PONY POWER IS BACK

BILLINGS - After nearly two years away from the First Interstate Bank Arena in Billings, the All-Class State wrestling tournament finally returned this past weekend. The Havre High wrestling team looked to make it a strong return, as well, and while they faced some adversity along the way, they ended the weekend with a second-place finish in Class A.

While a team trophy was huge for the Ponies, the special moment of the weekend came near the end when senior Orion Thivierge capped off the tournament winning a third straight state title in the 170-pound weight class. He had a dominant run through the weekend as he won all four matches by pin. He started the tournament with a pin 13 seconds into the match against Noah Guisinger from Hamilton. In the quarterfinal, Thivierge won by pin 32 seconds in against Easton DeJong from Miles City.

In the semifinal, Thivierge had to battle a little bit longer but eventually won by pin 3:03 into the match against Brandon Role from Columbia Falls. In the championship match against Grady Nelson from Sidney, Thivierge prepared himself for a tough battle but eventually won with a pin 48 seconds in to clinch his third straight state title.

"I was expecting a six-minute battle. He's a tough kid but we got in a situation and I just felt it and sometimes that's all you need," Thivierge said.

The Blue Ponies also needed Thivierge to win the championship to clinch a second-place finish in the tournament, so the pin was just a bonus for the team. Sidney defended its team title with 210.5 points, while the Ponies scored 147.4. Miles City was third with 142.

"He just dominated his way through the tournament," HHS head coach Beau LaSalle said of Thivierge. "When it came to the finals, we needed him to win and bonus points were just a bonus at that point so the pin was a cool way to cap off his senior year."

Many other Ponies had strong starts to the tournament. At 138 pounds, Stygles won his first match with a pin 5:47 in against Quentin Campos from Browning. He then pinned Jason Davis from Corvallis 4:45 in to advance to the semifinals. At 145 pounds, Reinhardt Bold started the weekend with a win by forfeit against Rowdy Crump from Columbia Falls. He then won, 6-3, against Miles Wells from Hardin to advance to the semis.

In his final tournament as a Pony, senior Riley Pleninger started strong with an 11-2 major decision over Joey Wise from Libby. Wrestling at 152 pounds, he then won, 5-4, against Owen Younger from Laurel to advance to the semis. At 182 pounds, Kale VanCampen won the quarterfinal with a pin 1:24 against Nathan Arthur from Lockwood.

The Ponies had two wrestlers start strong at 205 pounds. Senior Randy Tommerup started the weekend with a pin 5:08 into his match against Trevor Lewis from Hamilton. In the quarterfinal, he won, 5-2, against Lyom Bullard from Livingston. Pierce Caplette started the tournament with a pin 2:40 in against Cadogan Wheat from Hamilton. He then pinned Hardin's Keyon Fisher to advance to the semis.

However, out of the seven Ponies that advanced to the semifinals, Thivierge was the only one to move past it. Wrestlers such as Riley Pleninger were able to rebound in the consolation bracket. After his semifinal loss, Pleninger pinned Tate Hanson from Dillon. In a rematch, Pleninger pinned Younger to finish third.

"I just got my head right and worked for the next best thing," Pleninger said.

Stygles started consolation rounds with a pin against Trae DeSavuer from Livingston. But he lost his next match to finish fourth in the tournament. In a fifth-place match, Bold won by pin 2:55 in against Andrew Carmody from Hamilton.

VanCampen also placed fifth for the Ponies with a 3-0 decision over Cody Todd from Billings Central to end the weekend. In a fifth-place match, Tommerup won, 6-2, against his teammate, Caplette. With the loss, Caplette finished sixth in the tournament.

"It's a big tournament. There's a lot of emotions. It's a tough match to come back from after losing the semis," LaSalle said about his wrestlers in the consolation bracket. "We won some of them, we lost some of them and that's how these things go."

