Helena Capital tops Helena High in crosstown wrestling showdown

HELENA — With winter sports back up and rolling in Montana, they started in Helena with a crosstown tilt on the wrestling mat on Tuesday.

The Capital Bruins jumped out to a steady lead at 24-0 after pins by Conner Kovick (160 pounds), Noah Kovick (205), and Talon Marsh (285). However, the Bengals found themselves at a 24-24 tie with the Bruins after two no contests and pins by Nathan Elmose (126) and Ian Mehrens (132). The two squads battled back and forth with Carson DesRosier (138) picking up a second-round pin over Cameron Wyant, and David Kemp (145) recording a first-round pin over Spur Owen to put the score at 30-30.

That left the tilt to be decided by just one match at 152 pounds, and, unfortunately for the Bengals, that spot on their roster was open, leading Helena Capital to victory.

Following the bouts, Helena Capital head coach Jeff Mahana noted he was happy with the win but knows his squad will need to shape up quickly as they head into the season.

“Kind of being hamstrung in our times that we can compete, not being able to have an offseason because of social distancing things, it was a struggle," said Mahana. "I think (Tuesday) was a really good opportunity for those kids to see what I need to improve and then quickly.”

Below is the match sheet from Tuesday's matchups with the winner's names emboldened.