Montana Wrestling

TOC All-Class Montana Wrestling Poll - 1/23/2012

2012-01-24T21:40:00.003-07:00

The organizers of the 4th Annual Tournament of Champions (TOC) from the personal injury law firm of Hoyt and Blewett PLLC in Great Falls have released an updated All-Class High School Wrestling Poll. The poll, which was generated with input from high school wrestling coaches from around the state, combines the wrestlers in Class AA, A, and B-C to recognize the top wrestlers in each weight class in Montana. Class AA leads with 7 number one ranked wrestlers.

See Press Coverage of the latest TOC Poll at:
Billings Gazette
Helena IR
Dailey Interlake

98- Schmidt, Senior; Degidio, Boz; Brenna, Havre; Roberts, Columbia Falls; Komac, Great Falls; Martinez, Wolf Point

105- Wegner, Senior; Armstrong, Butte; Bailey, Helena; Dobson, Great Falls; Snider, Harlem

112- Boggs, Helena; Jones, Sidney; Smart, GFH; Schulte, Sentinel; Minkoff, Senior

119- Schlosser, Conrad; Schroeck, Helena; Kukes, Laurel; Alverson, Belgrade; Tennant, Glendive

125- Weatherston, Belgrade; Waterson, Skyview; Kinn, Glendive; Markle, Capital

130- Cathey, Skyview; French, Forsyth; Kolp, Bozeman; Mitchell, Glacier

135- Morin, Great Falls; Weber, Forsyth; Kukes, Laurel; Johnston, Bozeman

140- Zeiger, Glasgow; Mendenhall, Great Falls; Nile, Forsyth; Davis, Corvallis

145- Leir, Libby; Malone, Fergus; Williams, Corvallis; Christianson, Broadwater

152- Hinebauch, Havre; Brauer, Forsyth; Sulser, Senior; Shelton, Skyview; Cooper, Laurel

160- Stanghill, Drummond; Peterson, St. Ignatius; Pribyl, Havre; Nagel, Corvallis

171- Francis, Flathead; Fulton, Forsyth; Kramer, Laurel; Pattison, Havre; French, Choteau

189- Stroh, Chinook; Schaub, Havre, Leinwand, West; Quade, Skyview; Gosselin, Laurel

215- Jones, Chinook; Boucher, Laurel; Walsh, Skyview; Maeir, Big Sky

HWT- Erickson, Helena; Yates, Colstrip; Clairmont, Polson; Neulib, Sidney

About the TOC

2011-10-16T18:31:00.012-06:00

Zander and his sons Drew and Anders Blewett, from the Montana personal injury law firm of Hoyt and Blewett PLLC in Great Falls, are sponsoring the 4th annual Tournament of Champions. The event will be a one-day, single elimination wrestling tournament that will take place at the Paris Gibson Education Center on Saturday, February 18, 2012, one week after the All-Class State Tournament in Billings (Feb. 10-11).

With three seperate high school divisions, Montana wrestling fans for years were prevented from watching Montana's top wrestlers square off. The TOC has created an opportunity for the best of the best to battle it out and crown a true Montana State champion at each weight. The TOC is a tribute to the fans, coaches and wrestlers who make this sport great.

All wrestlers and coaches will be housed at the Town House Inn free of charge and every vehicle used to transport a wrestler will be compensated for their gas mileage.

Who: The winners of each weight class in AA, A, B/C, plus one wildcard

Where: Paris Gibson Education Center - 2400 Central Ave.

When: Sat., Feb. 18, 2012 (the week after State)
1st session: 10:00 a.m., 2nd session: 12 p.m.
Weigh-ins Sat., Feb. 18, 2012 (8-9 a.m.)
5 lb. weight allowance from the highest weight allowed at the State Tournament

Why: To resolve all debates about who is king of the mat.

For further details contact:
Anders Blewett 406-231-8618; anders.blewett@gmail.com
Zander Blewett 406-761-1960

Town House Inn: Official Hotel of TOC

2011-09-01T19:46:00.002-06:00

Town House Inn-Great Falls
http://www.townhouseinngreatfalls.com/
1411 10th Avenue South - Great Falls -(406) 761-4600
All TOC wrestlers & coaches are housed at the Town House Inn.

Blewett Wrestling Scholarship

2011-05-03T03:20:00.002-06:00

Alexander (Zander) Blewett, III, a trial lawyer from Great Falls who practices in the personal injury law firm of Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, will award $1000 Scholarships to the Top Student/Wrestler In All Three Classes: AA, A and B/C.
Zander is a great fan of wrestling. Being a trial lawyer is very similar to wrestling; you prevail by hard work. Zander has spent the majority of his adult life in front of juries handling all types of claims for injured persons in a statewide litigation practice. He wrestled, but not particularly well; his sons, Anders and Drew, who are lawyers and who also wrestled, but with much more distinction. The sport has served them all very well.

The purpose of this scholarship is to award $1000 for the single wrestler in Class AA, Class A and Class B/C who has displayed the best combined qualities of wrestling and academic achievement. The award will go to one senior in each class around the state who best qualifies. You do not have to be the state champion to qualify for this scholarship; if you do win, you must still exhibit good academic achievement. The winner of each class must attend a college somewhere in the United States and a check in the amount of $1000 will be sent to that college to help defray the cost of tuition.

This is the fifth year we have offered this scholarship. Former winners include:

2011
AA - Holden Gagner, Missoula Hellgate
A - Connor Malone, Fergus County
B/C - Cole Rice, Arlee

2010
AA - Shawn Lau, Flathead
A - Ryan Martin, Fergus County
B/C - Robert Stroh, Chinook

2009
AA - Brice Gretch, Billings Skyview
A - Kylan Zumpf, Miles City
B/C - Myles Kittleson, Glasgow

2008
AA - Jared Rohrback, CMR
A - Logan Torgison, Polson
B/C - Ryan Leonard, Simms

2007
AA - Corey Shilhanek, Billings Senior
A - Taylor Nagel, Corvalis
B/C - Colby Johnson, Conrad

A copy of the application form for the most outstanding wrestler/student award has been sent to the coach of each Montana high school wrestling program. To request an electronic copy of the application please contact Jeri at Hoyt & Blewett PLLC. The completed typed application must be post-marked by March 31, and sent to the address below.

Alexander (Zander) Blewett, III,
Hoyt & Blewett PLLC
P.O. Box 2807
Great Falls, MT 59403-2807
Phone (406)761-1960; http://www.hoytblewett.com/ e-mail: zblewett@hoytandblewett.com

Top Student-Wrestlers Receive Blewett Wrestling Scholarship

2011-05-02T13:56:00.002-06:00

For the fifth year in a row Alexander (Zander) Blewett, III, a trial lawyer from the personal injury law firm of Hoyt & Blewett in Great Falls, has offered three $1,000 scholarships to the top student/wrestlers around the state of Montana for Classes “AA”, “A”, and “B/C”.
The scholarships are awarded to the top wrestler from each school classification, who has displayed the best combined qualities of wrestling and academic achievement. This year’s winners exemplify the precise purpose of the scholarships.

Holden Gagner from Missoula Hellgate is the Class “AA” winner. Holden, who carries a 3.84 GPA and will attend the University of Great Falls, was a three-time place winner in the state championships.

The winner in Class “A” is Connor Malone of Fergus County High School. Connor was a two¬ time state champion. Connor carries a 3.67 GPA and will attend MSU in Bozeman or Concordia in Moorhead, Minnesota.

The Class B/C award winner is Cole Rice of Arlee High School. Cole was a two-time state champion. He carries a 3.8 GPA and will attend Boise State University, where he will study Radiology/Pre Med.