Other Ponies placed by working their way through the wrestlebacks. At 120 pounds, Carson Harris started the weekend with a pin against Sean Davis from Corvallis. After a loss in the quarterfinal, he won by injury against Marley Erickson from Libby to start consolation play. He then won, 5-4 against Dylan Delorme from Columbia Falls. In the fifth-place match, Harris won, 6-5, against Beau Contreraz from Lockwood.

At 160 pounds, Kendall Pleninger started the weekend with a pin against Trey Torpen from Columbia Falls. After a loss in the quarterfinal, Pleninger pinned David Sharp from Browning to start consolation play. In the next match, Pleninger won, 5-3, against Tommy Reske from Glendive. In the fifth-place match, Pleninger won by pin 36 seconds in against Beau Mares from Laurel.

While he did not place at the tournament, Havre's Matthew Lemer did win some matches wrestling at 113 pounds. He started the weekend with a pin against Prestin Connelly from Browning. In a consolation match, he won, 17-2, for a technical fall over Cash Byrd from Columbia Falls.

As a team, the Ponies scored 147.5 points to take second in the tournament. For the fifth year in a row, Sidney won the state championship with a score of 210.5 points. Miles City came in third with 142.0 points.

As the season comes to an end, so too do the careers of seniors such as Thivierge, Tommerup and Riley Pleninger. As they move on from the program, they will have a lot of great memories to reflect on.

"It was just a great time being a Blue Pony," Riley Pleninger said. "We had our ups and downs but it was just a great time."

With the season over, LaSalle can reflect on the Ponies' season. While they came short of their ultimate goal, LaSalle did see growth over the course of the past few months.

"I think our young kids really improved and grew throughout the season," LaSalle said. "We've been gearing up for this for quite a while. We talked about it a lot throughout the year. What we were going to do down here and how we wanted to do it. We put ourselves in position to do that, things didn't quite go our way but we came back, responded and got second."

While the Ponies will lose important wrestlers such as Thivierge, LaSalle believes their performance this past weekend should be a promising sign for the program going forward.

"We're happy with the way the kids performed and it was something to build on from here on out," LaSalle said. "We'll take a couple days off, rest up, heal up and then we'll get back in the weight room and we'll get back to our offseason tournaments and our offseason schedule and just keep finding opportunities to get better."

Class A

Team scores: Sidney 210.5, Havre 147.5, Miles City 142, Laurel 141.5, Frenchtown 140, Ronan 110, Livingston 109.5, Columbia Falls 91, Libby 74, Hardin 71.5, Glendive 69, Dillon 59.5, Lewistown 59, Browning 42, Lockwood 36.5, Billings Central 31, Hamilton 28, Corvallis 26, Whitefish 24, Polson 17, East Helena 6, Stevensville 4, Butte Central 1.

103

Championship: Elijah Nose, Laurel, p. Isaac Stewart, Frenchtown, 4:46.

Third place: Gordon Knapp, Sidney, p. Caleb Smith, Miles City, 2:22.

Fifth place: Ryley Knutson, Polson, p. Pita Fish, Browning, 1L37.

113

Championship: Reece Graves, Sidney, p. Ridge Cole, Ronan, 4:30.

Third place: Dalton Hinebauch, Lockwood, d. Ryder Hanson, Frenchtown, SV-1 8-6.

Fifth place: Xavier Reatz, Libby, p. Tristan Swanson, Glendive, 3:47.

120

Championship: Isaac Beardsley, Miles City, p. Landree Aurund, Whitefish, 1:42.

Third place: Austin Berry, Glendive, p. Hunter Barnes, Dillon, 4:39.

Fifth place: Carson Harris, Havre, d. Beau Cantreraz, Lockwood, 6-5.

126

Championship: Owen Lonski, Sidney, d. Noah Huffaker, Dillon, 11-6.

Third place: Koy McAllister, Ronan, p. Colter Fleming, Livingston, 3:51.

Fifth place: Ben Carlsen, Sidney, p. Blake Hoerner, Columbia Falls, 2:54.

132

Championship: Ashton Ulschak, Laurel, p. Kason Olson, Lewistown, 2:14.

Third place: Gage McGillvray, Livingston, d. Jesse Anson, Hamilton, 11-6.

