Malta To Host Invitational and Mixer

The Malta-Whitewater Wrestling teams went to separate venues last weekend, as the girls team competed in the Golden Eagle Girls' Invitational in Lewistown, while the boys team went to the Class B Duels in Townsend.

Both events started on Friday, January 24, and concluded on Saturday, January 25.

In team dual format, in Townsend, the Malta boys team defeated Broadwater 40-36 in round 1. In round 2, Malta defeated Shepherd 41-27. Malta defeated Simms 54-9 in the fourth round. Lincoln County (Eureka) defeated Malta 54-30 in round 4. Malta defeated Red Lodge 54-15 in round 5.

Malta's 3-1 record meant that the team was guaranteed a top three finish.

In the semifinals Huntley Project defeated Malta 61-11. Malta won the Third Place Match 39-36 against Florence-Carlton.

Individual records for Malta in Townsend: 132 Jonah Bucks (2-8), 138 Lane Spencer (6-1), 138 Steeler Blunt (3-3), 150 Trooper Stiles (5-3), 150 Karson Kelsey (0-3), 157 Lane Salveson (0-8), 157 Rylee Brusse (0-7), 165 Corby Mears (0-3), 175 Straud Sims (6-0), 190 Kenan Labrie (6-1), 190 Kayden Green (0-6), 190 Landon Retan (2-4), 285 Zander Fuller (1-3), 285 Michael Love (4-2), and 285 Trevor Knowles (3-2).

"Overall we gained a lot of experience from this weekend," Malta Head Coach Jake French said. "We got to see some tough teams, and to come out placing third says a lot about the hard work the kids have been putting in this year.

"I feel we had a lot of team camaraderie going on with the format team duals provide," Coach French continued. "The kids were really cheering each other on, and trying to step up and score points for their team to try and win. It was a really fun atmosphere to be a part of as a coach. Hopefully they aren't satisfied with third place and keep striving to improve as the conclusion of the season is coming nearer."

Rylee Brusse was named Malta's wrestler of the week due to his effort in learning and growth in the sport of wrestling, Kayden Green had the match of the week (coach French said that any of his matches could be considered), and Jonah Bucks had the Quickpin of 11 seconds.

In Lewistown, the Malta girls team placed 17th out of 30 teams with 34 points.

Ava Hanson took second place in the Girls 170 class, going 2-1 at the event. Hanson lost the championship match to the reigning champion, KyLee Lindsley of Belgrade by pinfall at 1:33.

Carly Mears was sixth in the 130 class. Mears went 2-3 and scored 11 points for Malta.

Shaylee Hines scored three points in the 155 class. She was 1-2.

Malta will hold their annual Malta Athletic Club Mixer on Friday, January 31, at 5 p.m. The night will serve as Malta's Senior Night.

They will host the Malta Invitational Tournament on Saturday, February 1, at 9:30 a.m.