STATE TOURNAMENT PREVIEW: American Falls looks to challenge champion Fruitland, plus other storylines
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AMERICAN FALLS – Most of the American Falls wrestlers competing at this week’s state championship tournament have been friends and teammates since at least middle school.
They’ve seen the ups and downs of a Beavers program trying to reach the top of the podium in 3A, arguably the toughest classification in the state.
After placing third in the team standings a year ago, those expectations haven’t changed, even in the new 4A classification.
“One thing that’s awesome about this team is we’re returning eight state placers and every one of them placed in the top four,” coach Nathan Gugelman said during a recent practice. “They tend to set the bar high … They’ve felt that pressure. They know what it’s like to be in the blood rounds and go get a win. Last year they wrestled awesome and I expect nothing less this year.”
American Falls returns two individual state champions in Nate Gugelman II and Mason Aiken.
Gugelman, a junior, is a two-time state champion has his sights set on a third.
Like most freshmen at their first state meet, Gugelman said he was a little nervous entering the big arena with the bright lights, but he was able to persevere.
He was more comfortable and dedicated last year and this year the motto is a little different.
“This year I’m excited and have been working hard all season,” he said. “That’s my plan for the weekend. Have fun and score points.”
Every point will be precious if the Beavers are to challenge Fruitland, the defending team champion.
Fruitland set a 3A state record with 318 points at the state meet last season and returns 11 state placers off of last year’s team.
Aiken, American Falls’ senior 144-pounder, will be looking for his fourth state medal, but after a fourth-place finish and a second place, he got to the top of the podium last year.
“You feel like you’re on top of the world,” Aiken said of finally winning a state title.
American Falls last won a state title in 2010.
“Just do your job,” coach Gugleman said of how they approach the state tournament. “We know who we are. Don’t put so much pressure on what everyone else is doing. Go do your job. If we do our job and we get after it I think we can put a lot of guys into the state championships and a lot of guys deep into the tournament.”
Snake River, with 18 wrestlers in the state meet, could also challenge for a trophy.
The state wrestling championships are Friday and Saturday at the ICCU Dome in Pocatello.
More Storylines
Banta 4-peat?
South Fremont’s Boden Banta goes for a fourth state title. According to Idahosports.com, there have only been 14 four-time champions in the classification, with South Fremont’s Hunter Hobbs being the last one in 2023.
Repeat girls championship
Thunder Ridge won the girls state title last season and returns state champion Shauna Anderson. Gracie Price, who reached the championship match as a freshman at 100 pounds, also returns to the tournament.
Other area girls looking to repeat as state champions are Raelynn O’Connor of Salmon, Courtney Hunt of American Falls, and Keanna Conrad of Blackfoot.
Madison moving up?
The Bobcats finished fourth last year and return six placers, including Brand’n Edstrom, who was second at 98 last season as a freshman.
Madison also returns Teague Jensen, Ace Ingram, Braxton Hanna, Porter Cottel and Rex Salas.
Also in 6A, look for Highland’s Sawyer Anderson at 120 going for a third state title.
Scott repeat?
Senior Saxton Scott of Idaho Falls looks for a fourth state medal after placing third as a freshman and second as a sophomore. Last year he finally made the top of the podium with a 120-pound title.
Also from Idaho Falls, DJ Neider has reached the championship match the past two seasons. Can he earn his first title?
Small school success
Malad enters with 13 state qualifiers, including returning state finalists Jack Willie, Oakley Maddox and Orrin Miller, while perennial power Ririe also has 13 wrestlers competing.
The Bulldogs return state champion James Hansen at 157 and three other state medalists.
West Side’s Gavin Peterson and Firth’s Ashton Allen also look for repeat individual state titles.
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