A group of 15 boys and six girls turned out for wrestling this year, the first under new Thompson Falls head coach Nate Block, who took over this season from long-time coach Mike Thilmony.

The group consists of a mixture of seniors and underclassmen. 

Gone from last year’s team, which finished 17th at the state B-C championships, is graduate Max Hannum (second in state last year, state champ at 170 pounds in 2022-23). 

Key returnees include senior Noa Stephans (175 pounds), sophomore Tuff Ryder (no weight listed), freshmen Weston Block (118 pounds) and Carson Kenney (132 pounds). 

Block won the season opening Owen Invitational in Polson this past weekend. 

Coach Block is confident his team will emerge as a solid team this year. 

“This year’s expected strength will be drawn from within,” he said. “We are very confident that our returning athletes will help motivate and encourage those new to our program”. 

Among those newcomers are sophomore Jacobe Woods, freshman Nikolai Platner, seniors Jakob Molina and Gabe Hutton, sophomores Liam Pallister and Luke Bonds, freshman Jayden Grounds, and eighth graders Taver Ethan, Zarek Pallister and Easton Helvey. 

Coach Block also welcomed a contingent of six girls, led by veteran wrestler Jaden Beswick, sophomores Alexandria Volo-Ocacio, and freshman Veronica Vega. 

New to the girls' program are eight graders Matea Keef and Kayla Fausett. 

Block said he and his assistant coaches, Ashley Block and Jase Miller, will be working on increasing overall knowledge of the sport. 

“Consistently building our wrestling IQ, making sure our toolboxes are full and are not one dimensional”, he said when asked for areas of focus. 

The team took part in this past weekend’s Owen Invitational in Polson and will be heading to Superior this weekend for the annual Bob Kinney event. 

“This season we are looking to build team unity in a fun and encouraging environment, while hopefully helping the athletes obtain their season goals,” coach Block said. “There is a burn in the belly of our returning athletes, looking to improve and build on last season’s strengths”. 

    Noa Stephans and Carson Kennedy square off during preseason practice this past week for the T Falls Blue Hawks wrestling team.  (Photo by Tracy Scott)