Bulldogs shine at Cheney; host Spartans tonight

SANDPOINT — Adam Weindl (170 pounds) and Tanner McNelly (113) each went 3-1 on the day, advancing to the finals to lead Sandpoint on Saturday at the Cheney Invitational.

Sandpoint only had nine wrestlers in the 14-weight classes, still dealing with flu issues. Nonetheless, seven of the nine kids won at least one match in the modified 16-man brackets, so if you lost in the first two rounds, the highest you could finish was fifth.

In the finals, Weindl was coming around on a switch when time expired, nearly claiming the title. Lewis Dunton (132) also posted a 3-1 record to finish 3rd, while Brent Buchmiller (126) also posted a 3-1 record to finish fifth.

One of the more impressive performances on the day was turned in by freshman Mahonri Hunsaker (138), who posted a 2-2 record and was an overtime takedown away from placing. Also collecting wins for Sandpoint were Colton Redding (152) and Chris Bunty (160).

Despite missing a few guys and having no seniors in the line up, the kids wrestled well. The typical inconsistencies that tend to mark inexperience are becoming fewer for the young Bulldogs, as they learn more and more what they need to work on.

Sandpoint hosts Priest River tonight in the home opener, as the match was moved from Jan. 3.