Libby grapplers earn split with Whitefish, C-Falls

Greenchain wrestling split its matches Thursday night, overpowering an under-manned Whitefish Bulldog squad 49-30. Libby was then beaten by the Columbia Falls Matcats 51-21.

On the heels of Greenchain’s win over AA Glacier earlier in the week, the split against conference rivals wasn’t altogether unexpected. 

Libby ran roughshod over the Bulldogs in the heavier divisions, winning five of the six heaviest matches, including freshman Josh McGough with a pin at heavyweight.

The win over Whitefish was thorough, with two of the Bulldogs’ victories coming from forfeits.

That would come to bite Libby in the next showdown with Columbia Falls.

The Wildcats got an uncontested 18 points from Libby forfeits in 98-, 119-, and 140-pound classes.

Any or all of those could potentially have shifted momentum or at least been a point swing in Greenchain’s favor.

Libby notched only two pins, and even those didn’t come easily.

Austin Bailey pinned his opponent in 1:31, while Zach Crace battled for 4:33 before winning.

Skylar Higareda and Crace were the only athletes to win both of their contested matches. Other wrestlers who were fortunate enough to get a free six points from a forfeit, as well as an earned victory, were Josh Bowers, Austin Bailey and Garret Chapel.