Pepperdine works quickly on way to second state title

NAMPA, Idaho – Sandpoint senior Tim Pepperdine didn’t spend much time in the Idaho Center.

At least, he didn’t spend a lot of time on the wrestling mats. Pepperdine earned a second straight 4A state title, pinning Kody Hansen of Nampa in 36 seconds at 119 pounds before an estimated crowd of 5,000.

Pepperdine (22-2) won all four of his state matches by pin. He needed just 3 minutes and 25 seconds to capture the second title.

“Tim’s got a style that can put away kids fast,” first-year Sandpoint coach Kirk Hartzell said. “We want him to try to get off the mat as quickly as possible so nothing goes wrong. He executed well all three days.”

Pepperdine sent a shout out to former Sandpoint coach Mike Randles.

“My old coach, Coach Randles, would be pretty proud of me,” Pepperdine said. “I was hoping for a tougher match, but the move was there so I threw him on his back.”

Lakeland junior Kyle McCrite made it two for two for North Idaho 4A wrestlers. McCrite (38-3), who was a state runner-up last year when he lost to teammate Brandon Richardson, easily handled Leo Torres of Blackfoot 7-1 at 125.

“I accomplished the goals that I set for myself,” said McCrite, who also won a Tri-State title. “Next year I’m going to be coming after it. I want to be a two-timer at state and Tri-State.”

Blackfoot repeated as state champ.

3A

The Intermountain League produced two state champs.

In an all-IML final at 140, Bonners Ferry junior Dayne Swisher stopped Priest River senior Justin Lopez 13-8.

Moments later, third-seeded Kellogg senior Preston O’Neill knocked off top-seeded Gary Singleton of South Fremont 3-1 at 145.

Lopez got out fast like he had a couple times earlier against Swisher, getting the first takedown. But Swisher scored a reversal to tie it late in the first period. He had a commanding 9-3 lead going into the final period.

“It gives me a good incentive to work hard next year so I can do it again,” said Swisher, who beat Lopez 21-12 in a wild district final a week ago.

Swisher was the 12th state champ in coach Conrad Garner’s 21st season. Like he’s done for the other state champs, Garner will take his state tournament pass and pin it inside his sport coat with passes from years his wrestlers won state titles.

A first-period takedown held up for O’Neill.

“It’s hard to explain the feeling,” O’Neill said. “I had it in my heart to do it. This means everything.”

American Falls captured the team title.