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This week I interviewed the Sanders County wrestling coaches, getting some final thoughts on the season and the state tournament. For both Mike Thilmony and Shane Angle, the state tournament was an emotional one. Not just because of the intense competition at First Interstate Arena and the realization that the season is suddenly over, but both coaches also had kids who were senior wrestlers.

On Saturday, Mike coached his son Trae in his final high school match. Shane coached his daughter Taylor in her last high school match. Both fathers have coached their kids since they were toddlers. Both have been with them in wrestling season and during the off season, traveling to national tournaments. It was emotional for the families. It was emotional to watch.

Senior wrestler Taylor Angle with her dad after the final match of her high school career.

The wrestling world is like one big family, and not just for parents coaching their kids. Former Thompson Falls coaches Tom Holleran and Shawn Allen have missed very few state tournaments since they retired. This year in Billings, there was a wrestling family reunion. There as well were five of the coaches' former statisticians, cheering on the next generation of wrestlers. I was one of those former wrestling managers, along with Ashley (Devol) Haun, Jamie (Rosdahl) Kirby, Mandy (Rosdahl) Cunningham and Lucretia (Yurczyk) Smith. We all gathered before the championship rounds Saturday afternoon to take photos and share memories. We also had 1996 state champion Blue Hawk Randi Cunningham (Mandy's husband) there. As Mandy said, Tom and Shawn helped instill in all of us a love of wrestling.

Wrestling is a tough, physical sport, but the respect and love for each other as competitors, coaches and family runs deep.

- Annie Wooden