Libby Wrestling Club gears up for Kootenai Klassic

The Libby Wrestling Club finished its second weekend of the 2024 Western Montana Little Guy with great results. 

The Greenchain wrestlers showed improvements the coaches were hoping for when they finished the Making a Difference tournament hosted by Kalispell Wrestling Club.

Saturday morning started early with the peewee division kicking off a day of wrestling. Peewee division coach Justin Graham should be pleased with the progress these youngsters have made.

Nick Grotjohn helps coach the beginner and novice groups but is always mat side lending a hand with all the age groups. He says it always impresses him how much these peewee kids soak up in a short week of practice.

Beginner coach JR Rebo has a daughter participating in the peewee division as well as a son in the beginner group and is also lending a hand to Graham. 

“It’s the best wrestling to watch,” said coach Rebo, referring to the 5-year-old and younger group.

The beginner group started promptly after the peewee session was wrapped up. This is the largest group at most tournaments.

“The kids showed us that they are progressing well,” said high school wrestler and beginner group coach Conner Benson.

Jess Ames, the mother of a beginner group wrestler, said, “The kids have so much fun, and it shows on their faces. It is great for these kids to have this opportunity. It is a valuable lesson teaching sport and these coaches put in a lot of time and effort to the kids of Libby and Troy,” Ames said.

Novice followed the beginners. New coach and former Libby High School Greenchain wrestler Reed Christensen was ready to see how adjustments in his novice practice were working out. Christensen does not have any kids of his own who are participating with LWC yet.

“Reed was someone I thought of to help us out. We have great volunteers already but many of us just can’t 100% commit. Fortunately, Reed can be at every practice and on time, just like we want our kids. He has great help which is making Reed really develop as a coach,” Libby Wrestling Club president Jason Harrington said. “Reed possesses the qualities I hope our athletes will have as they grow in their wrestling and as they move through life.”

Middle and junior divisions concluded the tournament. Coach Dean Thompson has an upbeat outlook for his group. 

“This group is great to work with. I tell you what, these kids work hard and it shows,” Thompson said.

With just shy of 80 registered wrestlers from LWC, it’s an easy testament to the value this club provides to the communities of Libby and Troy.

“I think we registered 78 wrestlers this weekend, not including the 20 or so peewee. That’s a pretty good number of wrestlers and our volunteer group of coaches are running all over trying to keep a coach in the corner of each match,” Harrington said. “Our ultimate goal is to provide development for the high school program. We aren’t only here to teach kids wrestling. A quality high school wrestling team is made of more than good athletes. LWC wants to send kids up that are prepared.”

Harrington believes that character is one of the greatest and most valued qualities in any athlete. 

“I want the kids who go through this program to understand what we do off the mat is as important, if not more important, than wins and losses. “Western Montana Little Guy is governed in a way that relies on clubs, coaches, parents, fans and athletes to show honesty and credibility and LWC wants to instill that in the participants,” Harrington said.

This weekend, Libby Wrestling Club will host the Kootenai Klassic on Saturday.

“March 2 will be a very busy day at the high school. Our tournament is pretty big and we are thrilled to be able to host it,” Harrington said. “Our volunteer group is top notch, and we couldn’t do this without them.”

    Wrestling wasn't the only activity at the Making a Difference tournament in Kalispell. (Photo courtesy Greenchain Wrestling Club parents)
  

    A show of solidarity at the Making a Difference tournament in Kalispell. (Photo courtesy Greenchain Wrestling Club parents)
  

    The stands at Glacier High School were packed for the Making a Difference tournament in Kalispell. (Photo courtesy Greenchain Wrestling Club parents)
  

    A Libby Wrestling Club member seeks a pin at the Making a Difference tournament in Kalispell. (Photo courtesy Greenchain Wrestling Club)
  

    Members of the Libby Wrestling Club and Cabinet Mountain Elite competed at the Making a Difference tournament in Kalispell. (Photo courtesy Greenchain Wrestling Club)