Preparing '4' Glory

After coming in second for the first time in four years last week, the Glasgow wrestling team found itself back on top after the Eastern B-C Divisionals in Baker, placing first and claiming the fourth consecutive divisional title.

The Scotties, who fell to Huntley Project in Malta, took back its seat atop the divisional pedestal beating the Red Devils 208.5-204. This was the first time in more than a month that the Scotties were able to wrestle a fully-healthy team returning Jacob Bethea and Gavin Holstein to the team that took second in Malta.

Overall, 11 wrestlers qualified in 10 weight classes for the State Tournament in Billings this weekend.

Bethea, wrestling for the first time in competition since dislocating his elbow in early January, finished second to Forsyth's Trey McDaniel at 112 pounds.

Braden Hallock and Zeb Shawver finished first and second at 119 pounds, the first time this season they wrestled at the same weight. The two have been switching between 119 and 125 pounds to give the Scotties more points during the season but were able to both count points in the Divisional and State tournaments, giving the Scotties a formidable duo in the weight class.

Luke Zeiger continued his dominance of the 130-pound weight class finishing first ahead of Huntley's Seth Snyder. Simon Helland finished fourth at 135 pounds, Ryan Bergtoll finished second behind Loren Walker of Huntley at 140 pounds and Gavin Holstein finished third at 145 pounds behind three-time state champion Hunter Azure of Poplar.

The rest of the Scotties took first in their weight class with Tucker Holstein (160), Chaz Hopstad (189), Parker Miller (215) and Tyrel Shumway (HWT) all taking the top spot at the event.

The victory at Divisionals sets the Scotties up nicely for another run at State. The Scotties, who will be attempting a school record fourth-consecutive title will be one of the favorites to take home this year's championship.

Most of the Scotties have gotten favorable matches in the first round of the State tournament.

Bethea will wrestle John Gunderson, the third place finisher in the West.
At 119, Shawver and Hallock are on different sides of the bracket. Shawver drew Florence's Tanner Lund and Hallock drew Dustin Morigeau of Deer Lodge.

Zeiger will take on the final qualifier from the South, Belt's Dustin Hicks. Helland gets the toughest first round bout of the team, facing Choteau's Jesse Werdal, the No. 2 wrestler at 135 pounds and the top qualifier from the Southern Division.

Bergtoll will face Derek Zeigler of Columbus-Absrokee, the third place finisher in the South. Gavin Holstein will face Choteau's Michael Moore, the second placer from the South.

Each of the last four drew fourth place Northern finishers. Tucker Holstein will take on Conrad's Ramsey Offerdal at 160 pounds. Miller will face Conrad's Paul O'Brien and Shumway will face Shepard's Cody Nelson.

Hopstad is set to face Ethan Wolery, of Chester-Joplin-Inverness, a wrestler he has beaten twice earlier this season. Yet, Wolery's status for next weekend could be in question after he left the Divisionals with an injury. Should he not be able to wrestle on Friday, Hopstad would be awarded an automatic pin and face the winner of the match between Eureka's Michael Wilson and Choteau's Jack Clark.

The Scotties will leave for Billings on Thursday morning. Matches are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. On Friday at Billings MetraPark. An All-Session pass for both days will cost $23 for adults and $18 for students.

In other news, the Scotties will all be wearing rubber bracelets to support injured Belgrade wrestler Wyatt Welch. Welch was warming up before a meet when he rolled headfirst onto the mat and was paralyzed from the shoulders down. Welch's sister is selling the bracelets for $5 each to help pay for his care. Each bracelet has printed on it “Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass … it's about learning to dance in the rain.” Bracelets can be purchased at the Belgrade High office or by e-mailing wyattwelch@yahoo.com. Contact either of the wrestling coaches for more information on the bracelets.