McLain, McLaimtaig, Sorbel snag podium places for the Spartans

Priest River had a number of strong wrestling performances at the 2A Idaho State Championships over the weekend.

The Spartans traveled to the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa with two girls and eight boys and ended the weekend with three podium appearances.

“It was a great tournament overall,” head coach Quinton Holbrook said.

Miriam Grow went 1-2 as a freshman making her the first girl in Priest River history to win a match at state.

Kailee Davis (107) was matched against the number one seed right off the bat. Davis went 0-2 at the state tournament and finished off the season with a record of 17-5.

“I’m proud of her getting there,” Holbrook said. “She'll be one to watch out for next year.”

Four sophomores qualified to go to state for the Spartans this year: Brayden Lamanna (113), Colm McLaimtaig (120), Garet Reynolds (126) and Caleb Grow (220).

“I was really hoping to get Colm McLaimtaig back on the podium. He placed fifth last year.”

McLaimtaig had a tough bracket at the tournament and fell just short, losing to Ricky Haralson of Kellogg in the quarterfinals.

“I strongly believe he will be at the top of the podium with his brother, Caeden, next year,” Holbrook said.

Hayden Sorbel was the first to earn a place on the podium for the Spartans. Sorbel sat out for a good portion of the season fighting a MCL injury.

In the semifinals, hewas matched against the four-time state champ, Hans Newby. He wrestled his way back but ended up losing a close match (6-3) which earned him a fourth-place medal.

“He wrestled great,” Holbrook said. “He's another one that will be very missed in the wrestling room.”

Caeden McLaimtaig was up next. McLaimtaig had a stellar season with a record of 48-20. He beat the returning state champ, Mossy Waite of New Plymouth, in the semifinals to advance to the finals.

McLaimtaig matched up against Caleb Shaw from New Plymouth in the finals. He started with the lead going into the second period but Shaw caught him. McLaimtaig ended his season as a respectable runner-up.

“He has great drive. He will make another run next year and I have confidence he will prevail,” Holbrook said.

Last but not least, 2022 podium placer Matyus McLain (220) wrestled his way to the finals. McLain took on solid opponents and beat them with fast pins as he’s done all season. He impressively won his semifinal match in 16 seconds.

In the finals, McLain took on the number one seeded Hunter Williams with a 20-0 record from New Plymouth.

“He took him down to his back right off the go but the kid was able to roll through, scaring us all,” Holbrook said. “Matyus fought off his back for a good 30 seconds, which felt like an eternity, eventually rolling back through almost pinning his opponent, but couldn't keep him in bounds.”

McLain had a 7-6 lead over Williams when Williams shoulder popped out of its socket while holding onto McLain’s leg. Unfortunately, the match ended in a medical forfeit.

“It made the celebration not as fun but it was a well deserved state title,” Holbrook said. “Matyus had put the extra work in all season between weight training. After practice he would do extra conditioning. Randy and I couldn't be more proud of him. We've been coaching him since he was in seventh grade. He’s came along way.”

An all-around athlete, McLain will be heading to the University of Idaho to play football for the Vandals next year.

“Wrestling isn't even his first sport, but I guarantee it will always be a huge part of his life,” Holbrook said.

“I want to put a strong shout out to senior Charles Bennett,” Holbrook said.

Bennett (145) who has a record of 40-22 for the season won his first round of competition then lost out to Hiatt Beck of Aberdeen in the quarterfinals.

“He did everything right this year having a great season with 42 wins. He had an unbelievably tough bracket this year. He went 2-2 and lost a close one in the blood rounds to go to the podium. I'm super proud of him it's been a pleasure coaching him.”