Tri-Valley Wrestlers Make their Presence Known at 2024 State Championships
The goal in the practice room is to work harder than other teams are working. The goal is also to be one of the top wrestling programs in the state in the 1A/2A division. The Titan wrestlers didn’t disappoint.
Twelve qualifying wrestlers traveled to Holt Arena on the Idaho State University Campus last weekend to compete against the best from around the state. 39 teams with their qualifying individuals from 1A and 2A divisions schools made up the 2A classification roster. The Titans included two girl wrestlers in Dusty Longtin and Beth Phillips, joined by the boy qualifiers in Jace Mink, Jace Steele, Jace Waggoner, Eli Noah, Russell Noah, Toby Walker, Gage Warren, Elias DeVries, Ben Binder and Wyatt Moura.
The 12 mat event that covered the Holt Arena football field saw some outstanding wrestling matches over the 2 day event. Each wrestler was seeded in a 16 man double elimination bracket.
Six Titans earned their way to the medal stand. Jace Waggoner, 138 lbs and Wyatt Moura at 182 lbs placed 6th. Gage Warren at 170 lbs finished 5th in the state. Eli Noah at 152 lbs and Toby Walker at 160 lbs both placed 4th in their respective weights. Russell Noah, Senior, at 160 lbs wrestled in the Championship 160 lb 2A match. Matched against Colten Gunderson of West Side (44-3 overall), Russell Noah (16-10 overall) fought a hard battle against Gunderson. Noah lost in the second round, getting pinned at the 2:46 mark. Noah proudly brought home the 2nd place medal for the 160 lb weight class.
In addition, the Titans team placed 7th overall out of 39 teams, earning 98 points. The top five teams included Malad, New Plymouth, Kellogg, West Side and Firth (all 2A schools), 6th and 7th place were held by 1A schools Grace and Tri-Valley.
A huge shout out to all the fans that traveled to Pocatello to support the state qualifying wrestlers. In addition, the true Titan Spirit shines bright in team bus driver and expert photographer Abby Ochoa. The amount of time commitment by Coach Noah, B. Waggoner, Smith, Kindall, J. Waggoner and Moura is beyond anyone’s expectation.
Coach Noah is excited for the upcoming year. “We still have a pretty young team next year that with some work, can continue to build the program,” stated Noah. He also wanted to recognize the senior leadership from this past season, giving them huge accolades for their ability to set up and provide the leadership needed in the practice room, in completion and when traveling.
The Titan Wrestlers will finish up the year with the awards banquet and start to make plans for summer fundraisers and skill camps.
