Wrestlers earn wins over Skyview, Meridian

The Mountain Home Tiger wrestling team had a good week last week, picking up dual match wins over Skyview and Meridian, and came in fifth at the Weiser Invitational Wrestling Tournament over the weekend.

Mountain Home 34

Skyview 30

The Tigers kept their SIC 4A conference record unblemished last Thursday night, beating the Hawks, 34-30 at home. It was a great finish for the Tigers, who trailed early 15-0 but battled back.

Going into the last match of the night, the score was tied 30-30. Nico Pinque won a 17-7 major decision at 130 pounds to give the Tigers the win.

Besides Pinque's win, Charles Davidson (275 pounds), T.J. Billinger (103) and Daniel Doronio (119) all won by pins, and Zacq Hale (152) battled back for an 11-8 win, Matt Ward (171) won a 5-1 decision, Tyson Sessions (189) won 7-5, and Kaeo Doronio (112) won a 10-3 decision.

"We didn't start out real clean, and for the outcome, that was really great," said Tiger wrestling coach Lynn Knudson after the match. "Not one of our kids got down, they just kept on going and just picked each other up. It was a good team effort."

The win improved the Tigers to 6-0 in SIC 4A conference dual matches.

Mountain Home 44

Meridian 29

The Tigers also wrestled Meridian last Thursday night at home, and jumped out to a 20-0 lead on their way to the 44-29 win.

Picking up wins by pin were James Greenfield (145 pounds), Zacq Hale (152), Kaeo Doronio (112), and A.J. Hutchison (135). Blake Pharis (215) won by forfeit, and Calvin Vivier (140) won by technical fall (23-8). Kori Andrews (160) won a tough 1-0 decision, Charles Davidson (275) won in overtime, 4-2, and Nico Pinque edged his Meridian opponent 5-4.

"Unbelievable!" said Coach Knudson after the two wins. "Just unbelievable! It was definitely a good night for Mountain Home wrestling. I was really proud of the way the team came together.

"I've been trying all sorts of things to make this team possibly win a state championship, and we were slow starting, but it's awesome what's going on."

The win improved the Tigers to 10-5 overall in dual match competition.

Weiser Invitational

The Tigers wrestled at the Weiser Invitational over the weekend, where they finished fifth out of 19 teams. American Falls won the tourney, with 201 points. Skyview was second with 179 points, followed by Homedale, 139.5, Weiser, 135.5, and Mountain Home 125.5. LaGrande, Fruitland, Middleton, Bishop Kelly and Payette rounded out the top 10.

The Tigers had three make the championship match in their weight classes, but had no champions. Kaeo Doronio finished second at 112 pounds, as did Daniel Doronio at 119 and A.J. Hutchison at 140 pounds. Calvin Vivier had a third place finish at 135 pounds, and Nico Pinque placed fourth.

"I'm okay with the (Weiser) results for the most part," said Coach Knudson. "I thought there were some cases where we should have wrestled a little more aggressive, but overall, working towards the district tournament, I think this was another good tournament for us. I think it's just going to help us going into district and state."

The Tigers were at Nampa last night (Tuesday) for a tri-match with Nampa and Timberline of Boise. Tonight (Wednesday) night is Senior Night at home against Jerome.