Wrestlers impress at Ted Kato Tournament

All three Sanders County Wrestling teams were among the 15 competing at the Ted Kato Tournament in Thompson Falls over the weekend. Each school had multiple wrestlers take the mat in the medal round.

The Bluehawks finished scored 140 team points finishing second only to Florence, 165. Noxon earned 66 team points and Plain-Hot Springs 39.5.

“We wrestled probably the best tournament that we’ve had this year,” Thompson Falls head coach Colby Cline said. “Florence is a tough team. They’re probably the favorite over here in the West and after wrestling with them, we feel pretty good about where we’re at.”

Wade Gascon, 98 pounds, and John Gunderson, 119, both earned first-place finishes for the Bluehawks. Tyler Addy, 105, and Shawn Sacchi, 160, placed second. Placing third were Eric Milner, 171, and Kenny Roxbury, 112 and Tyler Garrison, 130, Jared Abbott, 152, and Peter Vickers, 98 all earned fourth.

Cline feels his team has all the tools to earn a high finish at divisionals as long as they can stay healthy and continue to compete at a high level.

Although head coach Kenny Marjerrison said his team didn’t wrestle up to their potential, the Savage Horsemen had two placers. Kenneth Beech placed second at 125, Cole Goodwin third at 135, and freshman Ben Gorham was one match away from placing at 215.

Noxon heavyweights Cody Martens and Taylor Scott squared off in the championship match, with Martens earning first with a pin over Scott. Moore, 189, also finished first, while J.T. Onofrey, 215, placed fourth.

Red Devil head coach Kelly Moore was pleased with his team’s performance and hopes to see four or five of his wrestlers place at divisionals and qualify for the state meet.

All three teams will travel to Darby this weekend to compete in another tournament.