2011 TOC Results

2011-02-19T17:22:00.002-07:00

Class B/C Dominates 2011 TOC

Class B/C showcased the depth of its wrestling talent by winning a tournament-high 9 titles at the 3rd Annual Tournament of Champions sponsored by the personal injury law firm of Hoyt and Blewett PLLC in Great Falls. Class A followed with 4 titles while Class AA took home 2 titles. The one-day, single elimination all-star wrestling tournament featured the top wrestlers in the state and took place on Saturday in Great Falls in front of a boisterous crowd of approximately 600. The field of 61 wrestlers from classes AA, A, and B/C included a record-high 31 state champions from last week's all-class wrestling tournament in Billings, including a number of repeat champions. Jade Rauser and Val Rauser of Broadwater both captured their third TOC titles to cap a decorated career which included seven state titles between them. The event was marked by numerous competitive matches involving state champions from AA, A and B/C. “This is the most champs we’ve had yet,” said tournament sponsor and Great Falls attorney Zander Blewett. "The state champs went out and put on a real spectacle for the crowd. We tip our hats to every wrestler who showed up because they not only put their state title's on the line, they left their hearts on the mat," added Blewett.

The Following wrestlers earned titles.

98
Grant Boggs, Helena High
105
Zac Harney, Butte
112
Luke Schlosser, Conrad
119
Jade Rauser, Broadwater
125
Taylor French, Forsyth
130
Val Rauser, Broadwater
135
Luke Zeiger, Glasgow
140
Dallen Brauer, Forsyth
145
Eli Hinebauch, Havre
152
Brad Nordahl, Frenchtown
160
Connor Malone, Fergus
171
Taylor Vaughn, Eureka
189
Ben Stroh, Chinook
215
Jorrell Jones, Chinook
Hwt.
Josiah Clairmont, Polson

Results

98
Pigtail
Dylan Schulte, Missoula Sentinel dec. Gage Currier, Colstrip, 11-1.

Semis
Karson Kukes, Laurel pin Dylan Schulte, Missoula Sentinel, 3:54.
Grant Boggs, Helena tech. fall Maestro Martinez, Wolf Point, 15-0.

Finals
Grant Boggs, Helena dec. Karson Kukes, Laurel, 9-2.

105
Pigtail
Glenn Hensley, Frenchtown pin Tyler Forcella, Dawson, 5:14.

Semis
Zac Harney, Butte dec. Dillon Tennant, Dawson, 8-6.
Teague Jones, Harlem pin Glenn Hensley, Frenchtown, 3:11.

Finals
Zac Harney, Butte dec. Teague Jones, Harlem, 4-2.

112
Pigtails
Josh Mann, Colstrip dec. Gabe Schroeck, Helena, 2-0.
Chris Nile, Forsyth dec. Craig Feistner, Polson, 4-0

Semis
Luke Schlosser, Conrad dec. Chris Nile, Forsyth, 3-1
Tyler Kinn, Dawson dec. Josh Mann, Colstrip, 14-9.

Finals
Luke Schlosser, Conrad pin Tyler Kinn, Dawson, 1:35.

119
Semis
Jade Rauser, Broadwater maj. dec. Bryce Weatherston, Belgrade, 15-2.
Duel Stadel, Havre maj. dec. Braden Hallock, Glasgow, 14-1.

Finals
Jade Rauser, Broadwater pin Duel Stadel, Havre, 1:01.

125
Semis
Taylor French, Forsyth pin Tanner Lund, Florence, 4:31.
Justin Whitman, Columbia Falls pin Tanner Johnson, Broadwater, 3:54.

Finals
Taylor French, Forsyth dec. Justin Whitman, Columbia Falls, 13-6.

130
Pigtail
Brandon Weber, Forsyth dec. Shawn Tezak, Dillon, 4-0.

Semis
Val Rauser, Broadwater tech. fall. Zach Westre, Frenchtown, 20-5.
Cole Mendenhall, GFHS dec. Brandon Weber, Forsyth, 10-2.

Finals
Val Rauser, Broadwater dec. Cole Mendenhall, GFHS, 11-3.

135
Finals
Luke Zeiger, Glasgow pin Travis Davis, Corvallis, 5:35.

140
Semis
Jesse Werdal, Choteau dec. Tyler Christians, Helena, 9-3.
Dallen Brauer, Forsyth pin Kyle Leir, Libby; 1:18.

Finals
Dallen Brauer, Forsyth dec. Jesse Werdal, Choteau, 4-1.

145
Semis
Eli Hinebauch, Havre dec. Dylan Mendenhall, GFHS, 3-2.

Finals
Eli Hinebauch, Havre dec. Cole Rice, Arlee, 4-1.

152
Semis
Shane St. Onge, Glacier dec. Jacen Petersen, St. Ignatius, 10-2
Brad Nordahl, Frenchtown pin Josh Seeberger, Missoula Sentinel, 4:31.

Finals
Brad Nordahl, Frenchtown dec. Shane St. Onge, Glacier, 4-2.

160
Semis
Dylan Kramer, Laurel dec. Barrett Stanghill, Drummond, 7-3.
Connor Malone, Fergus pin Dylan Berget, Libby, 5:15.

Finals
Connor Malone, Fergus dec. Dylan Kramer, Laurel, 9-3.

171
Semis
Taylor Vaughn, Eureka dec. Cole McAruthur, Ronan, 5-4.

Finals
Taylor Vaughn, Eureka dec. Chris Yocum, Butte, 9-3.

189
Pigtail
Levi Cade, Belgrade dec. Skyler Carroll, Livingston 6-3.

Semis
Toby Cheff, Ronan dec. Boyce Ballard, Glacier, 8-0.
Ben Stroh, Chinook pin Levi Cade, Belgrade, 2:41.

Finals
Ben Stroh, Chinook dec. Toby Cheff, Ronan, 17-6.

215
Semis
Jorrell Jones, Chinook dec. Trevor Conrad, Dawson, 6-0.
KC Sutton, Florence dec. Brock Calvi, Cut Bank, 5-4.

Finals
Jorrell Jones, Chinook dec. KC Sutton, Florence, 9-1.

Hwt.
Semis
Josiah Clairmont, Polson pin Tucker Yates, Colstrip, 1:50

Finals
Josiah Clairmont, Polson pin Chaz Hopstad, Glasgow, 2:37.

Brackets for 2011 TOC

2011-02-17T22:15:00.001-07:00

98
Schulte-Sent. v. Kukes-Laurel
Martinez-Wolf Point v. Boggs-Hel. High

105
Harney-Butte v. Tennant-Glendive
Hensley-Frenchtown v. Forcella-Glendive (Pigtail) winner wrestles Jones-Harlem

112
Nile-Forsyth v. Feistner-Polson (Pigtail) winner wrestles Schlosser-Conrad
Schroeck-Hel.High v. Mann-Colstrip (Pigtail) winner wrestles Kinn-Glendive

119
Rauser-Broadwater v. Weatherston-Belgrade
Hallock-Glasgow v. Stadel-Havre

125
French-Forsyth v. Lund-Florence
Johnson-Broadwater v. Whitman-Col. Falls

130
Rauser-Broadwater v. Westre-Frenchtown
Weber-Forsyth v. Tezak-Dillon (Pigtail) winner wrestles Mendenhall-GFHS

135
Zeiger-Glasgow v. Davis-Corvallis

140
Werdal-Choteau v. Christians-Hel. High
Leir-Libby v. Brauer-Forsyth

145
Hinebauch-Havre v. Mendenhall-GFHS
Martin-Fergus v. Rice-Arlee

152
St. Onge-Glacier v. Pribyl-Havre
Petersen-St. Ignatius v. Seeberger-Sent. (Pigtail) winner wrestles Nordahl-Frenchtown

160
Stanghill-Drummond v. Kramer-Laurel
Berget-Libby v. Francis-Flathead (Pigtail) winner wrestles Malone-Fergus

171
Yocum-Butte v. Shaub-Havre
Vaughn-Eureka v. McAruthur-Ronan

189
Cheff-Ronan v. Ballard-Glacier
Cade-Belgrad v. Carroll-Livingston (Pigtail) winner wrestles Stroh-Chinook

215
Conrad-Glendive v. Jones-Chinook
Calvi-Cut Bank v. Sutton-Florence

Hwt.
Clairmont-Polson v. Yates-Colstrip (winner wrestles Hopstad-Glasgow)

Record # of Champs confirmed for TOC

2011-02-11T11:42:00.018-07:00

This year's TOC is set to be the biggest event yet including some epic matchups. The 60 wrestler field will feature 35 champs, including 31 current champs and 4 former champs.

