By Tiffany L. Rehbein
The Chinook Sugarbeeters, not competing with a complete wrestling team, boasted four champions at the Havre Invitational Saturday.
Casey Reid won by decision over Chad Maney of Havre for the title at 125 pounds, during this first meet of the season.
Kyle Butcher defeated Brian Stern of Livingston at 160 pounds for the first-place finish, and Mike Maddox outwrestled Willie Hulett of Havre at 171 pounds.
Josh Miller (189) won the dual against Sheldon Gerhardt for the championship.
Will Haugen (130) finished third, Thomas Maddox (135) finished fourth, and Ben Parsons (119) and Chad Drugge (145) both finished fifth for the Sugarbeeters. Chad Fogg (145) notched a sixth-place finish.
"As far as stamina and endurance went, I thought they shined," said head coach Perry Miller. "I think my seniors feel the urgency. They have always known they could compete, but the urgency and knowing this is their last time to compete has elevated their perception of 100 percent. I was very thrilled with what they did."
The Sugarbeeters were open at 105, 112, and 152, and wrestled with a fill-in at heavyweight.
"Malta's got a heck of a team, and Havre's got a great team," Miller said. "They fill all the weight classes and that affects the team score. As far as individual performances, I couldn't be prouder of the boys."
Chinook finished third at the meet with 125 points, behind Malta, who placed first, and Havre.
"I was super-proud of my underclassmen," Miller said. "Those kids came in there without a lot of experience and did a great job."
The Sugarbeeters travel to Valier Friday and Glasgow Saturday.
