Sandpoint Could Break Through

An Idaho team hasn’t won the team title at the Tri-State Wrestling Tournament since Lakeland in 1988.

But Sandpoint, the two-time defending Idaho A-1 champ, could change that trend this week as 38 teams come to Christianson Gym.

The Bulldogs return all 12 state qualifiers from last year. Four are reigning Tri-State champs.

Sandpoint seniors Brett Lawrence at 125 pounds and Trevor Walkington at 135 seek to join an elite group of six previous three-time Tri-State winners.

Bulldogs sophomore Jared Lawrence at 112 and junior Shawn Garner at 130 bid for repeat Tri-State titles.

Fewer than four points have decided the past two team champions, including Moses Lake (Wash.) in 1994 and La Grande (Ore.) in 1993.

“I think Sandpoint has got the kids to carry it through,” Moses Lake coach Ron Seibel said. “We had quite a few that were seniors last year. We’re going to be younger. I give (the team edge) to Sandpoint, from 112 all the way to 152, they are pretty tough.”

Moses Lake, defending Washington AAA champion, returns one Tri-State champ in Rees Chlarson, who is up one weight at 140. However, Chlarson is just coming back after orthoscopic knee surgery three weeks ago.

La Grande, a distant third last year, has seven wrestlers it will try to seed among the top six in each weight class, including two-time Tri-State runners-up Eric Jorgensen (145) and Shawn O’Rourke (160).

“I think (La Grande) would be the possible team to beat Sandpoint, just looking at the lineups,” tourney director Bill Pecha said. xxxx
TRI-STATE WRESTLING Where: North Idaho College, Christianson Gymnasium When: Today and Friday First round: Today, 10:30 a.m. Quarterfinals: Tonight, 7 p.m. (follow opening ceremonies) Semifinals: Friday, 12:15 p.m. Championships: Friday, 6 p.m. Admission: All-session passes $12, students $8. Single-session pass $4, students $3.