Jade Rauser (4 time champ) vs. Duel Stadel (2 time champ)
Val Rauser (3 time champ) vs. Cole Mendenhall (3 time champ)
Ben Stroh (3 time champ) vs. Toby Cheff (2 time champ)

and many more....

Below is a list of confirmed wrestlers and we are still awaiting final confirmations from a few wrestlers...

Confirmed Wrestlers

98
Grant Boggs-Hel. High*
Maestro Martinez-Wolf Point*
Karson Kukes-Laurel*
Dylan Schulte-Sentinel
Shay Snider-Harlem

105
Dillon Tennant-Glendive*
Teague Jones-Harlem*
Zac Harney-Butte*
Glenn Hensley-Frenchtown
Tyler Forcella-Glendive

112
Luke Schlosser-Conrad*
Gabe Schroeck-Hel. High*
Tyler Kinn-Glendive*
Chris Nile-Forsyth
Craig Feistner-Polson
Josh Mann-Colstrip (past champion)

119
Jade Rauser-Broadwater*
Duel Stadel-Havre*
Bryce Weatherston-Belgrade (past champion)
Braden Hallock-Glasgow

125
Taylor French-Forsyth*
Justin Whitman-Columbia Falls
Tanner Johnson-Broadwater
Tanner Lund-Florence

130
Cole Mendenhall-GFHS*
Val Rauser-Broadwater*
Zach Westre-Frenchtown*
Brandon Weber-Forsyth
Shawn Tezak-Dillon

135
Luke Zeiger-Glasgow*
Travis Davis-Corvallis*

140
Jesse Werdal-Choteau*
Kyle Leir-Libby*
Dallen Brauer-Forsyth (past champion)
Tyler Christians-Hel. High

145
Cole Rice-Arlee*
Eli Hinebauch-Havre*
Rex Martin-Fergus
Dylan Mendenhall-GFHS (past champion)

152
Brad Nordahl-Frenchtown*
Shane St. Onge-Glacier
Kameron Pribyl-Havre
Jacen Petersen-St. Ignatius
Josh Seeberger-Sentinel

160
Connor Malone-Fergus*
Barrett Stanghill-Drummond*
Dylan Kramer-Laurel
Larry Francis-Flathead
Dylan Berget-Libby

171
Chris Yocum-Butte*
Cole McCarthur-Ronan*
Taylor Vaughn-Eureka
Casey Shaub-Havre

189
Ben Stroh-Chinook*
Toby Cheff-Ronan*
Boyce Ballard-Glacier*
Levi Cade-Belgrade
Skyler Carroll-Livingston

215
Jorrell Jones-Chinook*
Brock Calvi-Cut Bank
KC Sutton-Florence
Trevor Conrad-Glendive

Hwt.
Chaz Hopstad-Glasgow*
Tucker Yates-Colstrip
Josiah Clairmont-Polson

TOC All-Class Wrestling Poll Released 1/5/2012

2011-01-05T12:47:00.000-07:00

The organizers of the 4th Annual Tournament of Champions (TOC) from the personal injury law firm of Hoyt and Blewett PLLC in Great Falls have released an All-Class High School Wrestling Poll. The poll, which was generated with input from high school wrestling coaches from around the state, combines the wrestlers in Class AA, A, and B-C to recognize the top wrestlers in each weight class in Montana. Class AA leads with 6 number one ranked wrestlers.

98- Schmidt, Senior; Komac, Great Falls; McDaniel, Forsyth; Brenna, Havre

105- Bailey, Helena; Wegner, Senior; Dobson, Great Falls; Snider, Harlem

112- Boggs, Helena; Schulte, Sentinel; Jones, Sidney; Minkoff, Senior; Harney, Butte

119- Schlosser, Conrad; Schroeck, Helena; Kukes, Laurel; Waterson, Skyview; Temme, West

125- Kinn, Dawson; Gernot, Fergus; Feistner, Polson; Shupe, Great Falls; Weatherston, Belgrade

130- Cathey, Skyview; French, Forsyth; Kolp, Bozeman; Mitchell, Glacier

135- Morin, Great Falls; Kukes, Laurel; Nile, Forsyth; Ishler, Frenchtown

140- Zeiger, Glasgow; Mendenhall, Great Falls; Davis, Corvallis; Tezak, Dillon

145- Leir, Libby; Malone, Fergus; Christianson, Broadwater; Sipe, Glacier

152- Hinebauch, Havre; Brauer, Forsyth; Shelton, Skyview; Cooper, Laurel

160- Kramer, Laurel; Stanghill, Drummond; Sulser, Senior; St. Onge, Glacier; Nagel, Corvallis

171- Francis, Flathead; Gosselin, Laurel; Dillon, Skyview; Paine, Senior

189- Stroh, Chinook; Fulton, Forsyth; Schaub, Havre; Leinwand, West

215- Jones, Chinook; Maier, Big Sky; Koslowsky, Dillon; Boucher, Laurel

HWT- Yates, Colstrip; Erickson, Helena; Neulib, Sidney; Clairmont, Polson

Top Student-Wrestlers Receive Blewett Wrestling Scholarship

2010-04-05T11:04:00.001-06:00

For the forth year in a row Alexander (Zander) Blewett, III, a trial lawyer from the law firm of Hoyt & Blewett in Great Falls, has offered three $1,000 scholarships to the top student/wrestlers around the state of Montana for Classes “AA”, “A”, and “B/C”. The scholarships are awarded to the top wrestler from each school classification, who has displayed the best combined qualities of wrestling and academic achievement. This year’s winners include a trio of three-time state wrestling champions who have also excelled academically.

Shawn Lau of Flathead High School in Kalispell is the Class “AA” winner. Lau was a three-time state champion and a one-time runner up, who carries a 3.7 GPA and will attend the University of Great Falls, where he will wrestle for the Argos.

The winner in Class “A” is Ryan Martin of Fergus County High School. Martin was also a three-time state champion and a second place finisher his junior year, when he was edged out by longtime rival, Myles Mazurkiewicz, who this year, as a freshman, was runner up at the NAIA National Wrestling Tournament in Oklahoma City. Martin carries a 3.9 GPA and will attend the University of Great Falls, where he will wrestle for the Argos.

The Class B/C award winner is Robert Stroh of Chinook High School. Stroh was also a three-time state champion and a one-time runner up. Stroh carries a 3.8 GPA and will attend Boise State University, where he will study mechanical engineering and wrestle for the Broncos.

“This is by far the strongest group of applicants we’ve ever had for the scholarship,” said Zander Blewett. “It’s refreshing to see so many top wrestlers excel in the classroom.”

