Ben Crews won the first state championship for Stevensville since wrestling was reinstated in the school two years ago. Crews, a junior, defeated Wyatt Blithe of Lewistown with a 13-6 decision at 170 pounds. The only other valley grappler to wrestle in the championship round was Hamilton’s Manny Rivera who lost an 8-4 decision to Dillon’s Patrick Griffin at 160 pounds.
“It was a great weekend for Stevensville wrestling,” said coach Ted Adams. “We finished last at last year’s state tournament and 12th this year. That’s pretty good.”
Hamilton, who finished ninth with 99 points, had four other wrestlers that finished in the top six. Justin Hinson was third at 205 pounds. He defeated Mike Corrigan of Polson in a close, 3-2, decision. Michael Golden was fourth at 113 pounds after losing to Havre’s Eric LaFontaine. Steven Scheffer, who is from Victor and wrestles for Hamilton, took fourth at 152 pounds after losing to Jon Blanchard of Frenchtown. Steven Banks finished sixth after a loss to Kwin Stoddard of Dillon at 132 pounds.
Stevensville had three other wrestlers who made it to the podium. Mason Griffin finished fourth at 182 pounds after being pinned by Jon Jares of Laurel. Jerry Cassidy took fifth at 182 pounds, and Shawn Cassidy finished sixth at 205 pounds after Billings Central’s Braden Watson won a 9-4 decision.
Corvallis’ Luke Canner finished fourth at 285 pounds after being pinned by Brandon Connolly. Kye McCollaum, who is from Darby but wrestles for Corvallis, finished sixth at 152 pounds after losing to Bridger Coffman of Sidney, and Garret Hunt finished sixth at 285 pounds due to an injury.
Florence’s Jace Pancake took third at 182 pounds with a 6-5 decision over Alex Bertolit.