Libby's Beagle wins fourth divisional; eyes second state title

Ryan Beagle was not about to loosen the stranglehold he has on Class A Northwest Division boys tennis.

Friday, he celebrated his 18th birthday and the Libby Logger senior surrendered four measly points in four matches during the three-day tournament on his way to his fourth straight divisional tennis championship Saturday on his home court.

“There are always nerves anytime you enter a tournament, but I’m feeling pretty good about my game,” Beagle said. 

Next up for the defending Class A state singles champion is a chance for back-to-back crowns. Beagle is also seeking a fourth medal. He was third in his freshman and sophomore seasons.

A long trip to Billings is in store for Beagle, his coaches Kyle Hannah, Terry Oedewalt and family members and supporters.

The tournament, held at Pioneer Park, begins Thursday and ends Friday. Beagle opens with the fourth-place finisher from the Southeast. 

Beagle said he repeated his postseason process following last year’s state title, which included entering larger tournaments and making frequent trips to Kalispell where Beagle played at the Logan Health Fitness Tennis Center while learning from Director of Tennis Brad Knutson and Head Tennis Pro Jeff Smith.

Beagle opened Thursday’s competition with a 6-1, 6-0 win over Bigfork junior Gunner Busic. In a quarterfinal match against Columbia Falls sophomore Jack Austin, Beagle rolled a 6-0, 6-0 win.

Friday morning’s rain meant no one took the court until 12:30 p.m. 

Despite the setback, Hannah lauded the group of people that kept things running well.

"Barb and Jackie Mee once again ran a tournament with precision and professionalism—like a fine Swiss watch. Coordinating an event of this scale on just six courts is a monumental task and their ability to keep everything running smoothly deserves the highest praise," Hannah said. "Special thanks also go to Nik Rewerts and Mark Rochin for their outstanding efforts in keeping coaches, fans and players happy while ensuring the tournament had everything it needed. We’re grateful to JMF for maintaining clean and well-stocked restrooms throughout the weekend.

"A huge shoutout goes to the tennis players who were not competing but stepped up to run concessions during the first two days. We’re also incredibly thankful to Joe Flores and his softball girls for taking over on Saturday. Thank you to Mrs. Martineau and the Booster Club for keeping the grill going and providing food for the crowd. And lastly, thank you to our supportive community for showing up and helping host a major event. The turnout throughout the weekend was incredible."

Saturday morning, Beagle then met Whitefish junior Owen Erickson in the semifinals where he claimed a 6-0, 6-1 win. In the afternoon, Beagle met Whitefish’s top player, junior Jack Oehlerich, for the title. 

Beagle had a fight in the first set before claiming a 6-2 win. He then finished off his quartet of divisional titles with a 6-0 win,

“I always get a battle from Jack and the match with Owen wasn’t bad, either,” Beagle said.

In the Class A bracket, Beagle said Oehlerich, Stevensville’s Angus Trangmoe and Miles City’s Florenz Keller are looking pretty strong.

Oehlerich was sixth at state a year ago and Trangmoe was a state qualifier in 2024 finishing 2-2. Keller won the Class A Eastern Divisional last week. He didn’t qualify for the state tourney in 2024.

Libby senior Alderic Martineau hoped to join Beagle in Billings, but some back issues slowed him after he won his first two matches.

Martineau opened with a 6-2, 6-1 win over Whitefish freshman Finn Hobart, then beat Columbia Falls junior Bruno Vazquez 7-5, 6-0.

In the semifinals, he met Oehlerich and dropped a 6-2, 6-1 match. In the consolation round, Martineau’s season ended in a hard-fought, 6-3, 6-3 match to Polson junior Ruger Ellis. 

A few weeks ago, Martineau topped Ellis, 6-3, 6-4, in Libby. 

"From a team standpoint, we had a strong first day—everything was clicking. On the second day, however, we lost a bit of momentum. Divisionals are always tough," Hannah said. "As a coach, watching a season—sometimes four years of hard work—come to an end is the hardest part. Seeing kids who have put in countless offseason hours come up short is truly heartbreaking. Our senior group—Alderic, Dylan, Erik, Marissa, Maggie, Mara and Dayton—gave their all, and their dedication to Logger Tennis will not be forgotten.

"That said, we are proud to have one senior still competing. Ryan Beagle will be representing Logger Nation at State in Billings. Our program has long stood on the pillars of Tradition, Sportsmanship and Pride—and Ryan will carry that legacy with him as he competes for a rare achievement: back-to-back singles championships."

Here's how the rest of the Libby squad performed at divisionals:

BOYS

Juniors Teague Thompson and Kale Hall were each 0-2 in singles play. The No. 2 doubles team of seniors Dylan Warner and Eric Thompson were 2-2 while the No. 1 team of junior Isaac Lamere and sophomore Blaise Erickson was 1-2. The No. 3 team of freshman Jon Cano and sophomore Cole Sunell was 0-2.

GIRLS

In singles play, senior No. 1 Maggie Fantozzi was 1-2 and senior No. 2 Marissa Hollingsworth was 2-2. No. 3 sophomore Claire Fantozzi was 2-2 and freshman Olivia Martineau was 1-2.

In doubles, Libby's No. 1 team of juniors Aubrey Davis and Bella Meyer was 2-2. On the No. 2 team, junior Jill Stewart and sophomore Rylee Delmas was 0-2. For the No. 3 team of juniors Shya Huck and Augie Bailey, it was 0-2.

In the rest of the tournament, Whitefish dominated, winning both team titles and claiming championships in girls singles and doubles and boys doubles. Liesl Brust took girls singles, Maggie Mercer and Camry Kelch won girls doubles and Walt Seigmund and Aaron Anderson claimed the boys doubles.

    Libby High School tennis player Ryan Beagle, head coach Kyle Hannah and assistant coach Terry Oedewaldt celebrate the singles title Beagle won at the Northwest A Divisional Tournament Saturday, May 17, 2025, in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
  

    Libby High School tennis player Ryan Beagle, his mom and a good friend from Columbia Falls celebrate the singles title Beagle won at the Northwest A Divisional Tournament Saturday, May 17, 2025, in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
  

    Libby High School tennis player Alderic Martineau competes during the Northwest A Divisional Tournament Saturday, May 17, 2025, in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
  

    Libby High School tennis player Marissa Hollingsworth competes during the Northwest A Divisional Tournament Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
  

    Libby High School tennis player Maggie Fantozzi competes during the Northwest A Divisional Tournament Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
  

    Libby High School tennis player Kale Hall competes during the Northwest A Divisional Tournament Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
  

    Libby High School tennis player Teague Thompson competes during the Northwest A Divisional Tournament Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)