Blue Pony wrestlers are state champs

BILLINGS — After a two-year hiatus from the top spot, the Havre High wrestling team has been crowned state champions once again.

The Blue Ponies had one of their best state showings in school history over the weekend. Wrestling in Billings at the Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark, the Ponies captured the Class A state title with 233.5 points. Sidney finished second with 207, while Belgrade finished third with 172.5 points.

"It always feels a lot better to win than it does not to win," coach Scott Filius said. "We are pleased with the kids, they all had a good weekend. This is a great group of kids, and this is the first time I have come down here and had every kid score team points. That was special for us. Everybody contributed, and this is a neat group of kids."

This was the eighth team title for coach Filius, and Havre's 10th in wrestling.

Overall, 11 of the Ponies' 17 wrestlers placed in the top six. Grayson Brenna (105) and Grant Pattison (189) won state titles, while Keegan Kenelly (98) and Tyler Adams (215) both finished second for the Ponies. Dylan Stewart (112), Kody Pribyl (140) and Jace Billy (189) also finished in third place, while Logan Pleninger (105) finished fourth and Thomas Gruber (130) finished in fifth place. Gilbert Bara (135) and Travis Adams (215) both finished in sixth place for Havre.

It was a great weekend for the Ponies, and they will be honored for their efforts. There will be a parade tonight, beginning at the Holiday Village Mall at 5:30. The parade will finish at the Havre High School auditorium, where wrestlers and coaches will speak.