Brave Brawlers send 26 wrestlers to state, Wolfpack have 9

MISSOULA — The Flathead Braves showed out at the Western AA wrestling divisional, sending 26 wrestlers through to the state tournament in Billings next Thursday.

Highlighting the day for the Braves were five champions and five runner-up finishes. 

Kellen Downing (132 pounds), Hunter Arriaga (144), Brett Chivers (157), Conor LeDuc (190) and Kohen Riley (215) took home titles for the Braves, while Hunter Van Gundy, Colten Conover, Jasper Bench, Aidan Lake and Dayton Naldrett placed second. 

“It was just awesome having Kellen Downing back in the line-up,” Braves coach Jeff Thompson said, “His timing and conditioning was on par even after being out for six weeks with an injury. Caleb Poe Hatten broke his hand just three weeks ago and gutted out a third-place performance today.” 

Four Braves brought home third place, while 12 more Flathead wrestlers placed in the top eight to secure a spot in Billings. 

“We set ourselves up pretty good heading into state,” Thompson said. “We just need to go to battle in the Magic City next weekend and have fun.” 

The Wolfpack also had a strong showing in Missoula, with two champions spearheading a nine-wrestler state contingent. 

Anthony Coelho knocked off teammate and top seed Aiden Sweat at 118 in the semifinals before beating Flathead’s Lake in the championship with a pin. 

Mark Ahner also claimed a crown at 175 with a third-round pin of Conover, his 27th fall of the season.

Zander Fuehr (126) and Daniel Pederson (190) nabbed second place finishes for the Wolfpack.

"Anthony Cuello showed why he is a force to be reckoned with as he pinned his opponent in the finals in 19 seconds," Glacier coach Mark Fischer said. "He had a great showing and will be one of the favorites at 118 at State.

"Matthew Ahner had his best match against Conover in the finals. Zander Fuehr had a huge semifinal to reach his finals match."

Bravettes have 14 qualifiers, Glacier girls 7 

On the girls side, 14 Bravettes earned their spots in Billings Saturday, with three girls taking home individual championships. 

Bella Downing (120), Julia Kay (130) and Kiera Lackey (135) grabbed titles, while Lilly Harris (145), Tarakona Bell (170) and Adri Cox (190) were runners-up. 

Three more Bravettes came home third, while five girls finished fourth. 

The top three from each AA divisional earns a spot at the state tournament, while the remaining spots are filled via the EDQ formula. 

Glacier had seven girls earn a spot with top-three finishes. 

Katelyn Sphuler nabbed the title at 100 pounds, while Kylie Shine was second behind Kay at 130 and Kassidy Lingle was second at 155. 

The state tournament starts Thursday at First Interstate Arena in Billings with championship rounds slated for Saturday afternoon.