About the Sponsors of the Tournament

2010-04-01T06:01:00.000-06:00

Zander Blewett has spent his entire adult life in the courtroom handling jury trials for injured persons at the law firm of Hoyt and Blewett PLLC. His son, Anders, also a trial lawyer, as well as a state legislator, was a former state Montana wrestling championship. Trial work is very similar to wrestling in that both require hard work and dedication in order to be successful. The Blewetts strongly believe in the sport of wrestling and the life lessons it teaches. Over the years the Blewetts have done much to promote the sport of wrestling including:

* Designing, promoting, and funding the 1st ever Tournament of Champions in Great Falls.

* Donating a substantial sum for the design and construction of the Bison Wrestling Room addition to Great Falls High School.

* Designing and funding the Blewett Family Scholarship for Great Falls High student-athletes, which pay up to $6,000 a year to assist with college education;

* Annually donating funds for scholarships for wrestler-students at Cascade, Simms, Fort Benton, Conrad, Choteau, Fairfield, Havre, and Cut Bank High Schools

* Annually donating a significant scholarship for the best wrestler-student in the state of Montana for Classes "AA", "A", and "B/C";

* Donating funds for the University of Great Falls wrestling program.

Picts from 2010 TOC

2010-02-20T21:19:00.000-07:00

The Champs
Photos Courtesy of Great Falls Tribune

Class B/C Dominates 2010 TOC

2010-02-20T21:12:00.000-07:00

Class B/C showcased the depth of its wrestling talent by winning a tournament-high 8 championships at the 2nd Annual Tournament of Champions sponsored by the law firm of Hoyt and Blewett PLLC in Great Falls. Class A followed with 6 Champions. Class AA's lone champion was Dillon Mendenhall of Great Falls who upset Glasgow's undefeated two-time State Champion, sophmore Luke Zeiger in the finals. The one-day, single elimination all-star wrestling tournament featured the top wrestlers in the state and took place in Great Falls, Saturday February 2th in front of a boistrouis crowd of approximately 700. The field of 52 wrestlers from classes AA, A, and B/C included 28 state champions from last week's all-class wrestling tournament in Billings, including a number of repeat champions. The event was marked by numerous close matches involving state champions from AA, A and B/C. “That's the highest caliber of wrestling I've ever witnessed at the high school level,” said tournament sponsor and Great Falls attorney Zander Blewett. "The state champs went out and put on a real spectacle for the crowd. We tip our hats to every wrestler who showed up because they not only put their state title's on the line, they left their hearts on the mat," added Blewett.
The Following wrestlers earned championships.
98
Tyler Kinn, Glendive
105
Luke Schlosser, Conrad
112
Chris Wagner, Broadwater
119
Jade Rauser, Broadwater
125
Val Rauser, Broadwater
130
Dylan Mendenhall, GFH
135
Garrett Tennant, Glendive
140
Ryan Martin, Fergus
145
Jamie Peterson, St. Ignatius
152
Kent Pattison, Havre
160
Robert Stroh, Chinook
171
Brock Picard, Polson
189
Chaz Hopstad, Glasgow
215
Kelly Houle, Columbia Falls
Hwt.
Tyrell Shumway, Glasgow

RESULTS
98
Semis
Tyler Kinn, Glendive dec. Kaleb Mitchell, Glacier, 6-0.
Craig Feistner, Polson dec. Josh Mann, Colstrip, 5-4.
Finals
Tyler Kinn, Glendive dec. Craig Feistner, Polson 9-0.

105
Semis
Luke Schlosser, Conrad pin Holden Gagner, Hellgate, 3:41.
Finals
Luke Schlosser, Conrad dec. Bryce Weatherston, Belgrade, 5-2.

112
Semis
Chris Wagner, Broadwater dec. Colin Rupert, Boz, 11-3.
Duel Stadel, Havre pin Trey McDaniel, Forsyth, 2:59
Finals
Chris Wagner, Broadwater dec. Duel Stadel, Havre 6-5.

119
Semis
Cole Mendenhall, GFH pin Braden Hallock, Glasgow, 1:46
Finals
Jade Rauser, Broadwater dec. Cole Mendenhall, GFH, 5-4.

125
Semis
Val Rauser, Broadwater pin Garrett Rath, Forsyth, 2:33.
Josh Morin, GFH pin Travis Davis, Corvallis, 3:14.
Finals
Val Rauser, Broadwater dec. Josh Morin, GFH. 5-2.
130
Semis
Dylan Mendenhall, GFH dec. Derek Rogers, Cascade-Simms, 3-1 OT.
Finals
Dylan Mendenhall, GFH, dec. Luke Zeiger, Glasgow 6-0.
135
Semis
Jesse Werdal, Choteau, dec. Dalton Roundy, Darby 9-1.
Finals
Garrett Tennant, Glendive dec. Jesse Werdal, Choteau, 4-2.

140
Semis
Ryan Martin, Fergus injury default Shay Christiansen, Broadwater, 2:00.
Cole Rice, Arlee dec. Kyle Moyer, Big Sky, 9-4.
Finals
Ryan Martin, Fergus dec. Cole Rice, Arlee, 5-3.

145
Jamie Peterson, St. Ignatius, dec. Rex Martin, Fergus, 4-2 OT
Finals
Jame Petersen, St. Ignatius, dec. Johnny Schlosser, Conrad, 2-1.

152
Semis
Kent Pattison, Havre dec. Willie Miller, Chinook, 7-5.
Finals
Kent Pattison, Havre dec. Michael Carpenter, Boz., 5-4 3OT.
160
Semis
Connor Malone, Fergus pin Tucker Holstein, Glasgow. 3:27.
Finals
Robert Stroh, Chinook pin Connor Malone, Fergus. 6:50 OT.

171
Semis
Kyle Sweedman, Libby Pin Adam Moore, Noxon, 0:52.
Finals
Brock Picard, Polson dec. Kyle Sweedman, Libby. 5-4.

189
Semis
Kody Berget, Libby pin Jake Stewart, Columbus, 3:45.
Finals
Chaz Hopstad, Glasgow dec. Kody Berget, Libby, 15-13.

215
Semis
Kelly Houle, Columbia Falls dec. Jorrell Jones, Chinook, 3-1
Parker Miller, Glasgow dec. Bentley Alsup, Sentinel, 14-10
Finals
Kelly Houle, Columbia Falls dec. Parker Miller, Glasgow, 13-2.
Hwt.
Semis
Tyrell Shumway, Glasgow, pin Tucker Erickson, Helena High. 1:34
Mitch Schnittgen, Havre pin Dan Gilbert, Glacier. 3:23.
Finals
Tyrell Shumway, Glasgow dec. Mitch Schnittgen, Havre; 7-1.

All-Class Montana Wrestling Rankings 1.23.2011

2010-01-23T20:09:00.000-07:00

Class B/C leads with 7 number one ranked wrestlers.

