Bulldogs finish second in Minico

Sandpoint to host Jake Rosholt Night

RUPERT — Displaying the form that makes them one of the top tournament teams in Idaho, Sandpoint finished second out of 23 teams last weekend at the Red Halverson Invitational in Minico. The 4A wrestling ranking could look quite a bit different next week as a host of Bulldogs beat the "top-ranked wrestlers in the state."

The two-month long wrestling season can be a grind, and the Bulldogs appear to be peaking at the right time, as they nearly took down 5A power Centennial, and beat many of the teams that will be vying for a 4A state title.

Joey Fio was named the Outstanding Wrestler for weight classed 103-140, as he tech-falled every opponent he faced en route to the 125-pound title. The knee injury that cost him more than a month of his senior season appears to have healed for arguably the top wrestler in Idaho.

Timmy Pepperdine continues to stake his claim as one of best in the state at 103-pounds, as he pinned the top-ranked 4A wrestler in Idaho, Andrew Uhl of Minico, to win in the finals. The win was big because he was on his way to a tech fall, and could very well face Uhl again at state after having dominated him.

Alec Ward finished second (112) on a controversial call in the finals against Nate Crane of Minico, also the top-ranked 4A wrestler in the state. In the semis, Ward scored an impressive decision over the reigning 5A state champ from Meridian.

Kyle Meschko (152) added another notch to his belt of big wins this season, beating Tyson Mitton of Highland, the top-ranked 152-pounder in the state, on his way to the title.

Not to be out-done by the lighter Bulldogs, Taylor Morris (189) also took down the top-ranked 4A wrestler in the state on his way to a win. Twin brother Jerod (171) was paired on the same side of the bracket as National Champion Kirk Smith of Centennial, and was pinned in the third period. He then proceeded to whip the Twin Falls wrestler seeded above him.

Darren Thompson (145) and Jesse Peterson (275) each went 2-2 in the tournament, and Will Hughes and Cliff Ciszmar each went 0-2.

Tonight is Jake Rosholt Night, as the Bulldogs will recognize the feats of the 3-time National Champion when they host Post Falls. Former Bulldog wrestler Rosholt, who is training and coaching for the 2008 Olympics, will not be present. The junior varsity will start at 5 p.m., with the varsity to follow around 6:30 p.m.