Trojans finish 4th at state meet

The Whitehall High School wrestling team capped off a phenomenal 2019-20 season with a fourth-place finish in Class B/C at last week's State Tournament at the MetraPark Arena in Billings.

The Trojans ended the two-day tournament with 117 points, behind only state champion Glasgow (154), Huntley Project (134), and Eureka (126).

Whitehall had seven of 10 wrestlers place and was led by senior Riley Forcella (152 pounds) and junior Dallen Hoover (145) who both advanced to the "Chipper" and finished in second place.

According to Assistant Coach Steve Sacry, the seven wrestlers placing ties the school record. The 1984 team also had seven place at state.

Others placing for the Trojans included Dawson Powers who was third at 120, Miles Hoerauf finishing fourth at 160, Mike Wilkinson ending his career in fifth at 132 pounds, and Trentin Walker (138) and Gaten Wassberg (170) both finishing in sixth place.

Sacry said it was an exciting finish to a great year and many from Whitehall were able to make the trip and gave a lot of support and encouragement, and many others followed online and sent words of encouragement.

"Excellent work and effort by the team. Those that know wrestling, know the first round Saturday morning is critical. Coach Nelson (Mark) frequently reminded the wrestlers of this and coached them do their best, especially for that round. They came through with six of the seven winning that round and solidifying the top five placing. With continued solid wrestling, the Whitehall team was able to earn the fourth-place spot in the State Tournament," Sacry said.

Two Whitehall captains shined at the tournament and advanced to the championship round Saturday evening. Sacry said Forcella capped off a stellar season with the second-place finish.

"His weekend started with a pin over Huntley Project. Next came a first period pin over Fairfield. He dominated his exciting semifinal match with a 7-2 win over a top competitor from St. Ignatius/Charlo. His championship match pitted him against the top-ranked wrestler from Eureka. After an exciting back and forth battle, his opponent gained the upper hand for the win," Sacry said. "Riley's high school career had been plagued with injuries. This year he rose above that and this well-deserved second-place finish shows his skill and determination. He ended the season with an overall record of 40-9. A huge accomplishment!"

Dallen Hoover also finished in second place.

"He started with a 6-0 decision against Huntley Project, but he was just getting warmed up. He followed with first-period pins against Superior and Baker, respectively. Although he had placed 2nd at divisional, this effort advanced him past that opponent into the championship match against Circle. This match was a true 6-minute battle with his opponent coming out on top 6-5. This 2nd place finish culminated a year of hard work and off-season training that really paid off. His season ended with a 40-10 record!" Sacry said.

Dawson Powers finished in third and ended his season with an impressive third-place finish.

"He started with a pin over Simms, then he lost to the eventual champion in the second round. He bounced back with four consecutive wins, a pin over Boulder, decisions over Cut Bank (6-3) and Conrad (8-1). He won his final match, against the Eastern champ from Circle to earn the coveted third-place award," Sacry said.

A freshman, Miles Hoerauf finished in fourth place and ended his season with a 38-13 record.

Sacry said Hoerauf started with a win over Forsyth before falling to Cut Bank.

"He responded with a major decision over Arlee and wins over Manhattan and Florence. This put him in the third and fourth place match where he again fell to the same boy from Cut Bank. As a freshman, Miles' accomplishments are impressive and show great potential for the future," he said.

Also a captain, Wilkinson finished in fifth and ended his season with a 34-8 record.

"His consistent performance this year continued this weekend. He started with pins over Poplar and Florence. He lost his semifinal match to the eventual champion from Glasgow and then to Townsend. He finished his high school career with a second pin over Florence. His skill and leadership have been critical to our success this year," Sacry said.

The final Whitehall captain, Gaten Wassberg also led by example at the Tournament finishing a great high school career with his sixth-place finish.

"Gaten started the weekend against the eventual, undefeated champion. He lost the match in an impressive 4-3 battle. He responded with a 2-1 win over Chinook, followed by pinning Thompson Falls. He next met a common opponent in Will Lane of Townsend. These two have met at least six times the past several years. This year Will had been getting the upper hand. The State match looked like more of the same, but Gaten wasn't ready to give up. Showing true grit, Gaten scored a reversal and near fall in the last 10 seconds to win 10-9. He then lost an overtime match to Huntley Project and his final match to Cascade. His overall record, 21-12," Sacry said.

Junior Trentin Walker also placed, finishing sixth.

"He also had six matches, winning three. He started with 5-4 win over Huntley Project. He next lost the eventual champion from Eureka. He responded with a 10-3 win over Boulder and then an overtime win over Cut Bank. He finished his impressive weekend with losses to Circle and Colstrip. His overall record was 22-12. After missing half the season to an injury, we are pleased with Trentin's accomplishments and look forward to next year," Sacry said.

Other wrestlers competing for the Trojans were senior Alleck Holloway with an overall

record of 19-11, Dane Hoover (25-21), and Michael Reiff (26-18).

"What a fun year. We are pleased with the wrestler's hard work both on the mat and off. They are turning into excellent young men," Sacry said.