Seven win match at state

The Whitehall High School wrestling team sent seven wrestlers to last week's state tournament at the MetraPark in Billings - – all seven walked away from the Metra Park Arena with at least one victory.

"State is always a great experience. It's hard to prepare for if you haven't been before," coach Steve Sacry said. "I was pleased that everyone scored a win in their respective weight classes."

The Trojans were led by Sophomore Connor Johnson who placed for the second consecutive year, finishing fifth at 126 pounds.

"I was extremely proud of the effort and work put in this year by the team. Not only at competition, but also in the classroom and practice."

Johnson made quick work of his first round match with a win by fall over Andrew Anderson of Cut Bank in 54 seconds. In the quarterfinals, he lost a 8-7 heartbreaker to Hank Dunn of Eureka. Johnson bounced back in impressive fashion with wins over Will Lane of Broadwater and Isaac Ramos of Valier. Johnson was defeated in the consolation semifinals 6-3 by Hunter Peterson of Ronan. In the fifth place match, he defeated Jack Dolan of Townsend by fall at 2:10.

Dawson Hoerauf (285 pounds) and Braxtyn Armstrong (145) each picked up two wins at the state tournament.

Hoerauf opened up with a pin over Sam Johnson of Eureka in 45 seconds. He lost in the quarterfinals to Merlin Whitedirt of Colstrip by fall at 4:59. He rebounded with a pin over Curtis Humphreys of Harlem at the 1:38 mark. Hoerauf was eliminated from the tournament after a loss by fall to Bradley Vanderbush of Conrad at the 4:41 mark.

Armstrong lost a 4-3 decision in the first round to Trey Taylor of Circle. He responded with a 10-3 win over Ceaton Mears of Malta/Whitewater. He was eliminated from the tournament with a 8-1 decision loss to Tate Niederegger of Chinook.

Clancy Russell came out of the gates strong at 103 pounds. In the first round, he defeated Zach Johnson of Harlem by fall in 42 seconds. Russell would fall in his next two matches.

Mike Wilkinson was also impressive in the first round at 113 pounds, and won his first match by fall over Justin Sanders of Fairfield at the 1:10 mark. Wilkinson was eliminated from the tournament after losing his next two matches.

Kayden Howser was also able to pick up a win for Whitehall at 205 pounds. After losing by fall in the first round to Joe Fehr of Eureka, he rebounded with a pin over Tanner Harrell of Shepherd. He was eliminated after losing by fall to Clancy Gout of Libby.