Fifth place: Chris Rathjen, Columbia Falls, p. Kaden Wise, Sidney, 4:51.

138

Championship: Justin Windauer, Columbia Falls, d. Currey Brown, Miles City, 8-4.

Third place: Sean Mehling, Hardin, d. Tristian Stygles, Havre, 7-5.

Fifth place: Jason Davis, Corvallis, injury default over Trae DeSaveur, Livingston.

145

Championship: Zander Dean, Sidney, d. Danyk Jacobsen, Livingston, 2-1.

Third place: Cody Harrington, Glendive, d. Landon Bishop, Ronan, 7-2.

Fifth place: Reinhardt Bold, Havre, p. Andrew Carmody, Hamilton, 2:55.

152

Championship: Zander Burnison, Sidney, d. Gavin McLean, Frenchtown, 9-4.

Third place: Riley Peninger, Havre, p. Owen Younger, Laurel, 2:39.

Fifth place: Caleb Cheff, Ronan, d. Tate Hanson, Dillon, SV-1 5-3.

160

Championship: Aden Graves, Sidney, md. Wyatt Elam, Lewistown, 8-0.

Third place: Kadyen Howe, Hardin, md. Smokey Stoker, Frenchtown, 15-4.

Fifth place: Kendall Pleninger, Havre, p. Beau Mares, Laurel, 0:36.

170

Championship: Orion Thivierge, Havre, p. Grady Nelson, Sidney, 0:48.

Third place: Camden Johnson, Laurel, md. Easton DeJong, Miles City, 12-3.

Fifth place: Tristan Fisher, Ronan, d. Brandon Role, Columbia Falls, 5-4.

182

Championship: Jace DeShazer, Libby, p. Cade Gubler, Livingston, 1:34.

Third place: Cole Younger, Laurel, d. Noah Rausch, Frenchtown, 5-3.

Fifth place: Kale VanCampen, Havre, d. Cody Todd, Billings Central, 3-0.

205

Championship: Dante Pallone, Hardin, md. Brendyn Whiteman, Browning, 18-7.

Third place: Lyom Bullard, Livingston, d. Jeff Boyce, Lewistown, 5-1.

Fifth place: Randy Tommerup, Havre, d. Pierce Caplette, Havre, 6-2.

285

Championship: Gabe Walker, Miles City, p. Holden Meged, Miles City, 5:44.

Third place: Philip Herald, Frenchtown, p. Aydan Williamson, Libby, 1:49.

Fifth place: Max Morency, Ronan, d. Seth Benge, Billings Central, SV-1 3-1.

Individual Havre Results

113 - Matthew Lemer

Champ. Round 1 - Matthew Lemer (Havre) 31-18 won by fall over Prestin Connelly (Browning) 15-18 (Fall 1:45) Quarterfinal - Reece Graves (Sidney/Fairview) 48-3 won by major decision over Matthew Lemer (Havre) 31-18 (MD 11-3) Cons. Round 2 - Matthew Lemer (Havre) 31-18 won by tech fall over Cash Byrd (Columbia Falls) 1-4 (TF-1.5 3:32 (17-2))

Cons. Round 3 - Xavier Reatz (Libby/Troy) 23-18 won by decision over Matthew Lemer (Havre) 31-18 (Dec 6-3).

120 - Colter Soloman

Champ. Round 1 - Gavin Bauman (Frenchtown) 32-9 won by fall over Colter Soloman (Havre) 14-28 (Fall 0:57) Cons. Round 1 - Marley Erickson (Libby/Troy) 27-15 won in sudden victory - 1 over Colter Soloman (Havre) 14-28 (SV-1 7-2).

