Host of Bulldogs gunning for state wrestling titles
SANDPOINT — Boasting the best depth they’ve had in years, and featuring as many as seven wrestlers with state podium aspirations, the Sandpoint wrestling team is ready to make some noise again at the state level this season.
After being forced to forfeit several weight classes for all of last season, the Bulldogs now field not only a full duals lineup, but some stiff competition for varsity spots at several weights.
It means the Bulldogs will be strong in tournaments as well as duals, which could all add up to the first team trophy in many years.
“It’s the best duals team we’ve had since 2007,” admits longtime head coach Mike Randles. “Much more depth and athletes.”
Leading the charge will be junior Casey Randles, who won the 170 pound state championship last season and will now try and add another title at 182 this year. His head coach and dad knows he’s put in the hard work and paid his dues, now it’s time to handle business on the mat.
“He’s mentally consistent in big matches,” describes Mike of Casey, noting his biggest strengths. “Aggression and technique. He’s always attacking.”
Looking to join Randles as a state champion is Jake Williams, who finished second last season at 195 pounds and brings senior hunger and confidence to the mat.
When asked how he liked his chances to break through for a state title, Williams didn’t hesitate in answering.
“I like them a lot. I feel like in my head, I’ve already won the title,” says Williams, adding what will be the biggest key. “Do everything I’ve learned throughout the years, pushing through the wall and working hard. Stay confident, and wrestle each match as it comes. I’ve got pretty good cardio and stamina and speed, a lighter version of a heavier wrestler.”
Randles also likes Williams’ chances for a title, featuring a style and mindset that will serve him well in a run at the title.
“He pretty much has one gear. He’s going to grind,” describes Randles. “If he’s in a close match, someone is going to have his hands full.”
Senior Tyler Presser also finished second at state last season at 160 pounds, and is another Bulldog wrestler with the chops to score a lot of points at big tournaments. Randles calls him incredibly explosive and athletic, and the type of wrestler who gets stronger as the season progresses.
Presser was asked to describe his strengths on the mat.
“I have a good double leg, and explosive is a word to describe my technique,” says Presser, who plans to push himself hard in his final campaign. “Always work harder than my competition. My confidence level is way higher than last year.”
Pushing Presser in practice is senior Elijah Guthrie, who transferred from Colorado and recently beat Presser in the first challenge match. There’s a possibility the Bulldogs could have the top two ranked 160 pounders at the 4A level.
Randles says Guthrie has a great work ethic and disposition, and with Presser will vie for a medal at state.
Senior Mahonri Hunsaker returns with plenty of varsity experience, looking for a podium spot after missing by one match last year. He brings quiet leadership to the team in the way he wrestles.
“He brings a lot of calmness to the mat. He doesn’t rattle very easily,” says Randles. “And he’s deceivingly athletic.”
Owen Stebbins is the sixth Bulldog with a legitimate chance at a podium spot, part of the depth that could help them contend for a state trophy as well.
Tanner Kohal, who teamed with Stebbins and Hunsaker as standout defensive players on the soccer team, joins Hyrum Hunsaker, Scout Nash and Preston Bunty as some Bulldogs who could be dark horses to surprise some people at state.
While the depth is much improved, the blue collar Bulldog philosophy will remain the same when the team takes the mat.
“We’ll wrestle with an aggressive, workmanlike mentality,” predicts Randles. “If everybody stays healthy, we’ll be on the radar and could contend for a trophy.”