Medal Tally Should See An Increase Panhandle’S Best At Isu For State Wrestling Tourney

A year ago, 25 of about 100 wrestlers from North Idaho brought home medals from the state tournaments.

That included two state champs.

Last year’s group was one of the youngest ever sent to state.

Another 100 will take to the mats today when the State A-1, A-2 and A-3 tournaments begin a three-day run at Idaho State University’s Holt Arena in Pocatello.

The number of state placers should exceed last year’s total. And the region could produce five times as many state champions.

Sandpoint junior Jake Rosholt, 39-0 a year ago, will be out to become a twotime state titlist. He doesn’t figure to be challenged at 171 pounds.

No area teams figure to challenge for titles. But a couple could bring home a trophy.

First-round matches begin at 1 p.m. PST in A-1, followed by A-2 at 3 and A-3 at 5.

Just one championship round will be held today. The first round of consolation will take place in the evening session.

Championship bracket quarterfinal and semifinal matches will be held Friday, capped by the semis in the evening. Two rounds of consolation matches also will take place.

The championship finals will be held Saturday afternoon.

Here’s a look, by classification, at the area wrestlers with the best chances of earning a medal: A-1 There appear to be four possible state champions in addition to Rosholt (34-1).

They are: Senior Carl Thompson (35-5) of Coeur d’Alene at 140.

Sophomore Tony Hook (28-3) of Sandpoint at 145.

Senior Aristo Arana (35-0) of Post Falls at 215.

Senior Todd Drage (26-2) of Moscow at heavyweight.

Serious contenders for medals include: Jon Bake (Lewiston) and Zach Thompson (Moscow) at 103; Kevin Spangler (Moscow) and Luke Rinebold (Lewiston) at 112; Jeremy Swam (Lewiston) at 119; Ben Laufenberg (Lewiston) at 125; Mick Coon (Sandpoint) at 135; Seth Merickel (Moscow) and Jason Cates (Sandpoint) at 152; and Joe Forsman (Lewiston) at 171.

Lewiston takes the largest contingent with 12 wrestlers. Sandpoint qualified nine and Lake City is taking a school-record seven.

A-2

There appear to be six possible state champions.

They are:

Junior James Bush (32-2) of Kellogg at 130.

Junior Jacob Christensen (25-5) of Bonners Ferry at 140.

Senior Dylan Stiegemeier (21-2) of Lakeland at 145.

Junior J.B. Plato (32-5) of Bonners Ferry at 171.

Junior Casey Phelps (28-2) of Lakeland at 189.

Sophomore Sky Pruitt of Lakeland at heavyweight.

Serious contenders for medals include: Justin Brazill (Lakeland) at 103; Brady Spurway (Lakeland) 112; Charlie Skinner (St. Maries) and Bryce Olberding (Kellogg) at 119; Clint Leonard (Lakeland) at 125; Steve Lamb (Priest River) at 130; Ted Leonard (Lakeland) and Chris Sverdsten (Kellogg) at 135; Jon Madden (Bonners Ferry) at 140; Kevin Moore (St. Maries) at 145; Aaron Corbin (Bonners Ferry) at 152; Mica Kunkel (St. Maries) at 160; Mike Boller (St. Maries) at 189; Paul Sotin (St. Maries) at 215; and senior Ryan Linn (St. Maries) at heavyweight.

Lakeland and St. Maries each advanced 11 to state. Bonners Ferry was next at 10.

A-3

Among the locals, Wallace senior Brandon Pine has the best shot at bringing something home.

Pine (28-4), ranked second in the state, should contend for a state title at 145. He’s seeded second.