A good core of returnees, including a defending state champion, are fueling optimism on the Thompson Falls campus as the Blue Hawks wrestlers kick off the 2023-24 season.

Returning state champion Max Hannum, who is also a member of the school’s basketball team at the same time, showed they will be a factor this season during last weekend’s Owen Invitational tournament.

Hannum powered his way to the 182-pound title at the Owen, a prestigious season-opening meet in Polson.

And eighth-grader Westin Block placed third in Polson, adding to the potential talent level of young wrestlers coach Mike Thilmony has in this year’s stable.

In addition, T Falls girls team has what Thilmony said are some promising underclassmen, including sophomore Jaden Bewick and eighth-grader Veronica Vega. Both young ladies placed in the top six in their weight categories at the Owen. The team’s only senior, Desani Bewick was also a top six finisher in Polson.

The biggest loss via graduation from last year is Eli Ratliff, a standout all-around athlete who placed second at the 2022-23 State B meet.

A solid core of successful returning wrestlers is also in the fold this year.

Senior Diego Long (126 pounds) is one of three Blue Hawks back for another year after making it to State last year. Long and junior Noa Stevens, along with sophomore Brock Ryan were all state qualifiers last year.

Stevens competes at 152 pounds, while Ryan will wrestle at 138 pounds this year.

“The boys team is a pretty balanced team,” Thilmony said. “We have a returning state champion in Max Hannum and three returning state qualifiers. We also have some young sleepers in the line up that we are very excited about, and their development throughout the season”.

Thilmony, father of the school’s only three-time state champion, Trae Thilmony (now wrestling for North Dakota State University) said he has been impressed with the work ethic displayed by this year’s team.

“I have been very pleased with how hard this team is working in the room,” he said. “We feel this team has great potential”.

T Falls hosts a mixer this Thursday (Dec 7), then will participate in the Bob Kinney Classic this Saturday in Superior.