Bulldogs head to wrestling tourney

Will Hughes (130 pounds), Sid Winter (135), Leonard Fister (145) and Sam Sisson (145) figure to lead Sandpoint and compete for a place at Tri-State, no easy accomplishment with the level of competition.

Timmy Pepperdine, arguably the Bulldogs best wrestler, won't wrestle on account of a team violation. Jacob Knaggs will also miss the tournament due to a concussion.

Sophomore Anneliese DeAragon will be competing in her first varsity meet, an unbelievable accomplishment for one of the top girl wrestlers in the Northwest. It will mark the second time in Tri-State history that a girl takes the mat.

"She's excited for her first varsity opportunity," said Bulldogs coach Kirk Hartzell. "She's clearly the best we have at 140 and earned the opportunity to wrestle in a varsity spot. I expect her to open some eyes at the tournament."

Also hungry for some action is Paul Marienau (171), who is a lot more dangerous than his 0-3 record might indicate.

"All three kids he's lost to will be seeded in this tournament," said Hartzell of Marienau's high level of competition. "I'm sure he's looking forward to getting rid of some of his frustration.

The rest of the Bulldogs are very young, and Tri-State will provide some brutal competition and a great way to improve.