Wrestling: Western B/C Divisional's
Author: Becky Hunt, MT43 News Sports Correspondent
Wrestling: Western B/C Divisionals
Becky Hunt
MT43 News Sports Correspondent
The Bulldogs traveled to Shelby Thursday night to attend the Western B/C Divisionals where 23 teams competed for a chance to advance onto the State Wrestling Tournament in Billings, held February 7-9th.
Prior to the week, multiple athletes were plagued with various illnesses leaving some unable to participate in the event due to too many missed school days/practices. Other team members were so fatigued that their performance was less than expected. Despite battling sicknesses the Dawgs showed up and performed to the best of their abilities.
Senior Blake Wellenstein struggled all season to stay on weight. You would often find him sweating it up at the end of the day to cut that one, or sometimes four, pounds to continue wrestling for the weekend. Wellenstein did not disappoint Friday afternoon continuing his tradition of sporting multiple layers of clothing and Coach Rusty giving him the workout regimen to get that last two pounds down. One more week to go for this kid as he advances to State! Blake wrestled hard. We saw him celebrate his wins and be equally emotional about his losses. Wrestling at 138, Blake went 4-2 and took 9th at Western Divisionals.
Junior Eric Humphreys is that one kid I said is gonna come from the shadows and take everyone by surprise. Eric’s ability to return to the mat mid-season and advance so quickly is definitely something to talk about. With only three events under his belt for the season Eric was sitting at a record of 7-1 prior to Divisionals. Eric went 2-3 and took 8th, winning himself a ride to State.
The rest of the Bulldogs that participated in Divisionals went 0-2.
High school wrestling may be winding down but that sure doesn’t mean wrestling season is over!! Middle school wrestling practice kicks off February 5th with their first event on February 13th in Butte. Be sure and check out the Middle school's one and only scheduled home event on February 23rd at 4 pm.
And let’s not forget where it all gets started, Little Guy Wrestling!! Some of these littles have already been having some fun in the wrestling room. The first official practice for little guys is Monday, February 12th. Little Guys Wrestling will also be hosting two home events. February 17th and February 24th.
Article Images
Click on Image Thumbnail(s) to view fullsize image
PhotoCredit: Photo Credits: Becky Hunt
Image 1 Caption: Eric Humphreys running a Half Nelson on Thompson Falls opponent
Photo Credits: Becky Hunt
Image 2 Caption: Blake Wellenstein with a single leg
Photo Credits: Becky Hunt
Image 3 Caption: Head Coach Eli Hohn
Photo Credits: Becky Hunt
