It was Turf Wars 2026 in Idaho, one of the largest amateur wrestling dual tourneys of the season, and the Block girls from Thompson Falls were a big part of it for Team Montana.

Competing as part of the Montana 14 and Under squad, sisters Kleonna (10), Neala (11) and Hartleigh (12) Block helped the Montana girls win second place in the Western States Turf Wars 2026 championships in Pocatello, Idaho at Holt Arena on the Idaho State University campus, June 24-27. The meet featured some of the top female wrestlers from 11 western states squaring off in 12-U and 14-U team dual competition.

USA Wrestling Montana Women’s Director Sarah Shepard said the Blocks were a big part of the Montana team’s efforts in Idaho. Coached by sisters Kylie and Lily McMahon, the team representing the Big Sky Country made it all the way to the championship dual before falling to California.

Montana gave up 10 points in forfeits to the California girls but lost the match by only one point nonetheless.

“The Block girls from Thompson Falls were dominant wrestling in Idaho,” Shephard said, indicating that the Montana team filled only 10 of the 12 weights during the tournament but still competed well versus the other states’ teams. “This team was comprised of girls from all over the state, many of them having never met.

“Not only did they dominate, they wrestled as a TEAM,” she said. “They were not only the loudest cheering squad in the arena, but also the biggest supporters, uplifting each other even as individual losses were taken.”

With the Montana squad going into the final with California undefeated, Shephard said that Neala Block provided the team with their motto of the day before the big match – “Grind their faces into the mat!” reportedly saying it with a big smile on her face – and the Montana girls went out and did just that, very nearly knocking off the favored California squad, Shephard said.

“The girls battled hard against California but couldn’t quite make up for that 10 point deficit from forfeited weight classes,” she said. “We lost by only ONE point!”

Shephard added that this Montana team and its individual players will be well worth watching in the future.

“Lessons were learned, fun was had, and lifelong friendships were made,” she said. “Keep an eye out for these young wrestlers in the future. This is just the beginning.”

Part of a family totally devoted to wrestling, Kleonna, Neala and Hartleigh often find themselves on the mat with older brother Weston (a rising junior at TFHS and a two-time State B-C medal winner) and parents Nate and Ashley Block, the boys and girls head coaches for the Thompson Falls High School wrestling team.

    GOING FOR THE PIN, Kleonna Block of Thompson Falls turns her opponent in action at the Turf Wars 2026 tournament in Pocatello three weeks ago. Block won this match from Hawaii’s Ehukai Kekahuna 8-6. (courtesy photo)