State Champs
Poplar’s Escarcega, Gorder Win State Wrestling Championships
Poplar’s senior Jazmin Gorder and freshman Angelina Escarcega received similar advice from Coach Jason Frederick before their championship matches at the girls’ all-class wrestling state meet on Saturday, Feb. 12.
“Jason just said that it was our match and to make it our match,” Gorder said.
Escarcega added, “He said this is our match and we need to focus and do what we need to.”
The advice paid off as each of the wrestlers won state championships.
Gorder became a two-time state champion by pinning Cascade’s Lily Grismer in 5:55.
Escarcega pinned Glacier’s Brooke Yeadon in 3:50.
“It was just exciting,” Escarcega about winning the state title.
Gorder, who finished the season with a 26-1 record, opened state action by pinning White Sulphur Springs’ Alyvea McDaniel in 27 seconds. The senior then pinned Billings Skyview’s Leah Smith in 1:01, Anaconda’s Cora Pesanti in 1:02 and Miles City’s Robin Leidhold in 1:23.
She said the experience was a lot more fun than her first state title during COVID conditions in 2021.
“We got to wrestle the same time with the guys and we had the hometown there cheering for us,” Gorder explained. “It was exciting to have the fan support.”
She said the Parade of Champions held prior to the title matches was definitely a highlight.
“I felt like it was the best event,” Gorder said.
Escarcega, who finished the season with a 35-1 record, pinned Thompson Falls’ Desani Berwick in 18 seconds during the opening round. She then pinned Chinook’s Grace Buck in 20 seconds and Shepherd’s LeeAnn Hoch in 1:03.
During the semi-final round, Escarcega earned an 11-3 major decision victory over Lewistown’s Rebecca Birdwell.
Escarcega, who began wrestling when she was only 9 years old, said her goal was to win the state championship this season.
The two 4.0 grade point average students are each extremely happy of the others’ wrestling success.
“I think she’s her own leader,” Gorder said of the younger Escarcega.
The freshman added, “We are all our own leaders.”
Precious Keiser, a freshman, placed at 145 pounds.
After falling in the semi-final round, Keiser pinned East Helena’s Libby Clagg in 3:49 for fifth place.
The Indians placed an amazing fifth place at the all-class girls’ meet with 88 points. Ahead of them were the much larger schools of Flathead, Billings Senior, Billings Skyview and Glacier.
The three girls thank their coaches, teammates and other people who have supported them.
Although the girls’ sport was only offered during her last two years in high school, Gorder said she has plenty to be grateful for when it comes to wrestling.
“I’m thankful for them {Escarcega and Keiser) that can they can be four-time state placers,” Gorder said. “I’m thankful they have that opportunity.”
Escarcega said her goal is to become a four-time champion. Keiser said she aims to place at state all four years.
Next up is track for Keiser and Gorder. Escarcega is planning on trying tennis this spring.
After being a state wrestling champion and a state placer in track and cross country, Gorder is still undecided on which sport to compete in at the collegiate level.
When asked which achievement she is most proud of, the modest Gorder said, “I’m proud of my team. I’m proud of the boys’ team too.”
