Sanders County wrestling teams compete at State
<p>The Plains wrestlers hopped on a fire truck Thursday morning before heading to the State Tournament for a town-wide send off. With sirens blaring, the boys made their way down the main strip of Plains and to the awaiting bus that took them to Billings.</p>
PLAINS – Russell Kujala took home a piece of history from the State Tournament in Billings. As only the third state champion in the school’s history and the first junior to ever accomplish such a feat – Kujala had plenty to be proud of.
Head Coach Kenny Marjerrison said much of Kujala’s success came from behind the scene efforts.
“This is a clear cut case of putting in the extra time. He is state champion because of the hours he put in when no one was watching,” Coach Marjerrison said.
He called Kujala’s accomplishment amazing and was very proud of how far he had advanced throughout the season.
The Savage Horsemen had a few other victories under their belt as well. Ben Gorham came out in third place. Despite his efforts, Gorham fell short of his original goal.
“It was definitely a heart breaker for sure. But at the same time there is no room for error when you are wrestling at the state level,” Coach Marjerrison said.
Joe DeTienne from Hot Springs also brought home fourth place. He lost in a close match in the semifinals.
“None the less, he placed top four. That’s a good accomplishment for any kid,” Coach Marjerrison said.
The team completed their goal of placing in the top 10. The team took tenth place and that has been a long time coming.
“It’s been anywhere in the neighborhood of 10 to 15 years (since that has happened). It’s quite a big accomplishment,” Coach Marjerrison said.
One thing was for sure, the Plains-Hot Springs wrestling co-op reached new heights this season. As they broke records on a weekly basis the team continued to advance and improve – something Coach Marjerrison is very proud of.
NOXON – As John Onofrey placed in the State Tournament in Billings; a new leaf was turned for the Red Devil wrestling squad.
“I had a monkey on my back. I hadn’t won a match there for two years in a row,” Head Coach Ben Ulrick said. “The monkey came off my back when John won his first match.”
Onofrey took sixth place at the tournament.
Coach Ulrick said Onofrey will forever more be a state placer – something no one can ever take away from him.
“If you look at the big picture, he had a hell of a big season. To be a divisional champ and place at state – that’s a hell of an accomplishment,” Coach Ulrick said.
And the success didn’t end there. Although Onofrey was the only wrestler to place at state, Luke Crowe also won a match at the tournament.
Through what Ulrick called a tough bracket, Crowe fought his way to a win. Although Crowe was disappointed with the early finish, Coach Ulrick was proud of him.
“He had a little higher expectation but I was impressed with him to come back in his second match and win,” Coach Ulrick said. “He wrestled as hard as he could and his last match was against the state runner up.”
Alan Chojnacky also hit the mat hard but was unable to come up with a win despite valiant efforts.
“He wrestled hard but he didn’t win a match. But he didn’t roll over for anyone. He was there giving everyone everything he had,” Coach Ulrick said.
Not only did Chojnacky wrestle with all he had, he has a great attitude for the years to come. Coach Ulrick said Chojnacky wants to continue wrestling through the off-season to prepare better for next year.
Overall, Coach Ulrick was proud of his boys.
He is in it for the long haul and Coach Ulrick plans to continue coaching for years to come. He has a burning passion for wrestling that is not easily extinguished and will participate in the Bluehawk Wrestling Club as well.
THOMPSON FALLS – After a lot of time on the mats, the wrestling season came to a close at the State Tournament for the Bluehawk wrestlers.
Although they sent three wrestlers to Billings, none of them placed during the competition.
Lena Babcock at 98 pounds, Colton Bray at 146 pounds and Kyle Milner at 160 pounds represented Thompson Falls on the mats. Despite giving it their all, the wrestlers were unable to place in a top six spot.
Head Coach Ian Taylor said in an earlier interview that all he wanted of his wrestlers were their best efforts. As long as they wrestled and gave it their all, he said he would be pleased.
With the wrestling season now at a close, the wrestlers look forward to next year. The experience they gained this year is invaluable and will progress them further next season.