Hayden Heap became Star Valley’s first two-time 4A state champion with a 4-3 thriller over Tanner Olson of Gillette, while Casey Wolfley shocked the field by claiming the title at 215.

The Braves’ team position was solidified even before the finals were held.  Gillette, by virtue of a phenomenal output pulled away for a convincing championship with 290.5 points.  Star Valley was a solid second with 245.0, while Cheyenne Central would edge Green River by just half of one point at 195.5 to finish third.

Star Valley claimed 15 placers overall, including at least one in every weight class.  Dawson Loveland and Cole Wines battled each other for third and fourth at 171 pounds with Loveland coming out on top.

Heap jumped out on Olsen early 2-0 before the Gillette sophomore responded by taking a 3-2 lead in the third period.  Heap garnered a takedown to lead 4-3 and tried to hold on for the victory.  Olsen was battling for neutral position as time expired and Heap celebrated with a double-arm wave to the Star Valley faithful.  It was the third consecutive 4A state finals match for Heap.

At 145, Darin Taylor ran up against two-time champion Austin Breckinridge of Cheyenne Central.  The Indian junior tried a bevy of impressive moves on Taylor with the Star Valley senior generally countering the member of the junior national team.  The Central product eventually won the match 7-1 after a gutsy effort from Taylor.

Casey Wolfley appeared to have Cheyton Vermillion of Cheyenne East pinned in the opening period but had to settle for back points and a 5-0 lead.  He would go on to control the match against the 4A East Regional champion for a jubilant Braves victory.  Wolfley stared in disbelief into the Star Valley crowd with index fingers in dual number ones.

Nick Edwards became one of just a few in SVHS history to place in all four years of his wrestling career, equaling Dakota Dana of last season.

17 of the 27 Star Valley placers will return next season.

103: Mitch Heap – 4th

112: Josh Claye – 4th

119: T.J. Guild – 4th

125: Hayden Heap – State Champion

130: Jade Daugherty – 5th

135: Mark Van Slyke – 4th

140: Brandon Aullman – 4th

145: Darin Taylor – State Runner-Up

152: Dalton Dance -  4th

160: Brandon Anglesey – 5th

171: Dawson Loveland – 3rd

171: Cole Wines – 4th

189: Nick Edwards – 4th

215: Casey Wolfey – State Champion

285: Adam Walton – 5th

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