More than 40 Twin Harbors wrestlers will descend on Tacoma this weekend for Mat Classic XXX.
The annual multi-classification state extravaganza begins at 10 a.m. Friday at the Tacoma Dome. The finals are scheduled for Saturday.
The Twin Harbors enjoyed one of their most productive tournaments last year, claiming three state championships. All three of those titlists — Montesano’s Austin Cain and Taylor Rupe and North Beach’s Seth Bridge — have graduated.
Washington Wrestling Reports, which ranks state wrestlers in every classification, rates four area wrestlers as second in their respective classifications this year. Three of those placed third or fourth at state last year.
Montesano’s Tony Williams, who suffered a heartbreaking state semifinal loss last year (he was leading 7-0 before being pinned), is ranked second in the Class 1A 145-pound division. The Monte senior, third at state in 2017, has enjoyed a fine postseason after missing much of the regular season due to injury. Granger’s Juan Isiordia is the top-rated wrestler in that division.
Raymond’s Jack Jordan, at 152 pounds, and Christian Anderson (285) are each ranked second in the Class B tourney. Anderson was fourth at state at 220 last year.
North Beach’s Natasha Fruh, who has pinned every postseason opponent, is the second seed in the girls 235-pound division. Federal Way’s Maria Stewart is the top-ranked wrestler in that class. Fruh was also fourth at state last year.
Montesano’s Ty Ekerson (Class 1A 113 pounds) and North Beach’s Garrett Armbruster (Class B 126 pounds) are each ranked third at their weights.
Fourth-ranked Twin Harborites include Aberdeen’s Tyler Souphommanichanh (2A 126 pounds) and Raymond’s Tristan Hamlin (Class B 132 pounds).
Souphommanichanh, Ekerson, Williams, Jordan, Anderson, Armbruster, Fruh, Montesano’s Carson Klinger, Elma’s Justin Sample and Hoquiam’s Alexis Delahanty captured regional titles last week.
Montesano, which has placed in the top five in the team standings in each of the last two years, is projected eighth among Class 1A teams by Washington Wrestling Reports.
The Bulldogs will send a 10-man contingent to state. Noting the youth of his squad, Monte coach Jeff Klinger is cautiously optimistic.
“We are such a a young team we need to keep believing in what we do,” Klinger said. “(We need) to be us. Don’t change what we have been doing these last two weeks.”
Raymond is ranked eighth among Class 2B teams.
Twin Harbors state qualifiers (excluding state alternates):
BOYS
Aberdeen — Tyler Souphommanichanh (132), Edgar Salazar (120), Skyler Murray (285), Angel Cisneros (132), Bodie Wharton (138).
Hoquiam — Lutra Felten (106), Alex Houbregs (120), Malaki Eaton (126), Antonio Garcia (138), Brady Cummings (152), Asai Villarreal (160).
Montesano — Andy Fry (106), Cooper Johansson (106), Ty Ekerson (113), Aaron Lano (113), Tony Williams (145), Brent Hollatz (145), Carson Klinger (152) Mason Lutz (152), Kai Olson (170), Tanner Rossmaier (182).
Elma — Colten French (126), Justin Sample (138), Taitum Brumfield (195), Jacob Garcia (220), A.J. Hernandez (285).
Raymond — Tristan Hamlin (132), Jack Jordan (152), Luke Borden (160), Christian Anderson (285).
South Bend — Preston Lawhead (132), Ben Byington (170), Chase Flynn (182).
North Beach — Garrett Armbruster (126)
Ocosta — Daniel Quinby (138), Hayden Hoff (195), Tucker Deranleau (220).
Taholah — Michael Flores (195).
GIRLS
Aberdeen — Faith Cardenas (100), Mackayla Waltee (155), Karli Heikkila (170), Tatum Heikkila (190).
Hoquiam — Alexis Delahanty (110).
North Beach — Natasha Fruh (235).
