State Wrestling 2016: Ponies go to work on day one

BILLINGS -- It was business as usual for the Havre High wrestling team at the All-Class state tournament Friday, as the Blue Ponies once again dominated the competition.

And while the Ponies were not as overwhelmingly successful on the first day of state wrestling at the Rimrock Auto Arena at the Metra in Billings as they were last season, Havre still qualified eight wrestlers for the semifinals in the Class A tournament and holds a substantial lead for the top spot with one day remaining. Currently, the Ponies have 93 points to lead the way. Polson is in second with 78.5 and Columbia Falls is sitting third with 70.

"I thought we competed pretty hard today," Havre assistant coach Beau LaSalle said. "Everyone that was supposed to win, won. We didn't sneak in any of those that we thought we might, but that how it goes sometimes on the first day."

Havre may not have the depth that it has had in the past, as just nine of its 13 wrestlers advanced to the weekend, but when eight of those wrestlers make the semifinals and notch 14 pins, it's hard to complain.

All of Havre's defending individual champions have hopes of repeating as Parker Filius (152 pounds) and Jase Stokes (182 pounds) each had two pins on opening day. Travis Adams, the reigning champ of the heavyweight class, also worked his way into the semis with a win by fall after receiving a bye in the first round.

Martin Wilkie (120 pounds), Logan Pleninger (132 pounds) and Kody Pribyl (138 pounds) all won both of their matches by pin as well. They will be joined in the semifinal round by Tyler Schaub (205 pounds) and Dane Flammond (160 pounds).

Ryan Stewart also managed to advance to the consolation rounds Saturday after losing his quarterfinal match. Lane Paulson and Jazz Schroeder each won a match before being eliminated, while JayR Caplette and Jared Laux were each 0-2.

"I think tomorrow the biggest focus is getting all of our guys into the medal round," LaSalle said. "The team race is taking care of itself right now and if our guys take care of what they need to tomorrow, it should be a fun morning in the semis."

At this point, the Ponies are well on their way to a fourth-consecutive team championship. And even though there are still teams within striking distance such as Columbia Falls and Polson, a strong showing in the semifinal round could put any drama in the team race to bed.

"At some point or another this year, all of these guys have been in a big match," LaSalle said. "So they have plenty of experience in these kind of matches and if they just stick to their gameplan they will end up where they need to end up."

Eight of Havre's nine wrestlers still left in the tournament are still alive for individual championships and as a team, the Ponies will attempt to clinch their fourth straight title tomorrow. The semifinal round will get underway at 9:30 a.m.