120 - Carson Harris (5th Place)

Champ. Round 1 - Carson Harris (Havre) 34-16 won by fall over Sean Davis (Corvallis) 23-15 (Fall 3:28) Quarterfinal - Hunter Barnes (Beaverhead Co. (Dillon)/ Sheridan/Twin Bridges) 33-10 won by fall over Carson Harris (Havre) 34-16 (Fall 0:38 Cons. Round 2 - Carson Harris (Havre) 34-16 won by injury default over Marley Erickson (Libby/Troy) 27-15 (Inj. 1:24) Cons. Round 3 - Carson Harris (Havre) 34-16 won by decision over Dylan Delorme (Columbia Falls) 26-11 (Dec 5-4) Cons. Semi - Austin Berry (Dawson Co. (Glendive)) 43-6 won by fall over Carson Harris (Havre) 34-16 (Fall 1:39) 5th Place Match - Carson Harris (Havre) 34-16 won by decision over Beau Contreraz (Lockwood (Billings)) 22-17 (Dec 6-5).

138 - Tristian Stygles (4th Place)

Champ. Round 1 - Tristian Stygles (Havre) 35-17 won by fall over Quentin Campos (Browning) 29-10 (Fall 5:47) Quarterfinal - Tristian Stygles (Havre) 35-17 won by fall over Jason Davis (Corvallis) 27-7 (Fall 4:45) Semifinal - Currey Brown (Custer Co. (Miles City)) 40-5 won by decision over Tristian Stygles (Havre) 35-17 (Dec 5-3) Cons. Semi - Tristian Stygles (Havre) 35-17 won by fall over Trae DeSaveur (Park (Livingston)/) 26-15 (Fall 2:17) 3rd Place Match - Sean Mehling (Hardin) 45-11 won by decision over Tristian Stygles (Havre) 35-17 (Dec 7-5).

145 - Reinhardt Bold (5th Place)

Champ. Round 1 - Reinhardt Bold (Havre) 24-8 won by forfeit over Rowdy Crump (Columbia Falls) 29-24 (For.) Quarterfinal - Reinhardt Bold (Havre) 24-8 won by decision over Miles Wells (Hardin) 33-20 (Dec 6-3) Semifinal - Danyk Jacobsen (Park (Livingston)/) 40-2 won by decision over Reinhardt Bold (Havre) 24-8 (Dec 6-1) Cons. Semi - Landon Bishop (Ronan) 42-8 won by decision over Reinhardt Bold (Havre) 24-8 (Dec 7-4) 5th Place Match - Reinhardt Bold (Havre) 24-8 won by fall over Andrew Carmody (Hamilton) 17-13 (Fall 2:55).

152 - Landon Caplette

Champ. Round 1 - Gavin McLean (Frenchtown) 42-1 won by fall over Landon Caplette (Havre) 8-10 (Fall 0:25) Cons. Round 1 - Tate Hanson (Beaverhead Co. (Dillon)/ Sheridan/Twin Bridges) 19-12 won by fall over Landon Caplette (Havre) 8-10 (Fall 0:57).

152 - Riley Pleninger (3rd Place)

Champ. Round 1 - Riley Pleninger (Havre) 38-8 won by major decision over Joey Wise (Libby/Troy) 36-15 (MD 11-2) Quarterfinal - Riley Pleninger (Havre) 38-8 won by decision over Owen Younger (Laurel) 43-17 (Dec 5-4) Semifinal - Gavin McLean (Frenchtown) 42-1 won by decision over Riley Pleninger (Havre) 38-8 (Dec 7-1) Cons. Semi - Riley Pleninger (Havre) 38-8 won by fall over Tate Hanson (Beaverhead Co. (Dillon)/ Sheridan/Twin Bridges) 19-12 (Fall 1:37) 3rd Place Match - Riley Pleninger (Havre) 38-8 won by fall over Owen Younger (Laurel) 43-17 (Fall 2:39).

