Fifth District Boys Wrestling Tournament

 On February 14, the fifth district held their championship tournament at Bear Lake High School.  Wrestling combines the 1A and 2A classifications, making it one of only two sports (golf being the other) where all three county high schools compete against each other for district titles.  In total Caribou County would be represented by twenty-three wrestlers, ten each from Soda Springs and Grace with three coming from North Gem.   Of these twenty three an impressive twelve qualified for the upcoming state tournament.  For those that did not qualify, many of them they are already looking forward to getting another shot at things next year.  

Wrestling is a very physically and mentally difficult sport.  While there is a team aspect and great support, ultimately you are all alone one on one with your opponent on the mat.  It is a terrific sport for teaching kids perseverance and requires hours of physical training making them very strong.  Those that come back year after year gain confidence and learn lessons that will stick with them for their entire lives.  

For North Gem Haydn Frandsen (152 lbs) lost a close match to decision, then got a pin in his second match.  He would get pinned in the consolation round and be eliminated from state contention.  Lukky Welker (145 lbs) would battle hard but would unfortunately have to withdraw due to injury.  Luke Rindlisbaker went 2-2 for the Cowboys in the tournament and place fourth, just missing out on qualifying for state.  

The Grizzlies saw great success as they qualified seven of their ten wrestlers for state.  Balczewski, Robbins, and Jorgensen would all miss out on qualifying, however Robbins and Jorgensen would each place fifth and will look to improve on that next season.  Jayden Lunt went 2-2 in the tournament and placed fourth, but grabbed one of the wildcard spots at 106 lbs.  Brett Hobbs (120 lbs) and Jack Eddins (138 lbs) each took third place and automatically qualified for state. Cael Newby (106 lbs) and Kole Younger (98 lbs) both made it to the championship round, but come up just a little short and each placed second.  Carter Kimball (113 lbs) and Wyatt Cutler (170 lbs) were perfect on the day, as they each would bring home a district championship.  

The Soda Springs Cardinals qualified five of their wrestlers.  Lee, Dickhaut, Hemmert, Belt, and Cutler all missed out on qualifying, with Hemmert and Cutler each just missing it by a hair losing in the third place match.  Owen Miller (106 lbs) went 3-1 and nabbed third place.  Zayden Garbett (145 lbs) likewise went 3-1, and he would also place third and move on to state.  Cole Garbett made it to the championship match, but fell and placed second and qualified for state at 170 lbs.  Tucker Bowen (126 lbs) and Elijah Dilworth (195 lbs) each went undefeated and become district champions.

State qualifiers will begin their run at a state title Friday inside the ICCU Arena in Pocatello.  Kimball and Cutler from Grace as well as Bowen and Dilworth from Soda are among the favorites to become state champions.  However several of the qualifying wrestlers are highly ranked and could do very well in the tournament.  Caribou County should be well represented.