STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FOLLOW UP: Bonner County ends up with seven wrestlers on podium

BOYS

POCATELLO — Junior Colm McLaimtaig led all Bonner County Wrestlers after capturing the 2A/1A 138-pound state title at the IHSAA Wrestling State Championship held Feb. 23-24 at Holt Arena.

Last year, competing at 120 pounds, Colm qualified, but did not place at the state wrestling tournament. After moving up a couple of weight classes and working hard in the offseason, he got the job done — definitely not a small feat.

Colm pinned Pearlli Lillibridge of Raft River (5:09) and Jace Waggoner of Tri-Valley (4:32) in his first two matches Friday. On Saturday, he won by a 11-2 major decision over Hunter Gamble of Orofino in the semifinal. In the championship match, Colm defeated Jack Eddins of Grace by a narrow 8-7 decision. 

Also reaching the championship match was junior Jorden Tyler of Sandpoint, who placed second. Tyler pinned Kaleb Strunk of Burley (1:04) and Quincy Turner of Twin Falls (3:43) in his first two matches. In the semifinal, he won by a 6-0 decision over Wesley Hodges of Mountain Home. In the championship match, Tyler fell by a narrow 4-2 decision after a hard-fought battle against Minico’s Preston Sonner-Cranney. Tyler finished third last year at 195 pounds.

“Jorden's wrestling is as solid as it gets; he dominated all the way to the finals," Sandpoint High head coach Josh Ratigan said. “Every time he touches the mat, he gets better and better.”

Sandpoint’s Shane Sherrill (138) and Priest River’s Caeden McLaimtaig (152) both finished third after working their way through their respective consolation brackets. Both wrestlers finished with four wins after all was said and done. Sherrill finished fifth at 138 pounds in last year's state tournament, Caeden was second at 138 pounds.

“Shane took third in a bracket stacked full of All-Americans," Ratigan said. “For him to finish his senior year the way he did is nothing short of amazing. He will be missed. I can't speak enough about these boys’ work ethic and heart — they are true leaders.” 

Priest River’s Caleb Grow (220) also notched a fifth-place finish after going 4-2 in his first state tournament. All four of the matches he won were by pin.

Sandpoint finished tied for 11th overall in 4A. Priest River finished 13th in 2A/1A.

    Sandpoint's Shane Sherrill (top, second from left) and Jorden Tyler (bottom, third from right) stand on the podium after placing third and second, respectively, at the 4A IHSAA Wrestling State Championship this past weekend.
  

GIRLS

POCATELLO — Emma Garman (120) and Lilli Marti (235) both placed sixth to lead Sandpoint at the all-class state wrestling tournament.

Garman picked up three wins, pinning Alexa Allen of Rocky Mountain (4:53), Dusty Longtin of Tri-Valley (4:47), and defeating Maliyah Garcia of New Plymouth by 6-4 decision.

“Emma had a standout performance, battling to the podium after being injured from an illegal move in round three,” head coach Valerie Johansen said. “For most girls, their day would have been done, however, she stayed in there. I am so proud of her (willingness to) fight and how she stepped up to lead the team this season.”

As for Marti, she picked up two wins, pinning both Charlie Robinson of Rigby (1:01) and Emry Woods of Eagle (5:11). Sylvia Becker (165) did not place but picked up two wins for the Bulldogs, pinning Elli Hansen of Madison (1:04) in the opening round and Presleigh Bennett of Preston (3:44) in the consolation quarterfinals. Hunter Edmondson (107) also picked up a win for Sandpoint in the first round of the consolation bracket, pinning Tommy Stone of Eagle (4:52).

“This was one of the toughest girls state tournaments yet; it was definitely ‘the year of upsets’ overall,” Johansen said. “For four out of our five girls, this was their first time at state or at a tournament of this size; I could tell it was a bit big for them. However, they all stepped onto the mat ready to compete and I know they gave all they could. It is a reminder to us (coaches and athletic departments) to do better in making sure we get to larger tournaments in the season to help prepare them.”

Sandpoint finished 19th out of 60-plus teams.

“To think Sandpoint had two placers and five qualifiers in this year’s tournament, with an overall top 20 finish, is extraordinary considering where we were just last year or the year's before,” Johansen said. “Our entire team ended their season better than they started, and with nine freshmen and no seniors, we will continue to improve." 

Johansen said the girls didn’t just grow their skills in the sport this season, but grew as human beings.

“Each girl stepped up in her own way and contributed more than just on the mat,” Johansen said. “They are leaving the season with a renewed love for each other and for the sport they represent so well.”