Libby little guys take state title

The Greenchain Wrestling Club traveled to Kalispell for the state youth wrestling tournament last weekend, emerging victorious for the second straight year.

Wrestlers Jeff Offenbecher, Dawson Young, Cyrus Sweedman, Xavier Reatz, Jace DeShazer, Logan Loaiza, Brenden Fiscus and Kaiden Dodson claimed first place standing at the end of the event. Cody Crace, Tanner Marshall, Kyle Svendsbye and Teague Thompson placed second in their divisions. Xander Spady and Alex Reatz grappled their way to third place and Zach Morrison, Tucker Masters, Ian Gilden, Quentin Wilson, Zane Dodson and Cole Petty finished fourth en route to the team’s first place finish.

Coach Bill Moe said he was proud of the young wrestlers’ character and determination.

“This is exciting for our kids, many of these boys fought so hard,” he said. “You would have been impressed with the grit, blood and extra horsepower that came from some of these Libby guys to knock off some studs. I had compliments from referees, coaches from other towns, and parents about the outstanding performance of many of our athletes. I give credit to our coaches and to the tough logger heart from the wrestlers themselves.”

The club gathered together Thursday evening for a celebratory pizza party with wrestlers, coaches and parents, then boarded a fire engine from the Libby Volunteer Fire Department for a victory lap around Libby. The ride ended at Burger Express where the hearty competitors enjoyed a round of ice cream.