Ponies dual B-C powers

Whether it's a Class A, Class C, Class B or a Class AA opponent, it doesn't matter. The purpose of the Havre High wrestling schedule is to get better in time for the postseason.

And preparing to host two of the better B-C programs around, the Central A Blue Ponies will do just that. Tonight at 5 p.m. at the HHS gymnasium the Ponies will host the B-C Conrad Cowboys and Forsyth Dogies.

"Forsyth is the top B-C team and Conrad is always tough," Havre High head coach Scott Filius said. "And we are going to wrestle both of them at the same time, so there is light weights on one mat and upper weights on the other and Conrad and Forsyth will switch. It should be nice for the fans to see us just getting after it and going."

The Ponies will have to be well prepared for both programs.

But with Forsyth being the top B-C squad in the state, HHS isn't looking past any grappler. The Ponies know just how dangerous they can be and are welcoming the challenge.

"Just like some of the boys in Chinook," Filius said. "They can be B-C and you can call them whatever you want, but they are tough. And Forsyth has some of those kids."

And for Conrad, "It will be a cat fight," Filius added. "They are always the same. They always come in and traditionally have a great program and their kids compete real well."

It doesn't matter the weight, the Ponies are ready for a fight.

And making up the tentative roster for HHS is Nate Kennelly (105), Gilbert Bara (112), Duell Stadel (119), Thomas Gruber (125), Zack Smith (130), Dillon Seely (135), Eli Hinebauch (145), Kameron Pribyl (152), Grant Pattison (160), Casey Schaub (171), Jared Ruttkofsky (189), Tyler Adams (215) and Josh Salapich (HWT).

With Riley LaBuda reinjuring his shoulder, the Ponies will remain open at 140 pounds. And just like every other matchup this year, the Ponies will also remain open at 98 pounds.

"We have 15 weights and we're going to have to go out and compete in the ones we are capable of," Filius said. "Dominate where we can and not give up things we shouldn't."

Havre High brings 10 ranked wrestlers into tonight's duals. Stadel is No. 1 at 119 pounds and Hinebauch is ranked first at 145 pounds. Schaub had been ranked No. 1 for much of the season but has missed signifigant mat time recently due to injury.

Kennelly, Bara, Seely, Pribyl, Ruttkofsky, Adams and Salapich are also ranked in Class A.

The wrestling will begin tonight at 5 p.m. when the Ponies take on both Conrad and Forsyth simultaneously.

The Blue Ponies will also be in Malta on Saturday for one final tuneup for the postseason. Havre plays host to the Central A Divisonal meet next Saturday.