Grapplers look for individual success

With the team's roster filling only nine of the possible 15 weight classes this season, the Bulldog grapplers are looking to pin down individual titles.

"As a team, with the low numbers, we'll struggle in the conference," Bulldog coach Ryan Hoffman said.

Whitefish will be missing most of the weight classes on the small side of the scale and a couple on the other end, including the 189- and 215-pounders.

Without a full slate of wrestlers, the Bulldogs will have to forfeit a number of matches, which will drastically impact their standings as a team.

Despite the shallow roster, Hoffman says his wrestlers are energized to go after personal goals.

"I have quite a few kids who have gone to state for a few years," Hoffman said. "Tanner Benedict took sixth last year, and we hope to improve on that finish."

Benedict, a 5-foot 8-inch senior who starred as a running back on the Bulldog football team, will most likely wrestle in the 160-pound weight class.

Hoffman is also looking to seniors Dalton Rice, 130 pounds, Nick O'Dell and Geoff Streeter, both 165, to make a statement on the mat.

Rice was one of six Bulldog wrestlers who traveled to Billings last year for the state tournament. Streeter finished in sixth place among the 170-pounders at the divisional tournament.

The team has been focusing on conditioning drills and weight training in the weeks leading up to their opening meet at home against the Columbia Falls Wildcats.

Hoffman says the 'Cats are poised to make some noise in the conference, with seven returning wrestlers.

"They're going to be pretty solid," he said. "But I think Libby and Polson will be tough this season, too. Polson has a lot of kids."

Polson took third in the state tournament — the best from the Northwest conference. Whitefish placed tied for 18th.

The meet against Columbia Falls is slated for Friday, Dec. 4, at 6:30 p.m.