Greenchain finish third at tournament

The Libby Greenchain grapplers had an impressive showing Saturday at the Superior Invitational. Behind title-winning days for Zach Crace at 138 pounds and Josh Bowers at 170 pounds, the team placed third out of 12 teams.

Crace earned his championship when he pinned Superior’s Bridger Lapierre in 3:48. Bowers claimed his title when he pinned Eureka’s Wyatt Mill in 3:29.

“It was great to see Josh earn that after he ended Havre with a tough loss,” Head Coach Kelly Morford said.

Along with two titles, Libby’s Dylan Roby and Garret Chapel claimed second at 120 and 170 pounds, respectively. Skyler Higareda claimed third at 132 pounds when he pinned Eureka’s Levi Lambertson in 2:37.

“Garret wrestled Jacen Peterson from Mission Charlo who was an undefeated state champion last year,” Morford said. “Garret had him on him on his back and almost pinned him, maybe did, but didn’t get the call.”

According to Morford, Peterson attempted to place Chapel in a cradle, a hold in which Peterson wrapped one arm around the side of Chapel’s neck and the other arm under Chapel’s knee before attempting to grasp hands.

“That’s not what you want to do against Garret because he is so long,” Morford said. “Garret rolled him to his back and almost had him. It was exciting.”

The Greenchain face a busy week. They host a dual in Troy on Tuesday before heading to Columbia Falls on Thursday. Friday and Saturday the team will compete in the Tri-State tournament. Needless to say, there will be many sore, tired wrestlers opening Christmas gifts next week.

“Holding down their weight and all that match time will be a grind,” Morford said. “But we are improving and want to keep the train rolling.”