Wrestlers enter season with high expectations

Whitefish wrestling hit the mat this season with a strong foundation of returning grapplers who are expecting to raise the bar for the entire program.

The Bulldogs are off to a good start after their first test at the Polson Invitational last weekend.

Senior 285-pounder Steven Quimby placed fourth overall and four Bulldogs made it to the semifinals. The team finished with 49 points and in 10th place.

“It was a good starting spot for us,” said coach Ryan Boyle. “We progressed through the tournament — we just didn’t have another gear to get over the hump.”

That’s the goal this season, says Boyle. To build upon past experience to take the program to the next level.

“We’re right there, we just have to find that extra something to push it one step further,” Boyle said.

The team has nine returning wrestlers. Five competed at state last season, including Quimby, 120-pounder Parker McWhirter, 138-pounder James Buckley, 126-pounder Dillon Thorsteinson and 205-pounder Travis Catina.

Boyle believes a handful have a chance to be on the podium at the end of the season.

Quimby, Catina and senior Konrad Zinke all should be in the mix, he said.

“They have the physical ability,” Boyle said. “Are they willing to put in the work and grow throughout the season?”

The answer so far is a fervent yes.

“The attitude is great in the room,” Boyle added. “They’re all working hard, don’t complain and just get it done. That’s coming from everybody.”

Whitefish hosts Bigfork on Friday at 6 p.m., then travels to the Superior Invite on Saturday.