Tiger matmen eye state title

The Mountain Home Tiger wrestling squad begins anew it's quest for a State Wrestling Championship trophy.

Last year, Mountain Home battled Sandpoint and Blackfoot for three days for the 4A State Wrestling title, and came in third, but those three teams each had over 200 team points.

"I think that was a new state record, to have three teams score that high at state," said Mountain Home Tiger head wrestling coach Lynn Knudson.

Knudson lost State Champion Johnny Nunez and a number of other state qualifiers to graduation, but the Tiger wrestling coach is not feeling any distress, as it is a case of simply reloading.

"We have great expectations for this year," Knudson said with a smile. "We have 10 state qualifiers returning, seven state placers returning. We also have freshmen Kori Andrews and Tyson Sessions that we expect great things from, along with the other kids that are going to step up this year.

"I have all the confidence in the world in the freshmen and sophomores we have on this team, it's just a top bunch, and with all the others stepping up, and wanting it, we're looking for a great season, and if we can stay healthy and get a few breaks along the way, the state championship is certainly in reach."

The Tigers open at home on the mats in Lloyd Schiller Gymnasium Friday night against Borah and Glenns Ferry.

Then on Saturday, they host the annual Mountain Home Frosh-Soph Wrestling Tournament. The Tigers won it last year, and Coach Knudson believes they could again this year.

"I think for the most part, we should have a pretty good chance at winning that again this year."