There are plenty of things to celebrate with the end of the Winter Sports season at Billings Central. Freshman, Kaius Rivera, and his brother, junior, Aramis Rivera, both took home State Championships in a historically successful year for the Billings Central Wrestling Team. Boy’s and Girl’s Swim took their fifth and sixth consecutive State Championships respectively. The Boy’s Basketball Team took third at State, and the Girl’s Team capped off their undefeated season with their second straight State Championship.
Beginning with wrestling, freshman, 110-pounder Kaius Rivera, and junior, 118-pounder Aramis Rivera, each took home State Titles. Aramis finished the season at 42-8, while Kaius finished at 42-3. Kaius’s only losses came from the State Finalists in Class AA and B-C. Kaius defeated senior, Preston Johnson, from Fergus County in the finals by a 5-0 decision. Aramis took down senior, Konnor Heath, from Laurel with a 9-7 decision. “We both drive each other to succeed,” said Kaius in reference to working out with his brother. “We drive each other to compete at a high level,” Kaius said. Freshman, Emma Hernandez, took second at the State Tournament—a great start to the Lady Rams Wrestling Team. The Rams wrestling took sixth as a team.
Freshman Kaius Rivera celebrating a state championship finals victory at the MHSA All Class State Tournament (Dane Mueller)
Junior Aramis Rivera during his semifinal match at the MHSA All Class State Wrestling Tournament (Dane Mueller)
Freshman Emma Hernandez during a quarterfinal wrestling match at the MHSA All Class State Wrestling Tournament (Dane Mueller)
While the Riveras seek to form a new dynasty on the mat, a long-time one was continued this year in the pool. The Billings Central Swim Team took home the Boy’s and Girl’s titles in the A-B tournament. For the Boy’s Team, senior, Daniel Apostol, took home titles in the 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard breaststroke. Senior, Dylan Shelton, won the 200-yard individual medley and the 500-yard freestyle, while sophomore Bennett Seitz took home the 100 and 200-yard freestyle. Rams swimming had 120.5 team points, ahead of Havre’s 62 in second.
In the pool for the Girl’s Tea, freshman, Vanessa Sheridan, took home the 100-yard butterfly and 500-yard freestyle. Senior, Kelly Early, won the 100 and 200-yard freestyle, while junior, Teaghan Vaira, won the 200-yard individual medley and 100-yard backstroke. The Lady Rams Swim Team finished with 116 team points, more than doubling second place Whitefish who earned 57 points.
The Billings Central Boy’s Basketball Team took third at the State Tournament. After they beat Ronan 65-50 in the first round, they experienced a tough loss against Beaverhead County in the quarterfinals. The Rams then beat Glendive 58-51, before beating Ronan again in the third place game.
Cy Hansen taking a three against Laurel (Brodie Glaser)
Last but certainly not least, the Billings Central Girl’s Basketball Team finished their undefeated season with a State Championship win over Dillon. The Lady Rams started the tournament by dropping an impressive 70 points on Columbia Falls, ultimately winning 70-35. They then took on their rival Lockwood in the semifinals, and they took down the Lions 69-38. Then, in the State Championship, a game-winning layup in the final seconds from senior, Coral Old Bull, elevated the Lady Rams to the promised land for the second year. They won 54-52. Overall, Billings Central had an impressive display of athleticism this Winter.
