Johnson, Gorder win divisional wrestling titles

Two Sidney wrestlers came home with divisional titles Saturday. Leith Johnson and Brennan Gorder finished first at the Eastern A divisional wrestling meet Saturday in Glendive.

As a team, the Eagles finished third in an extremely close three-team race for the title. Glendive earned first with 187 points ahead of Laurel with 179 points and the Eagles with 177.5 points.

Johnson got the Eagles off on the right step in their first title match of the night. The sophomore earned a pin in only 31 seconds over Glendive’s Travis Kaufman in the 105-pound title match.

In Sidney’s second championship match of the night, Gorder showed heart in a 3-1 decision victory. Despite a neck injury that took place midway through the match, Gorder held his cool and defeated Hardin’s Brandon Gifford in the 125-title match.

Five other Eagles were in title matches as Lane Houchen, Jayme Kelly, Trevor Tracy, Allen Neuleib and James Collins each earned second-place honors for Sidney.

Jesse Ziler, Scott Sturgis and Randy Green took third while Luke Whitford and Jory Stevens finished in fourth. Jace Buxbaum finished fifth and Spencer Brost took sixth.

The top four placers in each division will compete at the state tourney in Billings Friday and Saturday.