Masen Twomey brings home 2A State Wrestling title: Grizzlies peak at the right time at state wrestling tournament

Rocky Mountain head wrestling coach Eddie Whiting feels his team hit its stride at exactly the right time.

“I’m very satisfied with our season this year,” Whiting said after the state tournament in Casper. “We peaked at the right time. It was a great state tournament. All four coaches agreed we did the right things this year and had the kids ready.”

The Grizzlies placed sixth out of 21 teams in the 2A division with 127.5 points. Among all classifications combined, Rocky Mountain finished 18th out of 51 teams. The Rocky Mountain girls team added 10.5 points and placed 39th.

“It’s a great day to be a Grizz,” Whiting said.

Twomey state title

Masen Twomey capped his season by winning the 215-pound state championship after claiming the regional title the week before.

“He had it in his head from the beginning of the year that nothing was going to stop him from taking state,” Whiting said. “He knew what he wanted. He was hungry all year.”

Whiting said Twomey also showed maturity throughout the season.

“He won with grace. He didn’t boast,” Whiting said. “He knew he was the champion, but he showed sportsmanship. That showed a lot of growth.”

Strong performances

Rocky Mountain had several wrestlers reach the podium, including four who advanced to the semifinal round.

Gabriel Whiting finished second at 120 pounds after a strong run through the bracket.

“I think he peaked in the semis,” Whiting said. “He gave it everything he had. He told me, ‘I gave 120 percent, and I couldn’t give any more.’ That’s all we ask.”

Freshman Benson Jolley placed third at 138 pounds in his first state appearance.

“He’s a grinder,” Whiting said. “Even after a loss, he just keeps coming.”

Senior Triffen Jolley placed third at 165 pounds and reached a major milestone during the tournament with his 100th career victory.

“I knew he was close, but I didn’t tell him how close,” Whiting said. “Only his parents and I knew. We made a sign for him. There was no stopping him.”

Whiting said Jolley is the first wrestler to reach the 100-win mark during his coaching tenure.

“It’s something we want to celebrate with these kids,” he said.

Sam Loyning finished fifth at 132 pounds after battling back through the bracket.

“He’s a workhorse,” Whiting said. “He came back and beat the kid who knocked him out in the quarters. That meant a lot.”

At heavyweight, Alexander Walker also placed fifth while delivering one of his best performances of the season.

“He battled the number one kid in the state in the quarters and just took it to him,” Whiting said. “Getting into the placing rounds was a huge confidence booster.

“I really can’t pick just one performance that stood out,” Whiting added. “Every one of these athletes had a peak performance.”

Girls battle in the blood rounds

Rocky’s girls qualifiers fought hard but fell just short of placing.

“We came up a little short in the blood rounds,” Whiting said. “Those are the matches that decide whether you place or you’re out. They battled hard.”

Whiting said the lessons of wrestling go far beyond wins and losses.

“I always want them to believe in themselves,” he said. “As coaches, we’ll believe in them fully. But they have to believe it in their hearts and in their minds.”

He also credited his staff, including girls coach Travis Lytle and assistant coach Kyler Marchant.

“Without assistant coaches, I don’t have the versatility in the room,” Whiting said. “They bring different styles. That makes us better.

“Our team’s identity is to believe in yourself, your team and your coaches. Believe in your heart that you can do it.”