Anthony Parkin wins state title at tournament in Billings
Keith Cousins | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 11 years, 9 months AGO
The Superior Bobcat wrestling team went into the state tournament in Billings over the weekend and according to Head Coach Charlie Crabb they continued to do what they have done all year long – showed up, kicked butt and worked hard.
Three Bobcat wrestlers qualified for the state tournament and one of them, Anthony Parkin, came away from the tournament with the state title.
“He turned in a dominating performance all weekend by pinning his first opponent in 1:52 and then beating a two time state champion in the semifinals 7-2,” Coach Crabb said.
In the championship match Parkin faced off against Morgan Schultz from Mission. Parkin continued to dominate and won the title with an 18-5 decision.
“Obviously Anthony was very focused and wrestled his best when it mattered the most,” Coach Crabb said.
Freshman Bridger LaPierre placed fifth in the 130-pound weight clad and Coach Crabb said he had an “excellent” tournament. LaPierre lost to opponents who ended the tournament in second and third place.
“The matches he won were in dominating fashion and I saw some really good things that he can continue to build upon,” Coach Crabb said.
Kenny Stockard went 0-2 in the tournament but Coach Crabb said he wrestled the best he has all year.
“I know he was disappointed but I was proud of the way he went out and competed against the top wrestlers in the state.”
For Coach Crabb, the tournament capped off what in his opinion was a “really great” season of wrestling.
“We didn’t have very many wrestlers but the ones I did have wanted to be there and worked their tails off and it’s good to see that hard work rewarded with the kind of state tournament they had,” Coach Crabb said. “It would have been real easy for them to sit on their butts and do nothing and waster their talent or sit around and feel sorry for themselves because they didn’t have a large team to work out with. They showed up, worked hard, and kicked butt all year long.”