2009 Tournament of Champion Results

2010-01-03T17:32:00.000-07:00

98 - Cole Mendenhall, Great Falls High
105 - Jade Rauser, Broadwater County
112 - Val Rauser, Broadwater County
119 - David Demo, Bozeman
125 - Joaquin Calderon, Flathead
130 - Shawn Lau, Flathead
135 - Myles Mazurkiewicz, Havre
140 - Kent Pattison, Havre
145 - Tyler Elm, Billings Skyview
152 - Larry Francis, Glacier High School
160 – Chaz Hopstad, Glasgow
171 - Brock Picard, Polson
189 - Myles Kittleson, Glasgow
215 - Chance Rauscher, Glasgow
HWT - Toby Erickson, Helena

98
Semi Finals
Cole Mendenhall, Great Falls High School, pin. Holden Gagner, Missoula Hellgate. Fall 3:22
Luke Schloser, Conrad dec. Nik Hinebauch, Skyview Billings, 6-4.
Finals
Cole Mendenhall, GFHS pinned Luke Schosser, Con. 3:42

105
Semi Finals
Jade Rauser, Broadwater County, pinned Duel Stadel, Havre, 2:23
Dylan Mendanhall, GFHS dec. Clay Cathey, Billings Skyview, 10-7.
Finals
Jade Rauser, Broadwater County, pinned Dylan Mendenhall, GFHS, 3:55

112
Pigtails
Riley Berry, Boz. dec. Cliff Evans, Sentinel, 4-3
Semi Finals
Val Rauser, Broadwater County, pinned Cliff Evans, Sentinel, 2:58
Sam Shelton, Billings Skyview dec. Tyler Steadman, Frenchtown, 8-5
Finals
Val Rauser, Broadwater County, pinned Sam Shelton, Skyview, 4:55

119
Semifinals
Alejandro Calderon, Flathead dec. Kylan Zumpf, Miles City 13-12
David Demo, Boz. dec. Jake Trujillo, Arlee 7-0
Finals
David Demo, Boz. dec. Alejandro Calderon, Flathead, 19-3

125
Semifinal
Niko Guymon, Helena High dec. Seth Snyder Huntley Project, 3-2.
Finals
Joaquin Calderon, Flat, pinned Niko Guymon, Hel. High, 2:50.

130
Pigtail
Kyle Taranto, Boz. dec. Cole Rice, Arlee 9 -4
Semifinal
Shawn Lau, Flathead dec. Kyle Taranto, Boz., 5-3
Brice Gretch, Billings Skyview dec. Casey Makor, Miles City, 8-4.
Finals
Shawn Lau, Flathead dec. Brice Gretch, Billings Skyview, 1-0

135
Semifinal
Marshall Carpenter, Bozeman dec. Tanner Beaman, Flathead 11-1
Finals
Myles Mazurkiewicz, Havre, dec. Marshall Carpenter, Bozeman 14-4

140
Semifinals
Kent Pattison, Havre dec. Jeremiah Hays, Shelby 12-4
Brad Nordahl, Frenchtown dec. Sam Brown, Colstrip 2-0
Finals
Pattison, Havre dec. Nordahl, Frenchtown, 5-3

145
Semifinal
Tyler Elm, Billings Skyview dec. Cole Schram, Belgrade, 1-0.
Finals
Tyler Elm, Billings Skyview, dec. Britton Thompson, Broadwater County, 7-5.

152
Semifinals
Larry Francis, Glacier, pinned Connor Malone, Fergus County, 0:26
Casey Schaub, Havre dec. Tucker Taylor Belgrade, 3-1.
Final
Larry Francis, Glacier, pinned Casey Schaub, Havre, 2:44

160
Semifinal
Chaz Hopstad, Glasgow dec. Jordan Malarchick, Belgrade, 13-11 OT.
Josh Hamilton, Missoula Sentinel dec. Brady DeCock, Huntley Project, 8-6.
Final
Hopstad, Glasgow, dec. Hamilton, Missoula Sentinel, 10-8

171
Final
Brock Picard, Polson dec. Seth Wright, Libby, 9-2

189
Semifinals
Myles Kittleson Glasgow dec. Philip Prickett, Belgrade 6-4
Zach Wichman, Great Falls High pinned Craig Ashworth, Florence, 0:19
Final
Myles Kittleson, Glasgow, pinned Wichman, Great Falls High, 3:05.

215
Semifinals
Chance Rauscher, Glasgow, pin. Matt Cable Great Falls High 3:42
Kelly Houle, Columbia Falls dec. Parker Miller Glasgow, 9-4.
Finals
Chance Rauscher, Glasgow dec. Kelly Houle, Columbia Falls, 9-4

HWT
Semifinal
Toby Erickson, Helena, pinned Colton Hill, Glasgow; 3:27
Ethan Tweet, Fort Benton dec. Mitch Schnittgen, Havre, 4-2.
Final
Toby Erickson, Helena dec. Ethan Tweet, Fort Benton 3-1.

Record # of Champs Confirmed for 2010 TOC

2010-01-01T11:46:00.000-07:00

98
Tyler Kinn, Glendive
Josh Mann, Colstrip
Craig Feistner, Polson
Kaleb Mitchell, Glacier
105
Luke Schlosser, Conrad
Bryce Weatherston, Belgrade
Tyler French, Forsyth
Holden Gagner, Hellgate
112
Chris Wagner, Broadwater
Duel Stadel, Havre
Colin Rupert, Boz
Trey McDaniel, Forsyth
119
Jade Rauser, Broadwater
Cole Mendenhall, GFH
Braden Hallock, Glasgow
125
Val Rauser, Broadwater
Josh Morin, GFH
Travis Davis, Corvallis
Garrett Rath, Forsyth
130
Luke Zeiger, Glasgow
Dylan Mendenhall, GFH
Derek Rogers, Cascade-Simms
135
Dallen Brauer, Forsyth
Garrett Tennant, Glendive
Dalton Roundy, Darby
Jesse Werdal, Choteau
140
Ryan Martin, Fergus
Cole Rice, Arlee
Kyle Moyer, Big Sky
Shay Christiansen, Broadwater
145
Rex Martin, Fergus
Johnny Schlosser, Conrad
Jamie Peterson, St. Ignatius
152
Michael Carpenter, Boz
Kent Pattison, Havre
Willie Miller, Chinook
Britt Thompson, Broadwater
160
Robert Stroh, Chinook
Connor Malone, Fergus
Tucker Holstein, Glasgow
171
Brock Picard, Polson
Kyle Sweedman, Libby
Adam Moore, Noxon
Casey Schaub, Havre
189
Chaz Hopstad, Glasgow
Kody Berget, Libby
Jake Stewart, Columbus
215
Kelly Houle, Col. Falls
Bentley Alsup, Sentinel
Parker Miller, Glasgow
Jorrell Jones, Chinook
Hwt.
Tyrell Shumway, Glasgow
Mitch Schnittgen, Havre
Tucker Erickson, Helena High
Dan Gilbert, Glacier

All-Class Montana Wrestling Rankings 12.27.2010

2009-12-27T12:03:00.000-07:00

Class B/C leads with 7 number one ranked wrestlers.

