The Pierre Governor wrestling team has a flair for the dramatic and made sure fans held their breath in the last two dual wins of the year. After winning by a penalty tiebreaker on Friday, the Governors’ Hayden Shaffer pinned his opponent in the final match, while down in the score, in the last 30 seconds of the match to win the state dual tournament.
The quick change of the bench of the Governors collectively holding each other when Shaffer cradled his opponent and the pandemonium that ensued after the referee slapped the mat was a sight to see and hear. Hugs all around for every wrestler and coach as the Govs clinched the state dual tournament as the number five seed to close the season.
The Governors weren’t done yet as Regan Bollweg claimed a state championship in the 220 weight division while the Governors also secured their first ever state champions in the girls division as Ciara McFarling and Marlee Shorter each won a state championship for the Governors. They become the first ever girls to win a state title for the Pierre Governors and Shorter becomes the first ever female to win both a tennis state championship and wrestling state championship.
Chase Hanson for Stanley County secured seventh place as the lone Stanley County Buffalo to place in Class B. Cateri Yellowhawk made it to Saturday for Sully Buttes but lost in the consolation semifinals.
The Pierre Governors will have a welcome home Monday at 6:00 at Riggs High School.
