State Wrestling: Chinook gets 2nd, Stroh makes history in Class B/C

BILLINGS -- Going into Saturday at the All-Class State Wrestling Tournament, the Chinook Sugarbeeters knew they weren't going to a win a state championship, but they still had plenty to accomplish.

In front of a packed house at the Rimrock Auto Arena at the Metra, Chinook's Rebecca Stroh made history and the Beeters finished off the state tournament in style, finishing second as a team, behind a third-place finish from Reubin Swenson and a sixth-place showing from Stroh.

Stroh, who was the first female to compete at the state tournament for the Beeters, won two matches Friday, putting her in a position to place with one win Saturday. And in the consolation quarterfinals, Stroh won a 5-1 decision over Emma Brown of Jefferson, which ensured her a spot on the podium. The Chinook freshman lost her final two matches and finished sixth, but still, she became the first female to reach the podium in the Class B/C state tournament.

"It's a great feeling," Stroh said. "I haven't been ranked all season long, but I came here and believed that I could do it and I did. It's hard to explain how it feels."

While Stroh capped off her weekend by making a little history, she wasn't the only Chinook wrestler to finish strong. Swenson, who wrestles at 205 pounds, put together a stellar two days that culminated with a win in the consolation finals. However, he almost didn't make it there after nearly losing in the consolation quarterfinals.

Swenson found himself trailing to James Slaughter of Choteau 11-4 in the second period. The situation looked bleak. Yet, after a pep talk from assistant coach Willie Miller and an injury timeout, Swenson pinned Slaughter to clinch a spot in the top six. After his comeback win, Swenson wouldn't be denied, pinning opponents in the consolation semis and finals to take third place.

Circle ended up running away with the Class C team title, but thanks in large part to Swenson and Stroh, the Beeters took second with 43 points, 23 of which came via Swenson and his five wins by fall.

For full coverage of the All-Class State Tournament, see Monday's edition of the Havre Daily News.