Meet the new Stroh on the block

Chinook's Rebecca Stroh has all the wrestling pedigree she needs

Chinook has a strong wrestling tradition, but the legacy of great Sugarbeeters isn't the only thing Rebecca Stroh has to live up to. She also has to live up to her family name, which is like a who's who of Chinook wrestling.

And if that wasn't enough pressure, Stroh also has to deal with the pressure and attention that comes from being a girl in a sport of mostly boys. However, when she takes the mat at the All-Class state wrestling tournament this weekend, it will be as an equal and she is out to do more than just earn the respect of her competitors - her sights are set on reaching the podium.

"It's been hard but I think I have earned respect this year," Stroh said. "It's tough because you kind of have a lot of people watching you. It's also kind of cool because a lot of different people come up and want to talk to you."

Of course, if you are familiar with local wrestling, you will recognize the name Stroh. Ben Stroh, Rebecca's older brother, was one of the best, if not the greatest wrestler, in Chinook history as a four-time state champion. After his legendary high school career, he wrestled at the University of Wyoming, before returning to Montana State University-Northern last season, which he capped off with a NAIA national championship.

Along with Ben, Rebecca had another brother Robert, who was a three-time champion who wrestled for the Beeters. Her father, Robin, has been a long-time assistant for Chinook wrestling.

She grew up around the sport and she said it's something she has been doing since she was around 3 years old.

"Ben, Robert and my dad all got me into the wrestling room when I was little," Stroh said. "So I have been around it my whole life, but following my brothers has definitely motivated me. This is the first year I have just focused on wrestling for myself, instead of watching them. But just looking at what they have done and what opportunities they got from it, has really motivated me."

As a freshman, Stroh has performed well for the Beeters this season. Recently, she finished third at a tournament in Harlem and last weekend, she finished first at 103 pounds in the Northern B/C Divisional in Malta.

That has put Stroh in a strong position heading into the Class B-C tournament this weekend, but she's far from the only one. Chinook has a total of seven wrestlers heading to Billings this weekend, which is a big jump from the two that made the trip last year. The Beeters are fresh off a solid fifth-place showing at the Northern B/C and with young wrestlers like Stroh making big strides this season, Chinook could find themselves in contention for a trophy.

Yet, before Stroh and the Beeters head for Billings, the Havre Daily News caught up with her for five questions.

HDN: How is your preparation going for state wrestling?

Stroh: "It's going pretty well. Just trying to do what I can to get ready."

HDN: How excited are you to be wrestling at state this weekend?

Stroh: "I am beyond excited. It will be nice. I will be the first Chinook girl to wrestle at state and one of the first girls to win at divisonals and I am just trying to see how many firsts I can get."

HDN: You have obviously watched as a spectacor many times, how has that helped you prepare?

Stroh: "Last year, I ended up managing, so I have been down on the floor before and looking up to all the people sitting up there in the Metra and I think that will really help me just get used to the atmosphere. But it will be a totally new thing coming in with the nerves. People are actually going to be watching me this time."

HDN: How confident are you going into state?

Stroh: "I am really confident in my coaching and all the help that I have gotten, and I guess it will just come down to who wants it more when we get there."

HDN: What is your goal for this weekend?

Stroh: "This weekend, my goal is definitely to place and just to wrestle hard. If I place, I will be one of the first girls, especially in Class B to place and I am hoping to place higher than any of the other girls, but placing and even just being there, was a huge goal for me."