Nine Panthers wrestlers went to State last weekend — a good showing in any case, and especially so for a young squad. They came away with one champion, as Brady Armstrong dominated at 205 pounds; another all-stater in Dylan Mikesell; and a solid foundation for next year.
The State wrestling tournament, held Feb. 9 and 10 at the MetraPark in Billings, is an all-class event. Thirty-seven schools were entered in the combined B/C competition, with Jefferson High represented by Emma Jurkovac at 107 pounds, Maysa LaFromboise at 114, Dylan Mikesell at 120, Dayton Brown at 132, Cooper Mikesell at 145, Mike Richard at 160, Armstrong and Dylan Stevens at 205, and Kolbe Michaud at 285.
In the first round, Dylan Mikesell, Brown, Armstrong and Michaud secured wins, putting them into the quarterfinals. Another win would assure them a spot on the podium and advancing to day two. But only Armstrong registered a victory, advancing to the semifinals and locking up a spot on the awards podium and All-State recognition.
