bring home a lot of Class B-C State hardware.

“We’re really happy with their performances,” he said. “It’s a perfect stepping stone to try to bring home some more hardware.”

Colby Roberts (189) was the only Chief to win his weight division, but Ronan will be sending eight wrestlers to State. In the Championship round, Roberts pinned Clayton Trimble of Arlee in 3:38.

Brandon Dumont, 125 pounds, fell to Tanner Lund of Florence in an 8-2 decision, to take second place, while Shelby Grant (152) fell to Kris Beech of Plains in an 8-5 decision.

In the consolation bracket, Trae Garcia, 98 pounds, won by major decision over Kenneth Stockard of Superior in an 11-2 decision to finish in third place, while teammate Chase Rhine took third in the 112-pound category with a 15-13 decision over Wade Gascon of Thompson Falls.

In the 130-pound class, Connor Benn fell to John Gunderson by pin in 3:30, while Dustin Goldsby (152) pinned Eureka grappler Curtis McDuffie in 2:54. Quentin Denton secured a third-place finish after pinning Arlee’s Leif Rova in 2:32.

Those who qualified for State will travel to Billings, where first-round matches are slated to begin at 10 a.m. Feb. 10.

SUMMARY
Team scores - Ronan 147.5, Eureka 125.5, Thompson Falls 124, Florence 123.5, Arlee 120, St. Ignatius-Charlo 95.5, Drummond-Philipsburg 86.5, Plains-Hot Springs 79.5, Superior 58.5, Deer Lodge 42, Noxon 36.
Quick pin - Ben Conover, Thompson Falls.

Championship finals
98 - Torren Lawson, Flo, pinned Anthony Parkin, Sup, 1:56
105 - Garret White, Eur, dec. Jamie Mullins, SI, 7-0.
112 - Zach Durden, Eur, dec. Russell Kujala, Pla, 2-0.
119 - Nikko Bakkila, Eur, dec. Tony Bergerson, Dru, 11-4;
125 - Tanner Lund, Flo, dec. Brandon Dumont, Ron, 8-2;
130 - Scotty Gilleard, SI, pinned Kody Davidson, 3:12;
135 - Jose Letcher, Eur, m. dec. Casey Nitschke, SI, 20-12;
140 - Dan Taron, Sup, pinned Austin Rubel, Arl, :15;
145 - Ben Conover, TF, pinned Noah Sax, Flo, 1:20;
152 - Kris Beech, Pla, dec. Shelby Grant, Ron, 8-5;
160 - Barrett Stanghill, Dru, dec. Jacen Petersen, SI, 10-6;
171 - Tanner Cobbs, Flo, dec. Albert Plant, Arl, 7-4;
189 - Colby Roberts, Ron, pinned Clayton Trimble, Arl, 3:38;
215 - Levi Becker, DL, pinned Chadd Anderson, SI, 1:51;
Hwt - Ben Gorham, Pla, pinned Braxton Eubanks, TF, 3:56.

Third-fourth place
98 - Trae Garcia, Ron, m. dec. Kenneth Stockard, Sup, 11-2;
105 - Rod Carew, TF, pinned Austin Johnson, Nox, :37;
112 - Chase Rhine, Ron, dec. Wade Gascon, TF, 15-13;
119 - River Sides, Sup, dec. Connor Rogers, DL, 3-2;
125 - Matt Robinson, Dru, dec. Levi Lambertson, Eur, 7-4;
130 - John Gunderson, TF, pinned Connor Benn, Ron, 3:30;
135 - Cameron Dominick, Arl, pinned Colton Bray, TF, 2:31;
140 - Joe Deienne, Pla, pinned Ty Pocha, Dru, 3:41;
145 - Nathan Bertolt, Arl, pinned Ashton Dierman, Eur, 2:50;
152 - Dustin Goldsby, Ron, pinned Curtis McDuffie, Eur, 2:54;
160 - Quentin Denton, Ron, pinned Leif Rova, Arl, 2:32;
171 - Logan Lefler, Arl, pinned Austen Martell, Dru, :28;
189 - Keenan Hendrickson, Flo, pinned Eric Milner, TF, 1:40;
215 - Cody North, Arl, by forfeit over John Onofrey, Nox;
Hwt - Jeramiah Chandler, Nox, pinned Joe Bowden, TF, 2:23.

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