MatCats qualify a host of wrestlers for state tournament

The Columbia Falls wrestling team took sixth at the Western A divisional tournament Saturday in Ronan.

The MatCats qualified several wrestlers for the state tournament this weekend in Billings. They include Dale Blickhan (103), Justin Windauer (113), Josiah Kilman (113), Orion Barta (120), Ty Allen (132), Trey Torpen (145), Lucas Thacker (152), Josh Bertram (170), Braydon Stone (182) and DJ Laycock (182).

Blickhan beat Kiera Davis of Corvallis in a 10-7 decision to take seventh. Windauer battled his way into the final pairing at 113 pounds, but was pinned by Frenchtown’s Walker Dyer, a senior. Kilman took fourth in the same weight class in a squeaker against Jesse Anson of Hamilton, 3-1.

Orion Barta was fifth with a win over Ashton Flamand of Browning. Ty Allen took eighth with a tough loss to Deegan Martin of Hamilton, 13-1.

Trey Torpen took eighth after Polson’s Jaren Keene recorded a fall.

Lucas Thacker at 152 made it to the championship round, but fell to Trey Thompson of Libby in the final by fall. Josh Bertram also battled into the finals match, but lost to Cooper Hoffman of Dillon by technical fall.

At 182, Braydon Stone battled teammate DJ Laycock for third. Laycock lost in a 7-1 decision.

The boys travel to Billings for the state tournament this Friday and Saturday.