Regional showdown: Rocky boys defend home turf, girls compete in Powell

The Rocky Mountain/Burlington wrestling team outperformed expectations this season and is ready to take their best to State.

Head coach Eddie Whiting was proud of the team’s performance and growth throughout the season.

“Regionals was one for the books. We have all of our men that competed in Regionals going to state. I could not be prouder of each one of these athletes, from each new freshman all the way to the seniors,” Whiting said. “Just to see the growth is tremendous and quite remarkable. We will get these athletes to peak performance.”

The Grizz roared at Regionals at home Friday (boys) and in Powell Friday and Saturday (girls) with eight placers and five additional state qualifiers. Masen Twomey (215) led the way as a regional champion. Placing second were Gabriel Whiting (120), Sam Loyning (132) and Triffen Jolley (165).

Fourth-place finishers included Lucas Undem (132), Benson Jolley (138), Colten Bitton (144) and Alex Walker (285). Wrestlers placing in the top eight and qualifying for state were Sky Olsen (135), Charlee Anderson (190), Michael Broederlow (190), Lyle Montanez (144) and Nathan Undem (138).

Whiting highlighted both performance and character shown by the team.

“Masen Twomey is our solo champion. He has come a long way this year and has been humble, winning with grace and no need to boast, which shows much maturity,” Whiting said. “Triffen Jolley, Gabriel Whiting and Sam Loyning all took second. To see these young men take a tough loss with humility and grow from it makes me excited to see what comes at State.”

He also praised the fourth-place finishers and qualifiers.

“These gentlemen battled through the bracket and came away with huge wins. They know how to make it happen,” Whiting said. “Our state qualifiers battled on the winners’ side, fell short by one match and then fought back on the back side into the top eight.”

As a team, the Rocky boys finished fourth, narrowly missing a third-place finish.

Assistant coach Kyler Marchant emphasized the team’s resilience.

“This year has been a tough year for all of the wrestlers. They’ve all had tough moments and matches, but the best thing I’ve seen is how resilient they are,” Marchant said. “They’ve all had tough losses, but every one of them picks themselves back up and keeps improving. I also really enjoy the teamwork. They all help build each other up and support each other.”

Whiting also reflected on the girls’ performance.

“We only had one wrestler miss out on competing at State. Emmilee Wambeke fell short in the blood round just after having a great year and mindset all season,” he said. “We all have tough tournaments, and this one just happened to be the one we didn’t want.”

With Regionals complete, the focus now turns to State.

“We will be at State, and I believe in this team,” Whiting said. “I believe they will be proud of their performance there, and we should leave everything on the mat because at the end of the day, you can only give 100 percent.”

The Wyoming State Boys and Girls High School Wrestling Tournament will run Thursday through Saturday at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper. Weigh-ins begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, with competition across all boys and girls divisions starting at noon.

The annual event always delivers great theater, highlighted by the March of Returning Champions at 5:40 p.m. Friday and the Championship Face-off at 2:20 p.m. Saturday.

For full schedules and details, visit WHSAA.org.