Bulldogs blank Badgers in battle for B-Cup

SANDPOINT — The smoke, lights and music helped the Sandpoint wrestling team put on a big show for “The Big Show,” as the Bulldogs kicked off the Moose Madness festivities with an 87-0 dispatching of Bonners Ferry to win the B-Cup in a wrestling dual Thursday night at Sandpoint High School. 

In attendance was former Sandpoint and Oklahoma State wrestler and current UFC heavyweight fighter Jared “The Big Show” Rosholt, who watched his former team take apart a young Badger team in dominating fashion, with eight Bulldogs registering first period pins.

Bulldog head coach Mike Randles said the 87 points was definitely a school record, a byproduct of added weight classes in recent years. The team preaches an attacking style, and is deeper than it’s been in nearly a decade.

“They just went out and attacked. Bonners is obviously young,” said Randles, who likes his team’s mindset. “They did what they’ve been told, to attack, keep pressure on through the pin.”

The Bulldogs now turn their attention to the prestigious Tri-State tournament, which starts today at 10 a.m. at North Idaho College, with the quarterfinals slated for 7 p.m.

Casey Randles is the No. 1 seed at 182 pounds, but navigating at bracket at Tri-State is no easy task.

“He’s as much a favorite to win it as anyone,” said Mike Randles of his son’s chances in a tournament that draws the top wrestlers from Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. “There’s half a dozen top three state placers in his bracket.”

Jake Williams is seeded No. 3 at 195 pounds, and Tyler Presser is seeded No. 4 at 160 pounds, the lone Bulldogs to earn top seeds heading into the two-day tournament.

On Saturday, the semifinals are scheduled for noon, with the championship finals slated for 5 p.m.

SANDPOINT 87, BONNERS FERRY 0

98 — Casey Olesen, Spt, by forfeit.

106 — Micah Holub, Spt, by forfeit.

113 — Zion Reichold, Spt, p. Joe Swanson, :21.

120 — August Johnson, Spt, p. Denton Eby, 1:30.

126 — Scout Nash, Spt, p. Slater Copley, :38.

132 — Tucker Hall, Spt, p. Jessie Bradley, :53.

138 — Preston Bunty, Spt, p. Mason Eby, 4:41.

145 — Hyrum Hunsaker, Spt, p. Nikolous Bertling, 1:15.

152 — Mahonri Hunsaker, Spt, by forfeit.

160 — Elijah Guthrie, Spt, by forfeit.

170 — Tyler Presser, Spt, p. Jesse Sandelin, :45.

182 — Casey Randles, Spt, p. Tucker Smith, :59.

195 — Jake Williams, Spt, p. Caleb Gering, 3:02.

220 — Zach Alamillo, Spt, d. Matt Varelman, 8-2.

285 — Justin Hobson, Spt, p. Ronney Craig, 1:06.