RONAN - Polson grapplers competed well in the Western Montana

Duals last weekend, posting a 4-2 record in the tournament and

placing seventh in the 14-team tournament. The two losses were

close affairs, with Columbia Falls winning by criteria even though

both squads were tied 42-42 and Glacier narrowly edging the Pirates

44-42.

RONAN - Polson grapplers competed well in the Western Montana Duals last weekend, posting a 4-2 record in the tournament and placing seventh in the 14-team tournament. The two losses were close affairs, with Columbia Falls winning by criteria even though both squads were tied 42-42 and Glacier narrowly edging the Pirates 44-42.

"I'm pleased with the progress we're making," Polson head coach Bob Owen said.

Polson picked up dual victories over Arlee, Drummond, Ronan - all ranked in the Class B/C coaches poll - and Deer Lodge. On Friday against Arlee, Polson picked up five pins in a 60-30 victory. The Pirates also picked up five pins in their 78-0 dual win over Deer Lodge. In their 44-42 loss to Glacier's JV, Polson got four pins including an eight-second pin by heavyweight Josiah Clairmont.

In fact, Clairmont is having a whale of a season at 15-0 and all of those victories coming via pin. Plenty of those pins have been within the first minute of the match and Clairmont had an undefeated streak last weekend.

"The reason for that is his brute strength," Owen said of his quick pins. "We're also getting him to refine his technique and at the Rocky Mountain Classic this weekend it will be a good measuring stick for where he's at."

Clairmont was ranked in the all-class poll just recently released. On Saturday, Polson notched six pins against Drummond and won 78-12. They also had six pins against Columbia Falls in their 42-42 dual which was decided by criteria. The Wildcats had more total wins and were declared the winner.

The Pirates wrapped up the dual by revisiting an old Northwestern A wrestling rivalry against Ronan. While the Chiefs are now in Class B, it didn't stop the two teams from putting together a spirited battle. Polson won 48-36, behind three pins and two decisions.

Other wrestlers that stood out for the Pirates were an undefeated trio at the duals: Craig Feistner at 125 pounds, Carlos Quinones at 112 pounds and Dylan Moll at 119.

"I think Dylan is really doing well," Owen said. "He has potential to place high in the state tournament."

All three are ranked in the Class A state poll.

"Craig has really progressed and gotten better with his technique every week," Owen said. "It's hard work for Craig. Carlos has also really been improving these past few weeks."

LIBBY 51, POLSON 33

POLSON - Coming into their dual meet against Libby ranked in the all-class poll for the state of Montana, Craig Feistner and Josiah Clairmont didn't disappoint for the home crowd even if the team didn't quite come away with the victory last Thursday.

Libby won 51-33 behind four pins but Polson had three pins itself. Heavyweight second-ranked class A wrestler Josiah Clairmont, made quick work of Libby's Zach Dolezal in :42.

Fourth-ranked Craig Feistner pinned Aaron Seffeldt in 2:51 at 125 pounds. Thirdranked Alex Nystrom pinned Garret Chapel in 3:21 at 140 pounds.

Polson's Mike Devlin, who's ranked third in Class A at 152 pounds, won a 7-5 decision over Josh Bowers.

The real turning point in the match was Dylan Moll's matchup against Zach Crace at 119 pounds. Moll had looked very strong in the match but Crace caught him out of position for the pin 1:52 into the match.

"They both had a tight match in Libby," Owen said.

COMING UP

After a Thursday dual against C-Falls, a team that narrowly edged the Pirates at the Western Montana Duals, Polson will compete at the Rocky Mountain Classic this weekend in Missoula.

"It will be a good measuring stick," Owen said. "If you can compete there it almost ensures you a level of state placement."

The Rocky Mountain Classic will have 37 teams, including teams from Spokane, Coeur d'Alene and Lewiston, Idaho.