Writing Is On The Wall Priest River’s Improved Prospects At State Tourney Show Up-And-Coming Nature Of Wrestling Program

On the wall of the Priest River High wrestling room, an orange caricature of an ancient Spartan helmet is painted against a black background. It is the first thing people notice when they walk into the mat-filled room overlooking the gym.

On the white wall surrounding the painting are signatures that were put there by the young men who laid a foundation for future success. The signatures are of the Spartans who have placed at the state tournament in the seven years the program has existed.

A group that will no doubt expand this year.

“The place-at-state wall is a big deal for us because we’re trying to instill a tradition here,” Spartan coach Ed Arvin said.

This year Priest River sends six to the State A-2 tourney, including four district champions in an unparalleled run of success for the program. After placing 10th at state last year, Arvin is looking for a top-six placing in Holt Arena in Pocatello this weekend.

Included in the group of six are senior Quinton Holbrook and junior Jake Stark, who both came in fourth last year. Also returning is junior Josh Queen, who placed sixth last year. Rounding out the six are sophomores Casey Holbrook and Lucas Blaine, who both competed at state last year, and Kenny Laird, a first-time qualifier.

Quinton, the lone senior, has seen the program come from getting its first wrestler to state in 1991 to contending for a district team title this year.

“The team is really starting to climb, and we should continue to have guys stepping up the next couple of years,” Quinton said.

Arvin took over the program in 1992 and began to model his coaching style after successful programs throughout the country - from as close as Cash Stone of Mead High School in Spokane to as far away as the powerhouse that Dan Gable has assembled at Iowa.

When Arvin began, he had to teach the basics.

“When we started it was shoot, bridge and don’t throw your headgear,” Arvin said. “I still believe, though, that basics are what wins championships.”

One of the basic goals of the program is to make sure that its wrestlers will always outwork opponents. To that end, they run 3 to 5 miles before practice to ensure enough stamina to wrestle hard for three rounds. Arvin also preaches an attacking style that puts the opponent on the defensive.

Taking that advice to heart helped Queen win the heavyweight title at the district tournament.

“Arvin is always hounding me to shoot, so I did it in the district championship and I got the takedown to win it,” Queen said.

With added expectations has come a bigger commitment from the wrestlers to keep the success alive. With only one state-bound senior leaving, the budding tradition seems alive for the next couple of years. Exemplifying the new seriousness may be Blaine, who won the district title at 119. His brother, William, was the first Priest River wrestler to place at state, in 1991, and now he looks to achieve higher goals.

“Last year I didn’t care if I placed, but I’m taking it a lot more serious this year,” Blaine said. “My brother came in sixth and I’ve been looking forward all year to placing higher, so now I’ve got my chance.”