On Saturday, Jan. 17, Ronan Chiefs wrestler Cameron Neiss took first place for the 125-pound weight class in the Rocky Mountain Classic. Neiss was Ronan’s first champ since 2000.

The Rocky Mountain Classic draws talent from around the region and Neiss had to first beat a Coeur d’Alene wrestler in the semifinals.

“Cam was able to slow him down and control the pace of the match,” Ronan head coach Ryan Fisher said. “He did an excellent job in the advantage position on top and dominated the match to a 12-2 win.”

In the final, Neiss faced a Bozeman wrestler who had defeated the Chiefs earlier that year and won the Great Falls Classic tournament.

“A key to this win was wrestling tough on our feet and not giving up any points when we were on the mat,” Fisher said. “Cam has been working hard at the top position and did a great job earning himself a 2-point advantage with a nearfall; he kept himself in good position and made wise decisions.”

Other Ronan placers were Micky Cheff, who took third place at 145 pounds, , Marcus Schiele, who finished fourth at 189 pounds, Toby Cheff who finished fifth at 160 pounds, and Zach Robinson, who finished in sixth place at 105 pounds.

The team finished in the top 10 overall and placed second among Class-A  schools.

Micky was ranked number one in his weight class along with Polson wrestler Brock Picard, according to the Thursday, Jan. 22 issue of the Daily Inter Lake.

-Reporter Mike Cast

Note from the sports editor:

I apologize for not including this information in last week’s paper. The Ronan coaching staff has been very cooperative in providing information on their athletes. I will strive in the future to publish newsworthy stories such as this one in a more timely manner.