The law firm of Hoyt and Blewett PLLC in Great Falls is hosting its second “Tournament of Champions,” which will feature 58 of the state’s top wrestlers from Class AA, A and B/C, including 30 state champions. The one-day, single-elimination wrestling tournament takes place in Great Falls on Saturday Feb. 20.
Among the featured wrestlers are state champions Brock Picard (171) of Polson and Kelly Houle (215) of Columbia Falls. According to a press release from Hoyt and Blewett, the tourney also includes the nationally ranked Rauser brothers of Broadwater. Jade Rauser is a national champion and three-time state champion who has never lost a high school match. Val Rauser earned second place at last year’s national championship and is a two-time state champion.
It’s a cool idea and a cool tournament that satisfies the curiosity of anybody who ever wonders, “Who is the best wrestler in the state, not just the class?” Some questions will remain unanswered, as not every single state champion has confirmed. But it will still be interesting to see the results.
Matches begin Saturday morning at Great Falls High School Old Gym at 11 a.m., with the championship round scheduled for 1 p.m. Ticket prices are $5 for students and $8 for adults.