Ronan, Polson wrestlers find podium at Owen Invitational in Polson

The Owen Invitational brought many teams to Linderman Gym Friday and Saturday, and Lake County programs made their presence felt on the podium throughout the two-day tournament. 

Local girls continued to show why northwest Montana is producing some of the state’s top talent on the mat. Ronan standout River Cote captured the 105-pound title, while teammate Reese Faler placed fifth in the same bracket. At 115, Avery Faler wrestled her way to a runner-up finish. 

Polson crowned multiple champions as well. Ariella Mihara claimed gold at 110 pounds, while Shyloh Huffine topped the 125-pound division with teammate Cheyenne Blake right behind in second. Venessa Wheeler added another championship for the Lady Pirates at 145, and Ciri Nice earned silver at 100. 

At 135, Arlee’s Anola Naugle earned the championship, with Polson’s Skylah Nielsen finishing second and teammate Kalah Dumont third. Ronan’s Sierra McGreevey placed fourth, and Laila Neiss secured sixth. 

Mission/Charlo also celebrated a champion as Anna Cronk took the 155-pound title, followed by teammate Meadow Ragen in second. In the upper weights, Mission/Charlo’s Lauren Padilla and Ronan’s Laila Quequesah finished fourth and sixth, respectively, at 190. 

Ronan heavyweights delivered a one-two finish, with Finlay Taylor winning the bracket and Judasha Ellsworth placing second. 

Ronan leads boys podium performances 

The boys division featured strong work from Ronan, Mission/Charlo, Polson, and Arlee, with Ronan finishing sixth in the team race — the highest among Lake County schools. 

Ronan’s Josiah Houle earned an 118-pound championship, while teammate Justus Orman-Bergman battled to sixth. Beau Litle added another medal, taking sixth at 103, and Brander McCollum reached the podium at 126, finishing sixth. 

At 138 pounds, Ronan’s Luc Cheff placed third, and Arlee’s Dominick Haynes ended the weekend’s fifth. 

Polson made noise in the middle weights as Ryatt Maley took third at 175, pinning Libby’s Alex Reatz in 1:25. Mission/Charlo’s Dakota Zeiler, fresh off All-Conference football recognition, earned fourth at 157. 

In the upper weights, Mission/Charlo standout Donovan Daniels — another multi-sport All-Conference athlete — finished second at 190, while Arlee’s Grady O’Connor placed sixth. Ronan heavyweight Cooper Wayman claimed second at 215, and Mission/Charlo’s Ryan Sharbono earned fourth at heavyweight.     Polson’s Wyatt Moldenhauer attempts to pin a Bigfork wrestler during the Owen Invitational at Linderman Gym. (Bob Gunderson Photo)