The Yelm boys wrestling team secured eighth place in the 3A field to close out the 34th annual Mat Classic state wrestling tournament, which was held on Friday, Feb. 17 and Saturday, Feb. 18.
The Tornados saw six grapplers compete as four placed in the top eight in their respective weight classes.
Sophomore Lake Harris, 145, was Yelm’s highest placer during the Mat Classic. He was a finalist in his weight class, losing via technical fall to Q’Veli Quintanilla of University High School. Harris finished his sophomore season with a record of 33-9, according to track wrestling’s data.
“He started the tournament really slow (and) he had all of his coaches worried in his first match. I think he had some butterflies early, but after that, he wrestled really well,” said head coach Gaylord Strand. “He got a little bit better every time he wrestled. Once he opens up and realizes he belongs there, he can be a state champion.”
Freshman Jonah Smith, who turned some heads in the heavyweight class during his first high school season, finished fourth in the 285-pound weight class. The young powerhouse lost via decision, by a score of 2-1. Senior Trevor Hoopes of Southridge defeated Smith in the third place match. Smith finished his strong campaign with a record of 23-11.
“Being young doesn’t intimidate Jonah one bit,” Strand said. “He’s been competing at a high level since he was a young kid and he knows how to handle pressure.”
William Carreto, 182, finished sixth place and was defeated by Jackson Hale of Mount Spokane in the fifth place match. Carreto finished his senior season with a record of 26-7, according to track wrestling.
Strand said Carreto had a strong first day at the Mat Classic, but dealt with illness on the second day. Although Carreto attempted to wrestle through it, Strand said it affected his performance.
Wesley Thompson, 120, finished in eighth place after being pinned in the eighth place match by Bryan Roodzant, a Stanwood High School senior. Thompson finished his freshman season with a record of 21-12, according to track wrestling.
“Every match, I thought Wesley wrestled very well,” Strand said. “It was a pretty tough tournament for him, but it was a learning experience. He’ll be back and hungry next year.”
AJ Erickson, 138, did not place, but capped off his strong freshman season by picking up two wins in the Tacoma Dome. Erickson’s sisters, Madisyn and Camryn, found the podium in the 3A/4A girls bracket. Madisyn was crowned the state champion in her weight division, while Camryn finished as a finalist.
Sophomore Chris Hauss, 285, also picked up a win in the Tacoma Dome, but did not place. Senior Andrew Davis, 126, served as an alternate but did not wrestle.
Strand said he is looking forward to returning a “great, young” team next season. He also wanted to thank the community for their support throughout the season and at the Mat Classic.
Team Scores
Mead: 199.5
Hermiston: 172.5
Stanwood: 162
Mount Spokane: 161
University: 146.5
Silas: 106
Capital: 102
Yelm and Kelso: 80
Kent-Meridian: 78.5
Other South Sound Conference Finishes
North Thurston: 50
Peninsula: 42
Timberline: 17
Central Kitsap: 14
River Ridge: 7
Gig Harbor: 3
