Poplar’s Wrestlers Aim For Honors At State Level

The Poplar Indians have the potential to be one of the top Class B wrestling programs around this season.

With 13 boys and seven girls out for the sport, the Indians field a wellrounded mixture of experience and talent.

“I’m excited about both our boys and girls,” Poplar coach Jason Frederick said. “Our girls have a ton of experience.”

Returning seniors on the boys’ squad are Jase Frederick, Jacob Berger, Mitchell Youngman and Marcus Genia. After suffering a knee injury, Genia will serve as a manager this season.

Frederick is a threetime state placer and Berger is a two-time state placer. Frederick earned fifth place at 120 pounds and Berger placed sixth at heavyweight during last year’s state wrestling meet. Youngman came a win away from placing at last year’s state meet.

Kyler Main, also a senior, is looking to help the Indians.

Sophomores on the squad include Gage Berg, Kameron Reum, Cameron Spotted Bird, Aries White Tail Feather and Landon Young.

Freshmen include Navarjo Escarcega and Lance Blackhorn.

“I think we’re going to compete with some teams,” Coach Frederick said. “I would like to see a few more kids to fill some weight classes, so we could compete against larger teams.”

Defending state champion Jazmin Gorder headlines Poplar’s girls’ program.

“Jazmin is looking to repeat,” Coach Frederick said.

Kenzie Smith, a senior, is also trying wrestling this year. Cayana Adams and Jade Miller are returning to the sport.

A talented group of freshmen include Angelina Escarcega, Rebecca Gorder and Precious Keiser. Escarcega was a national champion in AAU wrestling.

Escarcega had a record of 10-3 and earned a cooper medal at the Disney Duals’ national wrestling showcase in Orlando, Fla., last summer.

“All three of those freshmen are tough,” Coach Frederick said. “I expect them all to be on the podium at state.” Poplar will open its season at the Eagle Invitational held in Sidney on Dec. 3-4.

Schedule

Dec. 3-4: at Sidney Invitational Dec. 7: at Circle Dec. 9: at Wolf Point Dec. 10-11: at Glasgow Invitational Dec. 16: at Fort Benton Dec. 17-18: at Great Falls CMR Tournament Dec. 21: Poplar Mixer Jan. 6: CJI Mixer Jan. 7-8: at Cut Bank Jan. 11: at Circle Jan. 13: at Fairfield Jan. 14-15: at Choteau Jan. 18: Poplar Mixer Jan. 21: at Chinook Jan. 22: at Harlem Feb. 4-5: Divisional (Colstrip) Feb. 11-12: State (Billings)