Greenchain grapplers open season with two earning places

The Libby Greenchain wrestlers attended their first meet of the season Saturday in Havre. Juniors Zach Crace and Garret Chapel, both returning after placing in last year’s state tournament, led the way.

Crace finished third at 138 pounds. He won by forfeit against Cut Bank’s Travis Vermulm in the third-place match. Chapel, battling a neck injury, earned fourth after being out-pointed, 6-2, by Cut Bank’s Robert Jennings in the third-place contest.

“Zach faced an unbelievably tough bracket at 138 pounds,” Head Coach Kelly Morford said. “There were five or six guys there capable of becoming state placers. He wrestled well to finish where he did. He met last year’s state champion in the semifinals.”

Overall, Morford said he was proud of his team of 12 wrestlers from Libby and Troy. 

“Cody Kessel had a great return after not hitting the mat for a couple years,” Morford said. “It’s nice to see him knock off some of that rust at 132 pounds.”

Havre edged out Great Falls High to win the event, 282.5 points to 272.5. Libby’s 55 points earned them seventh out of 13 teams. However, with a lower than normal number of wrestlers, the focus will be on individual growth this season.

“Things went as expected,” Morford said. “Saw some good things and some fundamentals we need to work on. Overall, it was a good start to the season.”