Champion Again
<p>Plains-Hot Springs 145-pound wrestler, Russell Kujala stands on top of the podium following last weekend's B-C State Tournament in Billings. With the state championship, Kujala, a senior, became the first Savage Horsemen wrestler to win two state championships.</p>
BILLINGS – Savage Horsemen senior Russell Kujala completed his high school wrestling career last weekend and the Plains wrestler went out in style.
Competing in the 145-pound weight class at the Class B-C State Tournament in Billings, Kujala became the first two time state champion in Savage Horsemen wrestling history, taking the top spot in his weight class last Saturday.
“We never have had a two time state champion,” Savage Horsemen Head Coach Kenny Marjerrison said.
Kujala earned the first-place crown in an expedient manner, pinning his competition, Tanner Stone of Choteau, one minute and seven seconds into the first period.
Additionally, Kujala was awarded the state tournament’s cumulative quick pin award.
“He (Kujala) was definitely wrestling with a purpose this weekend,” Marjerrison said.
The award is given to the state champion who spent the least amount of time on the mat in his four matches, winning his way to the title quicker than any other first place finisher.
“The champion that wins all four of their matches in the shortest amount of time wins the award,” Marjerrison said.
As a junior, Kujala earned the state championship at the 132-pound weight class at the B-C State Tournament last year.
With his four wins last Saturday, Kujala finished his high school wrestling career with a record of 148-28, equaling a winning percentage of 84 percent throughout four years of competition.
During his senior campaign Kujala was nearly perfect, losing just one match during the course of the season and ending the 2014-2015 year with 47-1 record.
Kujala’s success during the year was made more impressive considering the depth of his competition.
“This year 145 in B-C was one of the toughest weight classes in the state,” Marjerrison said.
Kujala opened the tournament last Friday and quickly moved past his first opponent, pinning Tyler Behles of Colstrip 29 seconds into the first period.
In his quarterfinal match, Kujala pinned Tyler Richter of Conrad with 14 seconds left in the first period.
The Savage Horsemen 145 pounder won his semifinal bout by decision, moving past Colt McDaniel of Forsyth with an 8-6 victory.
After pinning Stone in the finals, Kujala became the first two time state champion in state history.
Marjerrison reinforced the nature of Kujala’s accomplishment.
“There are no super easy matches at the state tournament,” Marjerrison said.