GF Tribune Coverage of 2009 TOC

2009-02-22T10:43:00.000-07:00

February 22, 2009

Champions keep dreams alive at Swarthout

By SCOTT MANSCH Tribune Asst. Sports Editor

The wrestling Rauser brothers have Olympic dreams, so it wasn't lost on them that Saturday's inaugural Meet of Champions was in the same gymnasium at Great Falls High that once featured victories by the Zadick boys.
Jade and Val Rausers are sophomores at Broadwater County High in Townsend, where they've already established quite a wrestling legacy. In Great Falls there is also a considerable mat tradition, which includes a world championship by Bill Zadick and, last summer, and Olympic appearance by his brother Mike.
"I was thinking about that," Jade Rauser. "This is where they used to wrestle."
Hopes and dreams were most definitely alive in the venerable fieldhouse Saturday as the Tournament of Champions produced an exciting afternoon of wrestling before a crowd of about 750.
"It wasn't beyond our expectations but it was right there," said Great Falls attorney Zander Blewett, who along with sons Anders and Drew worked for nearly a year to organize the event. "The wrestlers and coaches were fantastic, and we probably had more people than we thought might. And next year we'll do way better."
More than half of the 45 individual champions from the All-Class Championships came to the Electric City for an additional weekend of grappling. Some were there for a mulligan after disappointing finales at the All-Classer. Others who will graduate in the spring showed up for a final nostalgic cameo in school colors.
And a few, like the Rauser twins, were here because it was just the next meet on the schedule. Jade won the 105-pound title and Val was the 112 champion on Saturday.
"We were just looking for the competition," said Jade. "We started working out with our Cobra (AAU) club last week and we'll be in a tournament in Butte (today). We'll be starting Greco and Freestyle so we can get ready for this summer in Fargo and the Junior Nationals."
And in a few years?
"Hopefully by the next Olympics we'll be able to try out," Jade said.
The Tournament of Champions attracted 57 athletes who competed in semifinals and finals in the spotlight at Swarthout. The Glasgow Scotties had the most individual champions with three, while teams from Havre, Kalispell Flathead and Townsend had two each.
Havre's winners included Myles Mazurkiewicz (135) and Kent Pattison (140). Mazurkiewicz is a senior who will undoubtedly be wrestling in college next winter, while Pattison is a junior who figures to be a team leader next season as the powerhouse Blue Ponies of head coach Scott Filius seek more mat glory in the Treasure State.
Mazurkiewicz, a two-time Class A state champion, has already earned a lot of that. He was smiling Saturday afternoon when asked about the first Tournament of Champions.
"It's realy encouraging," Mazurkiewicz said. "Some people said it's meant to degrade other wrestlers, but I don't find that at all. It's just a case of let's get out there and wrestle to see who's the best. You've really got nothing to lose."
Other highlights were provided by the Glasgow Scotties, as superstars Myles Kittleson (189) and Chance Rauscher (215) both added to their unbeaten senior seasons with T of C championships. Sophomore Chaz Hopstad (160) also won twice, defeating athletes from both Class A and Class AA.
Class AA finished with seven champions on Saturday. Among the winners was Helena High heavyweight Toby Erickson, the largest of the large in the division. Erickson edged longtime friend Ethan Tweet of Fort Benton — a three-time Class B-C champion — 3-1 in the championship finals.
"I think it's phenomenal that they were able to do this," said Erickson. "Just a great opportunity."
Erickson did not lose a match his last two seasons in a Bengal uniform and will compete for Boise State next season. He said there might just be a bright future for the Tournament of Champions.
"I think kids would enjoy it, but we've got to get all the state champions," said Erickson.
The Blewetts tried. Next year they promise to try even harder.
"We're not going to have to sell the concept next year, because all the coaches are with us and aware of us," said Zander Blewett. "This has been very rewarding and a lot of fun."
Mazurkiewicz knows what he's talking about.
"They treated us very well all weekend," said the Havre standout. "It was a good experience and I hope it continues."
Other winners at the Tournament of Champions included Cole Mendenhall of Great Falls High (98), David Demo of Bozeman (119), Joaquin Calderon of Kalispell Flathead (125), Shawn Lau of Kalispell Flathead (130), Tyler Elm of Billings Skyview (145), Larry Francis of Kalispell Glacier (152) and Brock Picard of Polson (171).
TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS
98
Semifinals
Cole Mendenhall, Great Falls High, pinned Holden Gagner, Missoula Hellgate, 3:22
Luke Schlosser, Conrad, dec. Nik Hinebauch, Billings Skyview, 6-4.
Finals
Cole Mendenhall, Great Falls High, pinned Luke Schlosser, Conrad, 3:42
105
Semifinals
Jade Rauser, Townsend, pinned Duel Stadel, Havre, 2:23
Dylan Mendanhall, Great Falls High, dec. Clay Cathey, Billings Skyview, 10-7.
Finals
Jade Rauser, Townsend, pinned Dylan Mendenhall, Great Falls High, 3:55
112
Pigtails
Riley Berry, Bozeman, dec. Cliff Evans, Missoula Sentinel, 4-3
Semifinals
Val Rauser, Townsend, pinned Cliff Evans, Missoula Sentinel, 2:58
Sam Shelton, Billings Skyview, dec. Tyler Steadman, Frenchtown, 8-5
Finals
Val Rauser, Townsend, pinned Sam Shelton, Billings Skyview, 4:55
119
Semifinals
Alejandro Calderon, Kalispell Flathead, dec. Kylan Zumpf, Miles City, 13-12
David Demo, Bozeman, dec. Jake Trujillo, Arlee, 7-0
Finals
David Demo, Bozeman, dec. Alejandro Calderon, Kalispell Flathead, 19-3
125
Semifinal
Niko Guymon, Helena High, dec. Seth Snyder Huntley Project, 3-2.
Finals
Joaquin Calderon, Kalispell Flathead, pinned Niko Guymon, Helena High, 2:50.
130
Pigtail
Kyle Taranto, Bozeman, dec. Cole Rice, Arlee, 9-4
Semifinals
Shawn Lau, Kalispell Flathead, dec. Kyle Taranto, Bozeman, 5-3
Brice Gretch, Billings Skyview, dec. Casey Makor, Miles City, 8-4.
Finals
Shawn Lau, Kalispell Flathead dec. Brice Gretch, Billings Skyview, 1-0
135
Semifinals
Marshall Carpenter, Bozeman, dec. Tanner Beaman, Kalispell Flathead, 11-1
Finals
Myles Mazurkiewicz, Havre, dec. Marshall Carpenter, Bozeman, 14-4
140
Semifinals
Kent Pattison, Havre, dec. Jeremiah Hayes, Shelby, 12-4
Brad Nordahl, Frenchtown, dec. Sam Brown, Colstrip, 2-0
Finals
Kent Pattison, Havre, dec. Brad Nordahl, Frenchtown, 5-3
145
Semifinal
Tyler Elm, Billings Skyview, dec. Cole Schram, Belgrade, 1-0.
Finals
Tyler Elm, Billings Skyview, dec. Britton Thompson, Townsend, 7-5.
152
Semifinals
Larry Francis, Kalispell Glacier, pinned Connor Malone, Lewistown, :26
Casey Schaub, Havre, dec. Tucker Taylor, Belgrade, 3-1.
Finals
Larry Francis, Kalispell Glacier, pinned Casey Schaub, Havre, 2:44
160
Semifinals
Chaz Hopstad, Glasgow, dec. Jordan Malarchick, Belgrade, 13-11 OT.
Josh Hamilton, Missoula Sentinel, dec. Brady DeCock, Huntley Project, 8-6.
Finals
Chaz Hopstad, Glasgow, dec. Josh Hamilton, Missoula Sentinel, 10-8
171
(No semifinals)
Finals
Brock Picard, Polson, dec. Seth Wright, Libby, 9-2
189
Semifinals
Myles Kittleson, Glasgow, dec. Philip Prickett, Belgrade, 6-4
Zach Wichman, Great Falls High, pinned Craig Ashworth, Florence, :19
Finals
Myles Kittleson, Glasgow, pinned Zach Wichman, Great Falls High, 3:05.
215
Semifinals
Chance Rauscher, Glasgow, pin. Matt Cable, Great Falls High, 3:42
Kelly Houle, Columbia Falls, dec. Parker Miller, Glasgow, 9-4.
Finals
Chance Rauscher, Glasgow, dec. Kelly Houle, Columbia Falls, 9-4
HWT
Semifinals
Toby Erickson, Helena High, pinned Colton Hill, Glasgow, 3:27
Ethan Tweet, Fort Benton, dec. Mitch Schnittgen, Havre, 4-2.
Finals
Toby Erickson, Helena High, dec. Ethan Tweet, Fort Benton, 3-1.

