A duo of Senior Hawk Wrestlers, Donovan Sturtz and Troy Amsden, walked in the parade of athletes at the Montana State Wrestling Tournament, last week in Billings.

Sturtz and Amsden had qualified for State the week before, at the Divisional Tournament in Forsyth.

"To make it to State is an impressive feat," Broadus Head Wrestling Coach Frankie Schoonover commented on his wrestlers. "It means you're in the Top 16 wrestlers in Classes B and C from the entire state of Montana. To make it to State from our division is even tougher, as nearly every weight class at State had a finalist from our division. Just to make it to State shows how tough Donovan and Troy wrestled throughout the season. It's a big deal."

Despite Sturtz and Amsden's training, the pressure of a packed Metrapark audience, along with the tough competition, seemed to have some effect on both wrestlers.

In round 1, Isaac DuMontier of Saint Ignatius/Charlo won pinning Sturtz, and in the second round Sturtz was pinned by Coltin Siphikas of Manhattan.

In Troy Amsden's first round, he was pinned by Darwin Adams of Saint Ignatius/Charlo. Troy won by forfeit in the second round, as his opponent was injured before the match. In the third round, Troy lost a tough match to Andrew Andersen of Cut Bank via pin.

Though neither of the Broadus wrestlers placed at State, both can still hold their heads high – very few even make it that far.

"Donovan has wrestled for me for three years, and this is his first time to State. Troy wrestled his freshman year, and came back this year ready to win. I'm proud of both of them," Schoonover commented on his State wrestlers.

This year is Schoonover's 7th year of coaching at Broadus; it's also his 7th year of taking wrestlers to State. He also plans to continue coaching next year.

Tom Herzog

Hawk wrestlers Troy Amsden (holding the Powder River sign) and Donovan Sturtz walk in the parade at the Montana State Wrestling Championship, last week in Billings.

Now that the high school wrestling season has concluded, some of the Broadus team will go on to compete in AAU competition through the Spring, where Coach Schoonover will look to hone the skills of his young team.

"My goal is to get our young team caught up on the skills needed to take them to that next level. I look forward to next year," Frankie said. "I'd also like to thank the parents, fans, and wrestlers for their commitment this season. Additionally, I'd like to thank the teachers – they go to a lot of extra work to make sure the athletes are prepared to compete on the mat and in the classroom, and without those teachers the kids wouldn't be where they are today."