The Ronan Chiefs have high expectations for this season after placing eighth at last year's state championships, and with a talented group returning, and wrestlers in every weight class, they feel confident that they can do even better this year.

"We have much to work on," said Ronan head coach Ryan Fisher. "But as a team we are reaching for the goal of top five {place} at state this year. With our returning placers, incoming freshman and last year's contributing wrestlers, we feel this is an obtainable goal."

Ronan went 2-1 last weekend. They dominated both Eureka and Whitefish on Friday Dec. 1, winning 69-16 against Whitefish and 65-12 against Eureka but lost a tough one at Libby on Saturday by a score of 53-29.

Libby is expected to be one of the top teams in the state in Class A again this year, and has a lot of returning talent.

The Chiefs had an easy time against Whitefish due in large part to the fact that they lost a large amount of their lineup to graduation, and had a lot of open weight classes that Ronan was able to take advantage of.

Cameron Neiss (98), Micky Cheff (125), Marcus Schiele (160), Tyler Espinosa (171), Levi Guenzler (189), and Mike Trosper (285) all won their matches by pinning their opponent. Tyler Linse won 9-1, Ben White won 15-0, and Zach Robinson, Tyson Noyes, Nate Templer and Frank Swan all won by forfeit.

Ronan faced a similar team in Eureka. Cameron Neiss (98), Tyson Noyes (105), Seth Clary (119), Nate Templer (130), Tyler Linse (140), Ben White (152), and Levi Guenzler (189) all won by pins. Mickey Cheff won 15-3, and Zach Robinson, Marcus Schiele, Tyler Espinosa and Mike Trosper all won by forfeit.

"Whitefish lost a lot of their lineup and Eureka has a small program with few wrestlers," said Fisher. "Both teams had open weights, and those that were filled were in a large majority done with freshmen and first time wrestlers."

Ronan faced a much tougher challenge against Libby, and fell victim to a late rally leading to their first loss. The Chiefs led 26-18 after the first half of the duel, and, with eight matches remaining, found themselves in a tie, 29-29. The next eight matches were tough though, as the Chiefs were pinned seven out of eight times.

"Libby always has a good wrestling squad with strong, aggressive wrestlers," commented Fisher. "I felt that we could have ourselves a close dual if we could avoid losing by pins. We didn't do that. We lost eight matches by way of pin, and that is ultimately what made the difference in match score."

In the match against Libby, Cameron Neiss (98), Micky Cheff (125) and Levi Guenzler (215) all won by pins. Zach Robinson won 11-1, Tyson Noyes won 14-3, and Westyn Kiehn won 9-6.

Fisher said that next time the Chiefs take on Libby he will switch the lineup, inserting a few wrestlers that are currently out. But he stressed the importance of avoiding pins.

"It's a funny thing about duals," commented Fisher. "There is such a great score variation between a simple decision and a fall, that it is imperative to always fight off your back and avoid giving them the pin."

Despite the tough loss, Fisher is excited about freshmen Cameron Neiss and Micky Cheff.

"Both Cameron Neiss and Micky Cheff are looking good," he said. "They both bring a mental toughness not seen with many freshmen. They've wrestled all their lives and come from proven wrestling stock. When they step on the mat, they expect to win."

Ronan also returns four wrestlers who placed at state last year, including Zach Robinson (fifth), Seth Clary (third), Tylar Espinosa (fourth), and Mike Trosper (fifth).

The Chiefs will host Columbia Falls in their home opener tonight (Thursday) and will be traveling in two different directions this coming weekend with Varsity going to Hamilton and the Junior Varsity going to Superior.

"This weekend has helped knock off the rust," said Fisher. "Now we have to get back to work."