2009 TOC Pictures

2009-02-21T17:01:00.001-07:00

The following photos were taken by photographer Allen Dahl:

Following photos courtesy of Great Falls Tribune

GF Tribune Preview of 2009 TOC

2009-02-21T01:37:00.000-07:00

February 21, 2009

Winners aplenty in town for inaugural T of C

By SCOTT MANSCH Tribune Asst. Sports Editor
Only those who have found consistent success on the mat will be in the spotlight today at the inaugural Tournament of Championships at Swarthout Fieldhouse.
But the real winners are wrestling fans throughout central Montana and beyond.
"We believe this will be rewarding for the wrestlers and coaches," said Drew Blewett, whose family and law firm are sponsoring the event. "It should be great for fans to watch some high-quality wrestling here in Great Falls."
The action begins this morning at 10:30 with introductions. The semifinals start at 11, with the championship finals slated to start about 1:30 this afternoon. Tickets priced at $10 will be available at the door.
Today marks the fruition of a project that's been planned for months, a venture to attract champions from all three of Montana's high school classifications in a tournament to determine champions of champions at each of the 15 weight classes. The law firm of Hoyt, Blewett PLLC is providing free lodging for coaches and wrestlers, plus considerable mileage compensation for the athletes.
But there's no free pass in any of the weight classes.
"It'll be hard," said heavyweight Ethan Tweet of Fort Benton, one of the many champs will be test their abilities today. "It should be all-around good competition."
Of the 45 first-place winners from last weekend's 21st All-Class Championships in Billings, 23 have agreed to compete. Five former champions are also entered. The winners come from all corners of Montana, including the teams that emerged on top last weekend — Kalispell Flathead, Havre and Glasgow.
In addition, athletes from Great Falls High and Billings Skyview will extend their rich rivalry.
And in the case of Tweet, old acquaintances may well be renewed. Tweet, a three-time Class B-C state champion who has signed to play football for the Montana Grizzlies, could be headed today for a heavyweight showdown against Helena High star Toby Erickson.
Erickson, a two-time Class AA champion who will wrestle next season at Boise State, is unbeaten this season.
"We're really good friends," said Tweet. "He's a hard worker and a great kid who really loves the sport."
Forgive them, though, if this afternoon there are no pleasantries exchanged during what promises to be a battle of bears at Swarthout.
Tweet was asked about the concept of an additional tournament following the climax of the All-Class Championships.
"I knew if I won a state title I was going to try it," he said of the T of C. "There's nothing to lose, really."
Of course, none of these fellows is accustomed to losing. So doesn't the prospect of more top-notch competition the week after the state champions have been determined represent some pressure?
"Sure, there's some pressure to do good," said Tweet. "But it's kind of fun, too. Just to see who's the best of the best ... I'll be watching everybody. It should be exciting."
Brothers Cole and Dylan Mendenhall of Great Falls High will compete at 98 and 105 pounds, respectively. Bison teammates Zach Wichman (189) and Matt Cable (215) will also wrestle.
Among the reigning state champions entered are AA's Clay Cathey of Skyview (105), David Demo (119) and Marshall Carpenter (135) of Bozeman, and Shawn Lau of Flathead (130).
From A, the champs are Kylan Zumph (119) and Casey Makor (130) of Miles City, Myles Mazurkiewicz (135), Kent Pattison (140) and Mitch Schnittgen (Hwt) of Havre, Tucker Taylor (152) of Belgrade, Brock Picard (171) of Polson and Brady Anderson (189) of Hamilton.
And from B-C, the champions include Luke Schlosser (98) of Conrad, Jake Rauser (105) and Britton Thompson (145) of Townsend, Luke Zeiger (112), Myles Kittleson (189) and Chance Rauscher (215) of Glasgow, Jake Trujillo (119) of Arlee, Sam Brown (140) of Colstrip and Tweet.
In addition, the former state champs who will wrestle include Tyler Stedman (112) of Frenchtown, Val Rauser (112) of Townsend, Brice Gretch (130) of Skyview and Tanner Beaman (135) of Flathead.
Among the weights to watch are 112, where Zeiger, Val Rauser and Stedman lead a talented group, and 135, where Mazurkiewicz, Carpenter and Beaman headline a division that's too close to call.
Truthfully, though, the entire day should be memorable for wrestling fans in this town. Because it's one last chance to see some mat action this season.
For athletes such as Tweet, who will trade in his singlet for shoulder pads pretty soon, it's one last hurrah for an exceptional wrestling career.
"I've thought about that," he said. "I'm happy it's done with, but then again I'm sad. Because I'll miss it."
Tournament of Champions
Seeded wrestlers
98—1. Cole Mendenhall, Great Falls High; 2. Luke Schlosser, Conrad; 3. Nik Hinebauch, Billings Skyview; 4. Holden Gagner, Missoula Hellgate
105—1. Jade Rauser, Townsend; 2. Clay Cathey, Billings Skyview; 3. Dylan Mendenhall, Great Falls High; 4. Duel Stadel, Havre
112—1. Luke Zeiger, Glasgow; 2. Val Rauser, Townsend; 3. Tyler Stedman, Frenchtown; 4. Sam Shelton, Billings Skyview; 5. Cliff Evans, Missoula Sentinel; 6. Riley Berry, Bozeman
119—1. Kylan Zumpf, Miles City; 2. David Demo, Bozeman; 3. Jake Trujillo, Arlee; 4. Alejandro Calderon, Kalispell Flathead
125—1. Joaquin Calderon, Kalispell Flathead; 2. Seth Snyder, Huntley Project; 3. Niko Guymon, Helena High
130—1. Shawn Lau, Kalispell Flathead; 2. Casey Makor, Miles City; 3. Brice Gretch, Billings Skyview; 4. Kyle Taranto, Bozeman; 5. Cole Rice, Arlee
135—1. Myles Mazurkewicz, Havre; 2. Marshall Carpenter, Bozeman; 3. Tanner Beaman, Kalispell Flathead
140—1. Kent Pattison, Havre; 2. Sam Brown, Colstrip; 3. Brad Nordahl, Frenchtown; 4. Jeremiah Hayes, Shelby
145—1. Britton Thompson, Townsend; 2. Cole Schram, Belgrade; 3. Tyler Elm, Billings Skyview
152—1. Tucker Taylor, Belgrade; 2. Connor Malone, Lewistown; 3. Larry Francis, Kalispell Glacier; 4. Lucas Knight, Huntley Project; 5. Casey Schaub, Havre
160—1. Jordan Malarchik, Belgrade; 2. Brady Decock, Huntley Project; 3. Josh Hamilton, Missoula Sentinel; 4. Chaz Hopstad, Glasgow
171—1. Brock Picard, Polson; 2. Seth Wright, Libby
189—1. Myles Kittleson, Glasgow; 2. Brady Anderson, Hamilton; 3. Zach Wichman, Great Falls High; 4. Phillip Prickett, Belgrade; 5. Craig Ashworth, Florence
215—1. Chance Rauscher, Glasgow; 2. Kelly Houle, Columbia Falls; 3. Parker Miller, Glasgow; 4. Matt Cable, Great Falls High
Hwt—1. Toby Erickson, Helena High; 2. Ethan Tweet, Fort Benton; 3. Mitch Schnittgen, Havre; 4. Colton Hill, Glasgow

57 wrestlers confirmed for Tournament of Champions

2009-02-18T12:54:00.001-07:00

57 wrestlers have confirmed their participation in this weekend's Tournament of Champions in Great Falls. More than half of the state champions have confirmed their participation in the event. All wrestlers and coaches will be provided accomodation at the Town House Inn on 15th Street and 10th Ave. South.

