John Armstrong is state wrestling champ

More than 5,000 people packed into the First Interstate Arena at MetraPark in Billings on Feb. 10 and 11, where boy and girl wrestlers from all four classes across Montana competed for the ultimate prize: to become a state champion.

For John Armstrong, Jefferson High senior and captain of the wrestling team, this tournament set the stage for a moment of a lifetime, one he’s been preparing for since he was four years old. He was so close last year he could taste it, and that experience propelled him to work even harder this year. Feb. 11 was his last chance, and he was ready.

Facing Tommy Sawyer of Anaconda in the championship match, John said he knew he’d have to work for it if he wanted to become the Class B state champ in the 152 weight class, and the challenge was one he welcomed. It would be much like all the other challenges he’d faced on the way to the mat at the Metra.