Big Sky High School - Sunrise Yearbook (Missoula, MT)

Page 139 text:

You don't need to talk tough. Just prove it. The Big Sky wrestlers in five brief years have proven without a doubt to be one of the outstanding wrestlilng programs in the state of Montana. Behind head coach Cal Johnson, the Eagle grapplers have consistently proven the skep- tics wrong by placing higher than expected in state competitions. The Eagle program has produced several state champions over the past years. This year was no exception. Two in- dividuals - senior Russ Garrett at 185 and sophomore Scott Wilson at 132 - captured state titles at the state meet at Missoula Sen- tinel High School and led the Eagles to a fifth- place standing. The only disappointment was that the Eagle wrestlers had aimed for a higher fmish at state than they eventually won. Nonetheless it was the fourth time in the five-year history of the school that the Eagles had placed in the top five at state. Other stalwart perfomaances included: a state fourth place from 105 pounder, senior Brandon Knudson: state fifth-place finishes from junior 1 12-pounder Mike Northcutt and sophomore 119-pounder Kurt Trowbridge: and a fifth-place at state from 126-pound sophomore Tim Healey. Two other seniors who had outstanding per- formances during the year were Shane Smith and Leroy Thomas. The Eagles as a team finished their season with a 13-1-1 dual meets record. However, they did not repeat as divisional chanipions, losing out to Kalispell. They had their share of impressive moments. However, most of the team's best group showings came earlier in the season. The Eagles placed first at the season-opening Libby Invitational and later at the University of Montana Dual toumament. They grabbed a sixth-place Hnish at the prestigious 30 team Tri-State tournament in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho and scrambled to an im- pressive second place at the Rocky Mountain Classic hosted by Missoula Hellgate. Both state champions expressed deep pleasure in their state championships. There are no words for such a great feel- ing, said Wilson of his title. It's fthe titlei something that will last the rest of my life, commented Garrett. tEEPING CONTROL - Attempting to manuver an op- onent on to his back, junior Mike Northcutt works toward victory in this state match. Northcutt finished fifth. AZ POWER - The Eagle wrestlers mascot Taz was source of good luck. Fiuss Garrett gets a dose before is state title match. Shane Smith and Coach Caner offer est wishes. STAND-OFF - A big boost to the was the showing of Sophomore Scott Wilson in meet. Wilson walked away with the title, defeating Bennett of Havre, 5-2. l ,, Y THE MASKED DESTROYER - Junior Kurt Trowbridge, who had to wear a face mask as the result of an injury, attempts to to eliminate an opponent in his battle for fifth place. Eagles show early power in wrestling battle by crambling their wa! to the top Garrett leads Wrestlers to top state ranking GRAOIOUS WINNER - Junior Kurt Trowbridge hugs Bob Wilson from Libby alter winning their bout for fifth and sixth place. 'fu... ' xv-3-4 My T 1 1 kbs.- WRESTLING

Page 138 text:

X a flnlsh. A , if TITLE SE - Senior Russ a take down attempt from Brent T durin the S ,WE title match for the Q . on to win the Q of tlt mf irq, L., ,

Page 140 text:

WRESTLING IT'S ALL IN THE ARMS - Attempting an arm manuver into a pin position, Mike Northcutt works a Hellgate opponent onto his back. Northcutt placed fifth at state. Capture fifth place in state tournament crambling their way to the top Eagles boast two state champs for second year The Wrestlers' 'Man-of-the-Year' was most certainly senior 185-pounder Russ Garret, perhaps also the most outstanding athlete at Big Sky in 1985. Garrett. Eagle team captain. went 28-1-1 on the season. losing only to cross-town rival Brent Tripp of Hellgate late in the season. It was Tripp, however, who fell at the hands of Garrett in the state tinale. As a result. Garrett was honored as the Most Valuable wrestler . high point man , Htakedown expert , and wrestler with the most falls ian honor shared with Shane Srnithl. Other wrestling honors went to: Eric Solberg, who received the brains and brawn award for maintaining a four-point grade point while wrestling on varsity: and Wilson shared the title of most improveduwith sophomore Jody Pickering. The prediction for 1985-86 is bright for the Eagles. Since they graduated only four seniors from the twelve-man team, the team predicts that Big Sky could once again have a good base to start from next year. Eagle coach, Cal Johnson said, With eight returning lettermen, we should be able to make the challenge for the state title that we didn't make this year. If history is any indication, then no doubt the Eagle wrestlers will forever be scrambling for a place and for a championship. Once again, they'll set out, not to talk tough, just to prove it. stab l COUNTER ATTACK - State Champion Sco Wilson works an attempted take down move by Hellgate opponent into his own advantage. BATTLE OF RNALS - Ftuss Garrett maintains cor trol over Mike Parks of Libby at the Flocky Mountai Classic at Hellgate, The two were close friends an fierce rivals. KEEPING CONTROL - Working for time contr and attempting to tum his Havre opponent on his bac Rod Klamerus of Big Sky battles in the Rocky Mou tain Classic.