Host of Top Dogs wrestlers nab podium spots

SANDPOINT — The Top Dog wrestling program is trying something different this season, adding a five-week spring pilot club that’s part of the Washington Little Guy League.

Top Dog accepted a limited number of kids into the program to see how it would pan out, and so far the results have been strong, with seven out of 10 placing in each of the first two meets.

Two weeks ago Top Dog was at Mead, with Tyssen Case bringing home the lone championship. Carter Happell, Tyson Hodges, Darian Resso and Tanner Thornhill each finished second, and Shane Sherril and Noley Randles third to round out the top placers.

Most recently, Top Dog attended a tournament in Pullman that drew more than 400 wrestlers. Randles was the lone Top Dog to win a title, Resso, Shane Sherrill and Blake Sherrill each placed second, and Gavin Clifton, Thornhill and Hodges each placed third in their respective weight classes.

The program has two tournaments left — Colville and then the Jason Crawford Memorial Tournament at the Spokane Convention Center. Top Dog head coach Mike Randles said the Crawford tournament could be the largest one-day youth wrestling tournament in the United States.