RMMS Grizz show growth at Riverton Spartan wrestling invite

Spencer and Jolley lead Rocky Mountain Middle School with second-place finishes

Rocky Mountain Middle School wrestlers faced strong competition Saturday at the Spartan Invite in Riverton, bringing home four individual placings and finishing 13th among 18 teams with 97 points.

Head coach Eddie Whiting was especially pleased with the performances of Aden Spencer and Barry Jolley, who both advanced to their championship matches.

Spencer finished second in the 175-pound division with a 2-1 record, earning two pins before falling to Draiten Popkes of Riverton 6-2 in the championship match.

“To see Aden Spencer get his first wins of the season at a tournament this magnitude is awesome,” Whiting said. “It shows we are improving each day.”

Jolley finished second at 215 pounds, going 2-1. He recorded two pins before falling to Benny Campos of Worland in the championship match.

“Barry Jolley has always been an absolute beast on the mat,” Whiting said, praising his continued growth, leadership and willingness to take risks.

Gus Loyning turned in one of the team’s strongest performances, winning six of seven matches at 80 pounds to capture third place. Loyning recorded four pins and two technical falls during the tournament.

Gabriel Walker added a fourth-place finish at 132 pounds, compiling a 3-2 record with three victories by pin or decision.

Other boys competing for Rocky Mountain included Jacob Undem (100 pounds, 2-2), Ryker James (75 pounds, 1-2), Peyton Grizzle (90 pounds, 1-2), Cody Kougl (115 pounds, 1-2) and Brady Morgan (215 pounds, 1-2).

Five girls also represented the Grizzlies. Kinli Bitton finished 1-2 in the 119-pound division, as did Harper Griffin. Alexis Clark, also wrestling at 119 pounds, finished 0-2. Eleanor Johnson went 0-2 in the 89-pound division, while Penelope Wambeke finished 0-2 at 109 pounds.

Whiting said the large tournament provided valuable experience against unfamiliar opponents, although he appreciates the additional mat time wrestlers can receive at smaller meets.

“Big tournaments are nice because you get to see new opponents,” Whiting said, noting that smaller tournaments often provide more wrestling opportunities for beginners.

“This tournament was a big test for us,” Whiting said. “I love seeing the growth they make each week.”

His message to the team remains focused on fundamentals and effort.

“Keep on grinding the basics, because if your foundation is strong, you don’t need flashy moves to win, just plain old toughness and old-school grit,” he said.

The Grizzlies will travel to Worland on Saturday, with competition beginning at 10 a.m. at Worland Middle School.