Sandpoint Wrestlers State Favorites Again

A three-peat for the Sandpoint High School wrestling team this season?

Absolutely, say Inland Empire League coaches.

But whatever you do, don’t mention the word defending to Sandpoint coach Dan Taylor.

“One thing I don’t like to talk about is being a defending champion because we don’t defend anything,” Taylor said. “We think offense. (Winning a state championship) has already been done. We’re going out to win another state championship.”

And there doesn’t appear to be any challengers.

“Sandpoint will run away with state; nobody will touch them,” Lewiston coach Dave Harrington said.

There are 12 good reasons why Sandpoint should repeat: The Bulldogs’ 12 returning state qualifiers all managed at least one win. Additionally, three returners (Brett Lawrence, Pat Larson and Jared Lawrence) won state titles, four placed and another (Shawn Garner) won a state title two years ago.

Meanwhile, at least three Intermountain League teams, and possibly four, could battle for the district championship. But no IML team has enough depth to contend for a state championship.

Sandpoint, Post Falls, Kellogg and Wallace open at the Ronan (Mont.) Tournament this weekend. Lakeland is entered in the Inland Empire Classic at Central Valley.

On Monday, St. Maries and Gonzaga Prep take on Lake City and Coeur d’Alene at Viking Gym. Other area teams open later in the week.

The State A-1, A-2 and A-3 tournaments will be held March 7-9 at Idaho State University in Pocatello. State officials have agreed to stage the state tournaments at Pocatello for the next five years. Here’s how area wrestlers can advance to state:

IEL teams gather at Sandpoint High on March 1-2 for the A-1 Region I Tournament. The top three in each weight go to state.

IML teams meet at Moscow on March 1-2 for the A-2 District I-II Tournament. The top three in each weight go to state.

Wallace and Kootenai, A-3 independents, join Whitepine and Central Idaho league teams at the District I-II Tournament March 1-2 at Orofino High. The top three in each weight go to state.

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