Top Dogs making noise

by Eric Plummer Sports Editor
| November 16, 2010 6:00 AM

SANDPOINT — With three tournaments under their belts and two to go, the Top Dog Wrestling Club is not only aging but also gaining wisdom with each experience. Boasting a bevy of talent in its older age groups and reloading within the younger groups, the Top Dogs collected more than 30 medals at three events.

The Top Dogs host the North Idaho Wrestling team championships on Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m. at Sandpoint Middle School. More than 400 youth wrestlers from around the region will be in action.

The Top Dogs kicked off their season in Bonners Ferry on Oct. 30). With several members completing their fall sports seasons, a skeleton crew of 11 Top Dogs made the short trip to Bonners Ferry. Leading the charge was second year wrestler Casey Oleson. Relying on a natural grasp of the sport and a physical disposition, Oleson made quick work of all three opponents. Of the 11 Top Dogs present, six made the trip to the podium with two claiming titles. Champions Casey Randles and Casey Oleson were joined by Brady Nelson (2nd), Brennan Till (3rd), Gage Sigman (3rd) and Dean Ramey (3rd).

As the season gained steam so did the Top Dogs, traveling to St. Maries the following weekend. Fourteen Top Dogs advanced to top three finishes, including 11 finalists. The Top Dogs were led by Evan Darling, who advanced to the finals with a pair of hard-fought wins and eventually upended teammate and practice partner Dylan Nalley for the title.

First Place: Owen Stebbins, Ty Murray, Scout Nash, Hyrum Hunsaker, Shane Sherrill, Evan Darling and Caleb Chabiel. Second Place: Gage Sigman, Dylan Nalley, Brennan Till and Luke Stebbins. Third Place: Damien Dalthorp, Blake Sherrill and Nolan Randles.

At Kellogg on Nov. 13, nearly 30 Top Dog wrestlers competed in a field that included 420 athletes. Nearly half of the Sandpoint wrestlers posted multiple wins to advance to the medal rounds. Ultimately, the Top Dogs would secure 10 medals, including eight champions. While in Kellogg, the Top Dogs’ attack was spearheaded by Ty Murray and Gage Sigman. For Murray, it was his second title in two weeks. After a year break, Sigman has shown little rust, claiming medals at each of the three tournaments.

First Place: Scout Nash, Hyrum Hunsaker, Owen Stebbins, Casey Randles, Gage Sigman, Caleb Chabiel, Shane Sherrill and Ty Murray. Second Place: Evan Darling. Third Place: Mahonri Hunsaker.

The Top Dogs will once again play host to the North Idaho Wrestling League Team Championships this weekend at Sandpoint Middle School. With an expected turn out of more than 400 competitors, fans can expect a full-day of wrestling. The tournament will get underway at 9 a.m. and is expected to conclude around 3 p.m. Admission is free.