Rocky Mtn./Burlington wrestlers well tested at Moorcroft tournament

The Rocky Mountain/Burlington wrestling team continued its strong season this weekend, making the long 250-mile trip across the state to compete in the Dylan Humes Memorial Tournament in Moorcroft. Humes was a graduate of Moorcroft High School who was killed in a car accident in 2018.

The tournament drew a massive and highly competitive field, with more than 30 schools and 400 wrestlers from four states -- Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, creating one of the toughest regular season tests of the year.

Boys varsity results

In varsity action, Triffen Jolley wrestled at 165 pounds and placed seventh. Gabriel Whiting (120) finished 2-2, Benson Jolley (138) went 3-2, Zach Unruh (144) was 1-2, Austin Weller (150) went 0-2, Colten Bitton (150) finished 1-2, Masen Twomey (215) went 1-2 and Alex Walker (285) ended the weekend 2-2.

Head coach Eddie Whiting said the challenge was less about physical ability and more about mindset.

“I think that we struggle more mentally than we do physically,” Whiting said. “Injury-wise, there were some things, and I think that we are getting to that point in the season where injuries are starting to arise, but that’s kind of the nature of the beast.”

“Leadership-wise, I saw Triffen come out not just as a captain, but doing the little extra things — pushing teammates who needed to be pushed, helping with drilling, stepping up in that way,”

Boys junior varsity

The junior varsity wrestlers also gained valuable mat time against a deep field. Lucas Undem, competing between 122 and 135 pounds, placed seventh. Nathan Undem (133–138) earned a fourth-place finish, Lyle Montanez (136–141) placed eighth and Michael Broederlow (189–208) finished second.

“Mental toughness is huge at this tournament,” Whiting said. “You lose one match, you’ve got to fight back to the blood rounds. You’re getting four to five matches in a day, and by that last round everyone wants to leave. That’s the one where the wrestler with the biggest heart shines, and we fell short in a few of those moments.”

Girls varsity results

In girls competition, Emmilee Wambeke (140) went 0-2, Grace McAlhany (145) finished 0-2 and Charlee Anderson (190) placed second overall.

Whiting also pointed to Anderson’s response after adversity as a standout moment.

“Who really came to shine was Charlee,” he said. “She stepped up with huge confidence. After a loss, instead of tears, I saw, ‘Hey, I gave it my all. I left it all on the mat.’ That showed huge growth.”

Whiting said the weekend revealed important leadership growth across the roster.

“I also saw Emmilee take a big step this week, not just in her wrestling but into a different headspace to help the team as a leader,” Whiting said.

With a demanding travel schedule and high-level competition behind them, the Grizzlies gained valuable experience as they continue to build toward the postseason.

The competition will only increase this weekend, as the Grizzlies travel to Riverton on Thursday for the premier tournament in the state, the annual Ron Thon Memorial Wrestling Tournament. The event is widely considered a best-of-the-best tournament because all wrestlers compete together regardless of class, unlike the state championships. This year’s field includes 38 girls teams and 39 boys teams.