Randles, Presser lead Bulldogs into 4A state tournament
<p>Senior Jake Williams, top, pins his opponent in the 285-pound final at districts. Williams wrestled most of the season at a lower weight. (Photo by ERIC PLUMMER)</p>
SANDPOINT — A pair of Bulldogs have their sights set firmly on state titles, another is an unknown quantity in the heavyweight division and a handful of others will be right in the mix for podium spots when the Sandpoint wrestling team opens the 4A state tournament today at Holt Arena in Pocatello.
After earning 12 automatic berths at the district tournament, Sandpoint was awarded another four wild card entries, taking 16 wrestlers to state, the most in years.
Leading the charge will be reigning state champion Casey Randles (182), who hasn’t lost all season will be the prohibitive favorite to win his bracket. Defensively sound, Randles has no weaknesses, and with a technical and power-based attacking style, he’s one of those wrestlers that makes it look easy.
For the junior to claim his second state title, and cap an undefeated season, he plans to treat state as business as usual.
“The key is not making a big deal about it,” said Randles, who could stake a claim to being one of the best wrestlers in the tourney, regardless of classification. “Focused, but be relaxed and have fun. That’s when I perform my best.”
Also seeking the top of the podium at state is senior Tyler Presser, a No. 1 seed at 160 pounds after finishing second last season. Presser is also most comfortable when attacking, relying on quickness and explosive takedowns to control the action. He’ll also bring some senior hunger to the mat in quest of his first title.
“Presser will be up there,” predicted head coach Mike Randles. “The key is just going down with the same mentality, really aggressive.”
The third Bulldog eying a state title is senior Jake Williams, who despite barely meeting the minimum at 197 pounds, will jump up in weight and wrestle at 285. He’s the No. 3 seed in the bracket, but hasn’t wrestled much against opponents that will have a considerable weight advantage. He finished second at state last year at 195 pounds, and will jump up two classes for his senior trip to state.
“His strength and dexterity will present problems for heavyweights. Obviously, though, he is undersized,” said Randles of Williams. “If he can stay out of knockout punches, throws, he will likely advance to the state finals once again.”
Other seeded Bulldogs include senior Mahonri Hunsaker (No. 5 at 152), senior Elijah Guthrie (No. 6 at 160), and Owen Stebbins (No. 6 at 170), each of whom could make a run at a podium spot if they can handle their business in the grind of a 16 wrestler state bracket. Hyrum Hunsaker and Tanner Kohal, who battled in a tight district championship, are both capable of making some noise in the 145 pound bracket, despite drawing the top two seeds in the opener. Zack Alamillo (220) also drew a top two seed, which isn’t always the worst thing.
“On one hand we got some tough draws,” claimed Randles. “On the other hand, ironically, that’s not necessarily the worst place to be in a 16-man bracket.”
For the first time in years, the Bulldogs have the numbers to contend for a state team trophy. Caldwell is the 4A favorite, with Blackfoot and Lakeland also among the top teams. After that, the Bulldogs will likely be battling with Minico and Mountain Home for state hardware.
As always, the more wrestlers that can score points, no easy task at state, the better the odds become.
Also wrestling for the Bulldogs are Casey Oleson (98), Scout Nash (126), Levi Guthrie (132), Preston Bunty (138), Hans Liband (182), Cal Wilcox (195) and Patrick Ranes (195).
The state tournament starts today, and wraps up on Saturday at Holt Arena.