160 - Kendall Pleninger (5th Place)

Champ. Round 1 - Kendall Pleninger (Havre) 33-19 won by fall over Trey Torpen (Columbia Falls) 24-23 (Fall 1:48) Quarterfinal - Smokey Stoker (Frenchtown) 42-10 won by decision over Kendall Pleninger (Havre) 33-19 (Dec 9-2) Cons. Round 2 - Kendall Pleninger (Havre) 33-19 won by fall over David Sharp (Browning) 27-21 (Fall 2:22) Cons. Round 3 - Kendall Pleninger (Havre) 33-19 won by decision over Tommy Reske (Dawson Co. (Glendive)) 17-16 (Dec 5-3) Cons. Semi - Kadyen Howe (Hardin) 33-13 won by decision over Kendall Pleninger (Havre) 33-19 (Dec 6-4) 5th Place Match - Kendall Pleninger (Havre) 33-19 won by fall over Beau Mares (Laurel) 31-22 (Fall 0:36).

170 - Orion Thivierge (State Champion)

Champ. Round 1 - Orion Thivierge (Havre) 35-1 won by fall over Noah Guisinger (Hamilton) 8-20 (Fall 0:13)Quarterfinal - Orion Thivierge (Havre) 35-1 won by fall over Easton DeJong (Custer Co. (Miles City)) 41-20 (Fall 0:32) Semifinal - Orion Thivierge (Havre) 35-1 won by fall over Brandon Role (Columbia Falls) 38-16 (Fall 3:03) 1st Place Match - Orion Thivierge (Havre) 35-1 won by fall over Grady Nelson (Sidney/Fairview) 45-12 (Fall 0:48).

182 - Kale VanCampen (5th Place)

Champ. Round 1 - Kale VanCampen (Havre) 34-12 received a bye () (Bye) Quarterfinal - Kale VanCampen (Havre) 34-12 won by fall over Nathan Arthur (Lockwood (Billings)) 18-24 (Fall 1:24) Semifinal - Jace DeShazer (Libby/Troy) 35-4 won by decision over Kale VanCampen (Havre) 34-12 (Dec 6-5) Cons. Semi - Noah Rausch (Frenchtown) 44-6 won by decision over Kale VanCampen (Havre) 34-12 (Dec 11-4) 5th Place Match - Kale VanCampen (Havre) 34-12 won by decision over Cody Todd (Billings Central/Joliet) 36-15 (Dec 3-0)

205 - Randy Tommerup (5th Place)

Champ. Round 1 - Randy Tommerup (Havre) 34-11 won by fall over Trevor Lewis (Hamilton) 15-17 (Fall 5:08) Quarterfinal - Randy Tommerup (Havre) 34-11 won by decision over Lyom Bullard (Park (Livingston)/) 27-12 (Dec 5-2) Semifinal - Brendyn Whiteman (Browning) 34-3 won by fall over Randy Tommerup (Havre) 34-11 (Fall 4:30) Cons. Semi - Jett Boyce (Fergus (Lewistown)) 24-25 won by decision over Randy Tommerup (Havre) 34-11 (Dec 2-1) 5th Place Match - Randy Tommerup (Havre) 34-11 won by decision over Pierce Caplette (Havre) 23-12 (Dec 6-2).

205 - Pierce Caplette (6th Place)

Champ. Round 1 - Pierce Caplette (Havre) 23-12 won by fall over Cadogan Wheat (Hamilton) 23-11 (Fall 2:40)= Quarterfinal - Pierce Caplette (Havre) 23-12 won by fall over Keyon Fisher (Hardin) 11-7 (Fall 3:12) Semifinal - Dante Pallone (Hardin) 37-12 won by fall over Pierce Caplette (Havre) 23-12 (Fall 2:53) Cons. Semi - Lyom Bullard (Park (Livingston)/) 27-12 won by major decision over Pierce Caplette (Havre) 23-12 (MD 12-4) 5th Place Match - Randy Tommerup (Havre) 34-11 won by decision over Pierce Caplette (Havre) 23-12 (Dec 6-2).

285 - Zale Thomas

Champ. Round 1 - Philip Herald (Frenchtown) 42-7 won by fall over Zale Thomas (Havre) 7-17 (Fall 1:06) Cons. Round 1 - Mateo Rupolo (Beaverhead Co. (Dillon)/ Sheridan/Twin Bridges) 27-17 won by fall over Zale Thomas (Havre) 7-17 (Fall 2:46).