Two Trojans place at state tournament

The Whitehall High School wrestling team wrapped up a strong 2017/18 season with two Trojans placing at the State Wrestling Tournament at the Metra Park in Billings.

Senior Dawson Hoerauf ended his storied career with a second place finish at 285 pounds, and freshman Dawson Powers ended his first year with the team finishing fifth at 103 pounds.

"We had a good finish to a great year. It's fun to look back over the struggles and accomplishments of the wrestling season. The athletes have progressed in their wrestling skills and development as young men," assistant coach Steve Sacry said. "The state tournament is full of excitement and opportunities. Everyone there is accomplished at the sport, so the level of competition is high."

Hoerauf finished one win a way from a state championship. Sacry said Hoerauf had a great tournament and showed great determination and resolve by pinning his first three opponents.

After wining against opponents from Sims, Forsyth, and Poplar, Hoerauf faced off against defending state champion Merlin Whitedirt in the finals.

"Having lost to Whitedirt earlier this year, he knew he would have to battle hard and maybe take some risks to win," Sacry said. "During the first round, Whitedirt got a takedown and Dawson responded with a quick escape, ending the first period behind 1-2. Dawson started the 2nd period on top. He was attempting to earn a near fall when Whitedirt was able to reverse Dawson to his back and get the pin. Dawson was awarded the second place finish."

Sacry praised Hoerauf for his impressive year, only losing twice to Whitedirt, once to Blaine Buchanan of Huntley Project, and once to KC Buday of CMR (Great Falls).

Powers bounced back strong after losing his opening match at 103 pounds 16-3 to Kayle Stromer of Circle. He won his next three matches by pin before facing Stromer for a second time. Sacry said this time it was a true battle, but Stromer again came out on top. Powers would go onto face Rebecca Stroh of Chinook in the match for fifth place.

"With a second period pin, Dawson earned the fifth place medal and a spot in the trophy case," Sacry said.

At 113 pounds, Sacry said the two WHS freshman, Trentin Walker and Gage McMillian gained some good experience.

"The atmosphere can be overwhelming and at times intimidating. Trentin and Gage handled it fine," he said.

A divisional champ, Walker opened with a pin over before losing his next two matches. McMillan lost his first match to eventual second place finisher Tanner Cook of Shepherd. He was eliminated from the tournament by Gavin Horn of Harlem.

Mike Wilkinson went 1-2 at 126 pounds. After losing his first match, he bounced back with an impressive 8-2 win over Tabris Correa of Shelby. He finished the tournament with a loss to Bailey Weible of St. Ignatius.

Sacry said 132-pound divisional champion Connor Johnson had one of the toughest brackets of the tournament. After starting with a pin over Hunter Haskins of Superior, Johnson dropped his next match to third-place finisher Matt Reyling of Glasgow. Johnson picked up his second win a 5-2 victory of Darwin Johnson of Simms, before being eliminated from the tournament by fourth place finisher Rylin Burns of Colstrip.

Sacry said 138-pound freshman Dallen Hoover had a great tournament. He said after struggling in his first match, Hoover fought back hard with an 8-4 victory over Kaelen Smith of Poplar. In his third match, Hoover pinned Malakai Hvamstad of Fairfield in overtime of his next match. He was eliminated from the tournament after a loss to divisional champion Jacob Travis of Boulder.

Sophomore Riley Forcella opened in strong fashion at 145 pounds with a 4-1 victory over Jethro Thorne of Eureka. Forcella was injured his next match and was unable to continue at the tournament.

Senior Kayden Howser bounced back after losing his first match with a 5-1 victory over Cooper Larson of Glasgow. In his third match, Howser injured his knee and was defeated.

"This put him out of the tournament. Kayden wrestled well this year and his motivation and leadership will be missed next year," Sacry said.