In the end, it was no contest as the Malad Dragon wrestling team overwhelmed the IHSAA State Wrestling tournament.  With 17 talented wrestlers qualifying to compete at the final tournament of the season, it seems a given that the MHS team would find great success over the two day competition.  Nonetheless, being crowned as the 2A 2024 State Champion team was an impressive and long celebrated feat for the Dragon wrestling team.

The Idaho State wrestling tournament was held in Pocatello at the new ICCU Dome Friday, February 23 and Saturday, February 24. 40 2A teams from across the state competed for individual victories as well as team glory.  Having taken care of business at the District Tournament, each of the 17 Malad played a part in their huge team win.  Even before the second day of wrestling, which featured the final matches in each bracket, the Dragons secured the place as the number one team with 183.5 points.  Coming in second place was New Plymouth, but a far 24.5 points behind Malad.

Their impressive team score was made possible because each and every member of the Dragon wrestling team won matches.  Head Coach Devin Morrison said, ““It was definitely a team effort. Everyone of our kids contributed to this win and that is something they should all be proud of.”

The tournament didn’t go as well as all the wrestlers had hoped as they battled it out on the mats with the very best from around the state.  Day one of the state tournament had some highs and some unfortunate lows for the Dragons.  As the first day came to a close, twelve MHS wrestlers were still found fighting for a spot on the podium, Malad having the most wrestlers of any team still competing in the 2A tournament.  Throughout the day, the Dragon wrestlers had put up several great wins, but had also experienced upsets of other high seeded Dragon wrestlers.

“After tough losses it is up to the kids to decide what kind of wrestler and teammate they are,” commented Coach Morrison.  “They can give up and feel bad for themselves or they can push ahead and help their team succeed. Our wrestlers chose to show up for their team and fought hard to earn team points and put themselves on the podium.” 

In the first round of wrestling on Saturday morning, the Dragons continued to fight and pushed nine wrestlers to the medal rounds. In the semi finals, freshman Oakley Maddox upset the number one seed, a senior and returning state champion from Kellogg, earning his place in the championship round.  Jack Willie also made his way to the finals after defeating the Clear Water Valley number two seed wrestler.

In the medal rounds, the Dragon wrestlers gave everything they had, literally leaving blood, sweat, and tears on the mat, and it paid off.

Medaling at the state tournament were: 

98lbs Jack Willie Runner Up

145lbs Oakley Maddox Runner Up

113lbs Jace Potter 3rd

138lbs Drake Morrison 3rd

113lbs Porter Mills 4th

126lbs Sam Willie 4th 

170lbs Hunter Wray 4th

195lbs Blaiz Wright 5th

160lbs Dylan Moss 6th 

Giving a final comment of the tournament, Coach Morrison shared, “Our wrestlers have worked incredibly hard this season and have had great success all year. Coming home with the state title means everything to our wrestlers and coaching staff. We are so proud of every single wrestler that was a part of our team.  We have amazing parents and support from the community that helps the team reach this success. With the team we have leading the way, there is a very bright future for Dragon wrestling.”

Aside from being honored as the 2024 2A Championship team, Coach Morrison was awarded the 2A Coach of the Year award.  Coach Morrison has been the head coach of the Malad wrestling team since 2010.  In his time he has also helped coach with the Middle School program as well as organized the Brothers of Steel wrestling program for wrestlers looking to compete beyond the normal season.

After receiving the award, Coach Morrison said, “I have an amazing staff that supports me and our team. I am extremely grateful for everyone that has helped make this a
successful program.”

Three other Malad wrestlers competed at the state level as the Lady Dragons took their own time on the mats in the 2nd all female IHSAA State Tournament in the Holt Arena.  Representing Malad were Braylee Price, Aubrey Shulz and Cale Carter.

Braylee Price, at 107 lbs, started off the tournament with a win in the championship round.  Unfortunately, Price dropped her next match to a tough Thunder Ridge opponent.  She battled back in the second round of the consolation to pin her opponent from Sandpoint.  On Saturday morning Price dropped a close match to her Ririe opponent, falling just short of medaling in the tournament.  

Aubrey Shulz, at 132 lbs, went out and battled hard against her opponent from Fruitland in her opening round, but came up short.  In her next match she battled hard to a 7-5 decision advancing to the next round.  Going up against a Timberline opponent next, Shulz  fought hard but lost the match, putting her out of the tournament.  

Cale Carter, at 152 lbs, started her second state tournament showing with a tough loss to a Bonneville opponent.  Undeterred by the loss, Carter hit the mat in her second match hungry to win, taking down her next opponent from Blackfoot.  Advancing to the next level, Carter took on her next opponent from Kimberling where she suffered a second loss
by fall.  

As they have stated all season long, the Lady Dragon wrestling coaches are nothing but proud of these girls that qualified for state, saying, “They have learned a lot and are definitely ready to start preparing for next year’s season!”  The coaches want to thank the parents and community for the support we have received.