Bozeman Chronicle Features Tournament of Champions

2009-02-15T14:45:00.000-07:00

http://bozemandailychronicle.com/articles/2009/02/17/sports/000toc.txt
The season continues
By PETE DELMOE Chronicle Sports Writer
Depending on whom you ask, this weekend will determine the real state-champion wrestlers in Montana.
ERIK PETERSEN/CHRONICLE Michael Carpenter works for a takedown during the 140-pound State Class AA championship match Saturday at the Billings Metra. Carpenter has been invited to the Tournament of Champions in Great Falls. One week after the state tournament in Billings, the inaugural Tournament of Champions High School All-Star Wrestling Tournament will be held in Great Falls this Saturday. The state tournament is broken up into classes AA, A and B/C, and wrestlers from those classes aren’t given the opportunity to compete against each other. The Tournament of Champions will match up all three champions from each class, including a wild-card entry.“I think it’s great,” Bozeman wrestling coach Nate Laslovich said. “It’s a good thing for kids to be able to all wrestle each other and see who the true state champion is.”Five wrestlers from Bozeman have been invited: state champions David Demo(119 pounds), Marshall Carpenter (135), and Michael Carpenter (140), along with third-place finisher Kyle Taranto (130) and fourth-place finisher Riley Berry (112).
Belgrade, which finished second in Class A at the state tournament, will have four wrestlers competing in the Tournament of Champions: state champion Tucker Taylor (152), third-place finisher Cole Schram (145), plus second-place finishers Jordan Malarchick (160) and Phil Prickett (189).The tournament was created by Zander Blewett and his sons Anders and Drew, who live in Great Falls and are all former wrestlers. Anders said people have talked for awhile about creating a tournament that matches up state champions from all three classes, but no one was willing to take the necessary steps.“We knew if we didn’t do it, it wasn’t going to happen,” Anders Blewett said. “We knew we had the will power, the resources and the connections around the state to get this thing going.”One of the challenges for the TOC is that some of the champions don’t want to wrestle in the tournament because they want to end their season on a high note, instead of risking a loss at the hands of another state champion.Anders Blewett said he expects the majority of the champions to compete in the tournament as long as injuries aren’t a factor.“Wrestling is a sport of fanatics and I think they’re guys who all have a thirst for competition,” he said. “Sandbagging and wrestling don’t go hand in hand, so I think that any challenge, most wrestlers are going to take.“Wrestling is not a glamorous sport. Those that do it and those that do it well really like to get out there and any chance they have to get at good competition, they take it.”With so many talented wrestlers participating in the event, there’s really no shame in losing.“For those kids, it should be a no pressure situation,” Laslovich said.“Everybody’s tough. You’re not going to run into a kid who’s not tough. Everybody at the tournament is a state champion or right there.”The tournament is essentially an all-star event. Belgrade coach Justin Taylor said some of his wrestlers were hesitant about wrestling at the tournament, but he mentioned that they shouldn’t feel pressure and that it was an honor to be selected, which helped convince them to participate.“Every other sport has an all-star tournament except wrestling,” Anders Blewett said. “We just thought it was long overdue that these wrestlers get the credit they deserve and the recognition they deserve.”At the state tournament, Justin Taylor had a hard time dealing with the stress of coaching his son Tucker in the finals. He said he’s looking forward to relaxing at this tournament.“I’m just going to be happy to watch, this time,” Taylor said. “I’m not worried about the outcome. That state championship he won is something they can’t take away from him, so I don’t look at it with a lot of pressure and I don’t think he will. It’ll be fun for a change.”The tournament will be held at the Great Falls High School Fieldhouse.Semifinals will be held in the morning, followed by the championship rounds in the early afternoon. The law firm of Hoyt and Blewett PLLC in Great Falls is sponsoring the event and paying for travel and lodging for the wrestlers and their coaches.“I think it’s a great idea,” Justin Taylor said. “What the Blewett family is doing to try to promote wrestling and give back to the sport they love is wonderful and that’s one of the reason’s why were going.”Anders said he hopes the event will be the first of many.“I think it will grow into a tradition,” he said. “The first year will be a good test for us to gauge support. I do have high hopes.”Pete Delmoe can be reached at pdelmoe@dailychronicle.com and 582-2670.

Great Falls Tribune Hypes Tournament of Champs

2009-02-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

February 18, 2009

Champions coming to town for mat meet
By SCOTT MANSCH Tribune Asst. Sports Editor

State wrestling champions from Great Falls and all corners of Montana will be at Swarthout Fieldhouse Saturday for the inaugural Tournament of Champions.
"We've got the Glasgows, the Havres, the Libbys — kids are coming from all over the place," said Zander Blewett, whose family and law firm — Hoyt and Blewett PLLC — is sponsoring the invitational competition. "The kids have been great and the coaches have been great. We expect it to be an exciting event."
Winners at their respective weights in last weekend's All-Class Championships in Billings were invited, along with wild-entries. Blewett and his sons, Drew and Anders, are all former wrestlers who have worked for months to promote the tournament and secure commitments from the state's top grapplers.
The entry list features many current or past state champions, including brothers Cole Mendenhall (98) and Dylan Mendenhall (105) of Great Falls High, and Nash Hallfrisch of C.M. Russell High (145). Hallfrisch is a three-time state champion.
At several weights, including 119, 140, 189 and heavyweight, all three of the recently crowned state champions are entered.
The tournament starts Saturday morning at 10:30 with introductions. The competition is expected to begin at 11, with the championship finals slated to start at 2 p.m.
Among those planning to wrestle are two sets of twins — Jade and Val Rauser of Townsend, and Marshall and Michael Carpenter of Bozeman — and Glasgow stars Luke Zeiger, Myles Kittleson and Chance Rauscher. All have won at least one state championship.
Other stars who have confirmed entry include Luke Schlosser of Conrad, Brice Gretch of Billings Skyview, Shawn Lau of Kalispell Flathead, Myles Mazurkiewicz and Mitch Schnittgen of Havre, Brock Picard of Polson, Brady Anderson of Hamilton, Ethan Tweet of Fort Benton and Toby Erickson of Helena High.
The Blewetts are providing free lodging for coaches and players and compensation for gas mileage. The athletes are coming to town on Friday and staying at the Townhouse Inn, where a reception is planned.
"It was more difficult than we thought, given the logistics of one week between the state tournaments and our event," said Zander Blewett.
He believes the Tournament of Champions will be an annual event in Great Falls.
"I think next year and year after more of the kids will be inclined to come because they'll be a little more alert to the issue," Zander Blewett said. "It's amazing the number who are really looking forward to it and want to be in it ... The kids that took second last weekend can't wait to come to this thing, and that's really refreshing."
He said many members of the Great Falls wrestling community, including Mick Davis, Bob Zadick, Steve Komac, Doug Sexe and Allen Rohrback, have been helpful.

2009 Winners of TOC

2009-02-12T16:03:00.000-07:00

CASEY RIFFE/Gazette Staff

JAMES WOODCOCK/Gazette Staff

CASEY RIFFE/Gazette Staff

JAMES WOODCOCK/Gazette Staff

MHSA Gives Green Light to Tournament of Champions

2009-02-10T17:56:00.000-07:00

The participation of high school coaches and wrestlers in the Montana Tournament of Champions will not conflict with the out of season contest guidelines articulated by the MHSA. Executive Director of the MHSA, Mark Beckman, has verified that an underclassman’s eligibility will not be adversely affected by competing in the tournament. Although coaches of team sports are prohibited from coaching their teams out of season except during the months of June and July, coaches of individual sports, such as wrestling, are not affected by this rule. See MHSA Handbook, page 40, F # 1 and # 2 as well as page 26, Section 17, # 4. The only caveat to keep in mind is schools cannot provide transportation for the event. This simply means schools cannot rent out a bus or van to transport their wrestlers and coaches. However, coaches are free to provide transportation for their wrestlers by driving their own vehicles, and the mileage reimbursement provided by Hoyt & Blewett law firm will hopefully provide incentives to do so.

Montana Wrestling Poll (All Class - Statewide) Feb. 8th, 2010

2009-01-28T14:18:00.000-07:00