Trojans finish third at Cut Bank Invite

The Whitehall High School wrestling team once again showed they are a major force in Class B/C with a third-place finish out of 29 teams at last week's Cut Bank Invitational.

Whitehall was the top Class B/C finisher at the 52nd annual tournament with Class A Schools Havre and Fergus finishing in first and second.

Assistant Coach Steve Sacry said the team effort was led by captain Mike Wilkinson who captured the 132-pound championship with a perfect 5-0 record. Sacry added the other captains also had strong performances. Dallen Hoover finished in second place falling short in the championship match at 145 pounds to a wrestler from Mission/Charlo. Riley Forcella finished in third place at 152 pounds with a 6-1 record and according to Sacry had an exciting weekend.

"After first-period pins in his first two matches, he wrestled the number three ranked kid in the state from Eureka. Other than a slip in the second period that cost him five points, Riley's strength and technique dominated the match. He couldn't overcome the deficit and lost 7-6. He then rebounded by pinning his next two opponents. This brought him to the consolation semis and The number 1 ranked kid in the state from Cut Bank. Riley controlled the match and won 2-1. His last match paired him with the second-ranked kid in the state from Mission/Charlo. Again he was up for the challenge with an 8-3 victory. It was nice to hear compliments from

other coaches about the improvements that Riley is making," Sacry said.

Captain Gaten Wassberg placed fifth at 170 pounds with a 5-2 record.

"Gaten was struggling with an energy-sapping illness, but gritted it out to defeat some solid competition," Sacry said.

Lastly, Sacry said it was a breakout weekend of Dawson Powers at 120 pounds.

"He showed excellent, focused wrestling with very few mistakes. His four straight pins put him in the championship match where he lost a close match to a wrestler from Havre (11-9),"he said said.

Sacry added other wrestlers who contributed to the third-place trophy were Dane Hoover, Michael Reiff, Tommy Emerson, Alleck Holloway, Gavin Watson, Karson Klapan, Gage McMillan, Kyle Denny, Jesse Rios, Miles Hoerauf, and Leo Scafani.

The Trojans will next compete Friday and Saturday in Choteau.

Currently ranked third in the state, Head Coach Mark Nelson said this is a result of consistent hard work and commitment by the wrestlers.

"They have good leadership, and determination to get better. Each competition is a stepping stone and the opportunity to get better."

The Whitehall matches this weekend can be followed at trackwrestling.com (search for Choteau Classic).