Trojan wrestlers shine at divisional tourney

The Whitehall High School wrestling team did not disappoint at last Saturday's Southern B/C Divisional Tournament in Anaconda.

The Trojans had two individuals finish first, three place second, and finished third as a team.

Connor Johnson (126 pounds) and Braxtyn Armstrong (145) both defended their divisional championships. In the finals, Johnson defeated Jack Dolan of Townsend 6-2. Armstrong won a 7-0 decision over Robbie Coleman of Columbus.

Armstrong said after winning the divisional tournament in 2016, it motivated him to set the same goal this year.

"Nothing felt better than finishing my final divisional match with a win. The is only my second year of high school wrestling, and finishing with an undefeated divisional record for both years has been phenomenal," Armstrong said.

Clancy Russell (103), Riley Forcella (132), and Dawson Hoerauf (285) all finished in second place for Whitehall.

The team finished in third place behind Townsend and Anaconda.

"The Whitehall boys wrestled well. We had a goal of being in the top three teams and taking most of the boys to state. Being the smallest of the top five teams meant that everyone had to work that much harder," coach Steve Sacry said. "They stepped up to the challenge placing third as a team and advancing seven to state."

Also going to state for the Trojans will be third place finisher Mike Wilkinson (113 pounds) and fourth place finisher Kayden Howser (205 pounds).

Adrian Bright (170) and Wyatt Scheller (160) both finished sixth.

Armstrong was one match away from placing at state last year, and said his goal for 2017 is to be on the podium at state.

"I'm incredibly proud of the team I'm on, and cannot wait to watch them perform at state. Now it's time to leave it all out on the mat for my senior year," he said. "I'm very excited to see what the rest of the team will do going into the state tournament, and am proud of them for pulling through with a third for a team divisional placing."