The 2011-2012 wrestling season was a year of reunion and rebirth in Montana. Fans, coaches, and athletes alike were "over the moon" to reconvene at the Metra in Billings and be a part of the spectacle that is the all-class state wrestling tournament.
In Class AA, Kalispell Glacier was making history. Glacier, second a year ago, won the championship in just its fifth season as a school. In an exciting semifinal round, Billings Skyview pulled within eight points of Glacier, 200-192. However, the Wolfpack had a strong showing in the consolation rounds and were able to outlast Great Falls and Skyview to earn the championship trophy. The Wolfpack tallied 253 points and 13 state placers. Great Falls was second with 238 and Skyview came in third with 224.
Meanwhile, in Class A, Laurel went to a photo finish with Corvallis for the Class A wrestling title. In the last match of the day, Laurel's Tommy Cooper battled Havre's Eli Hinebauch in the 152-pound finals. A win would give the Locomotives the first-place trophy. Hinebauch, a four-time finalist, held off a last-second surge from Cooper for a 3-0 decision. His win clinched the team title for the Blue Devils and kept the Locomotives from winning their second consecutive crown. Corvallis finished with 222.5 points. Laurel was second with 219. The Locomotives trailed the Blue Devils by 21.5 points entering the championship round and almost pulled off the comeback. "It came down to the final seconds," said Laurel coach Ted Hill.
On the Class B-C mats, the squad from Forsyth showed its dominance. The Dogies won five individual titles and three third-place medals en route to their second consecutive B-C championship. Forsyth came into the final round leading Choteau by just 10 points, but swept its title matches to blowout the Bulldogs. Forsyth finished with 211 points, while Choteau placed second with 161.5. Chinook, behind national consecutive pins record holder (101) Ben Stroh, scored 98.5 points and came away with its fourth consecutive Class C team title.
The 2012-2013 season will have much to live up to, as last year's Wrestling 49 class saw seven of ten athletes sign Division I letters of intent.
Let's take a look at the "Big Sky's" top talent for the upcoming year.
Please note: This Wrestling 49 also includes non-seniors.
Barrett Stanghill (Photo/USOEC)High School: Drummond (Class B-C)
Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 160
Projected College Weight Class: 165
Analysis: After a fifth-place finish as a freshman, Stanghill won state titles as a sophomore and junior in dominating fashion. Only Jacen Paterson was able to somewhat contain Stanghill. Stanghill will not compete in Montana this year, as he accepted an invitation to work out and finish high school in the USOEC Greco-Roman program at Northern Michigan.
2. Gabe Schroek
High School: Helena (Class AA)
Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 135
Projected College Weight Class: 141
Analysis: Schroek has been a dominant force at the lower weights, earning back-to-back state titles as a freshman and sophomore. Rumor has it that his family moved to Iowa this fall. If so, the Hawkeye State better prepare itself.
3. Taylor French
High School: Forsyth (Class B-C)
Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 130
Projected College Weight Class: 133
Analysis: This fiery redhead has aggressively brutalized his opponents on route to winning two state titles. He triggers memories of Eric Dunmire and Mike Zadick-type style on the mat. Pretty good company to keep!
4. Grant Boggs
High School: Helena (Class AA)
Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 119
Projected College Weight Class: 133
Analysis: Boggs will no doubt lead the Bengal wrestling team this year. A two-time state champion, his junior campaign will be fun to observe. He will be on a collision course to meet Skyview's Justin Waterson at the Holiday Classic early in the 2012-2013 season.
5. Justin Waterson
High School: Billings Skyview (Class AA)
Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 130
Projected College Weight Class: 133
Analysis: This Skyview Falcon will have sky-high expectations entering his senior season. His best wrestling seems to be in front of him. With all three Malia boys (Nebraska, Iowa State, Oregon) guiding his progress, the best seems yet to come.
6. Gresh Jones
High School: Sidney (Class A)
Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 125
Projected College Weight Class: 141
Analysis: This sophomore finished the 2012 season 48-0 en route to a state title. He looks to join in the great tradition that Coach Guy Melby has built at the eastern Montana powerhouse.
7. Brandon Weber
High School: Forsyth (Class B-C)
Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 145
Projected College Weight Class: 157
Analysis: If it was possible to be the best wrestler a weight class below and above 157, this Dogie could by all means be the best in the heard. A second-place finish as a freshman only motivated his sophomore campaign to dominance. The son of Forsyth head wrestling coach Scott Weber, Brandon has been part of the fabric that has seen Dogie wrestling hold steady at the top of the podium.
8. Matt Weber
High School: Forsyth (Class B-C)
Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 135
Projected College Weight Class: 165
Analysis: Younger brother of the aforementioned Matt continues in the line of great Forsyth wrestlers. His sophomore season should be a head turner and expectations will be Montana sky-high.
9. Casey Dobson
High School: Great Falls (Class AA)
Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 130
Projected College Weight Class: 149
Analysis: A loss in the state finals in the waning seconds will only make the fire burn hotter for this Bison sophomore. The depth in GFH's room will push his skills to the max. Watch closely as he develops in 2013.
10. Joe Malchuski
High School: Skyview (Class AA)
Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 152
Projected College Weight Class: 197
Analysis: Winning a state title as a freshman at 145 is matter to scoff at. This Falcon will have a major target on his back as he begins his sophomore quest and drive for his second title.
Honorable Mention: Jacen Paterson (St. Ignatius), Jake French (Choteau), Matt Welch (Skyview), Chris Nile (Forsyth), Jake Lienwiend (Billings West), Austin Shupe (Great Falls), Vito DeGidio (Bozeman).
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