Flathead wrestlers fine with losing favored status

Dec. 1—After two straight State AA championships Flathead's boys wrestling team slipped to second at last year's tournament, and now the Brave Brawlers are right where coach Jeff Thompson likes them.

They're on the hunt, instead of being hunted.

"It's kind of nice," Thompson said. "It just feels like there's not as much pressure. But we've just got a great group of kids that are fighters."

A half-dozen seniors lead the way. Anders Thompson (205), who recently decommitted from Wyoming and now is now committed to the Oklahoma Sooners, is a two-time state finalist. His twin Gunnar (182) was fourth at state a year ago and fellow senior Sawyer Troupe (285) was fifth.

Will Barnes (120) and Logan Stansberry (160) were fifth, and two years ago Davin Naldrett (132) was third. Seniors Daniel Evert, Xander Winter and Colton Kuka are also looking to contribute.

Juniors Aiden Downing (132), Diesel Thompson (126) and Dane Lake (152) all placed last year at state as well. Sophomores Dayton Naldrett and Conor LeDuc wrestled at state as freshmen.

"It's a really good solid senior class that has been leaders," Coach Thompson said. "Then you sprinkle in one of the best freshman classes I've had at this high school, and it makes you really excited."

The list includes Hunter Arriaga at 120, Kellen Downing at 103; Kohen Riley, a big freshman who figures in at one of the upper weights; and Brett Chivers at 145. Downing has already earned some All-American plaudits and Chivers, Thompson says, "Is just a hammer."

The Brawlers take a 51-dual winning streak into its season openers against Great Falls High (noon) and CMR (2 p.m.) at Flathead Saturday. Thompson said a few of his wrestlers are short on practices but he figures that the boys will be at full strength in time for the Mining City Duals Dec. 8-9.

"It's a team that's not going to peak early on, and maybe even take some lumps," he said. "But I think we'll be in the hunt by the end of the year."

The Bravettes also took a step back last season after winning the first two girls' state wrestling titles in 2021-22. Last season they ended up third behind Billings Senior and Butte.

Like the boys team, there is a promising group of freshmen on board.

They'll complement a core of four returning state placers: Sophomores Bella Downing, Brinly Youso and Alivia Rinehart and junior Lucie Libby. Rinehart and Libby placed in 2021.

Forty girls are out total. "A third of our team or more consists of freshmen that are very athletic and enthusiastic," Bravettes coach Amber Downing said. "I think it's going to be a year of learning here, but I feel that as they get that experience you'll see them blossom into something amazing."

The girls will see action Saturday, then really get going on Dec. 8 with the Flathead Duals, followed by the Flathead Invitational the next day. Downing expects 230 girls to compete in the tournament, on teams throughout Montana and part of Idaho.