Chiefs wrestlers return from Mat Classic
TACOMA - Just shy of 1,200 wrestlers (1,000 boys and 190 girls) walked through the doors at the 25th Annual Mat Classic Friday morning in search of a state championship.
By the end of the day 1,002 hopes were dashed, as only 188 wrestlers remained in contention.
The Chiefs had high expectations coming into the competition after winning the 4A Region 4 District and Regional tournaments. But it was evident early on Moses Lake was off its game as seven of 10 wrestlers dropped their opening match.
Falling into the consolation brackets in their weight class were Clayton Clark, Chase Clasen, Brenden Sanchez, Hector Zavala, Nico Hernandez, Easton Castro and Jordan Lacelle. That left only Trey Long, Fernando Levya and Brad Fox with a shot of bringing home championship hardware.
By Saturday morning, Long was the last Chief who still had a chance to place first. Long advanced to the final round, but lost an 8-3 decision to Michael Soler from Lake Stevens to finish second.
"There were lots of exciting moments at this years state tournament. Trey long had a fabulous tourney and earned a trip to the finals," coach Jaime Garza said. "His route was awfully difficult. He defeated a tough foe from Arlington, took down last year's state runner up, and beat the eventual fourth place wrestler. Trey was defeated by a tough Lake Stevens kid who has lots of experience. I am extremely proud of Trey. He's been disciplined all year and is deserving of a second place finish."
Levya (5th), Clark and Clasen (7th) were the only other Moses Lake wrestlers to place.
"Fernando came away with another fifth place finish at a tough 113 pound weight division. He made it to the semi finals where he lost to eventual state champion Noah Cuzetto," Garza said. "Fernando lost a one point match to the third place wrestler, then beat a highly ranked Mead wrestler. He was able to persevere through a couple tough loses and I am proud of him. He will be back next year. Clayton did fantastic as a freshmen and beat some quality kids, and Chase went 3-2 on the weekend in what most thought was the toughest weight class (120) to earn a place on the podium. He lost a close 6-4 match in the consolation semi finals, but was able to stay focused and win his last match."
Lake Stevens won the team title with 162 points. Tahoma High School was second with 120, Graham Kapowsin, third with 93, and the Chiefs 10th with 51.
The outcome was not at all what the coaches and team members had hoped for when they left Moses Lake Thursday. But on the flipside of things, the Chiefs are young, have some state experienced wrestlers, and are sure to be back for another shot at it next season.
"Our two seniors, Brad Fox and Hector Zavala will be missed," Garza said. "But with eight wrestlers coming back, we are one hungry team and are looking forward to next season."
Seventeen Chiefs made the 2012-13 Big Nine All-League Wrestling Team. Named First-Team in their weight class were Fernando Levya (113), Brad Fox (126), Anthony Barajas (132), Brenden Sanchez (145), Hector Zavala (160), and Easton Castro at 182. Named Second-Team All-League were Trey Long (106), Chase Clasen (120), Hudson Mauseth (152), Nico Hernandez (160), Nathanial VanWinkle (170) and Jordan LaCelle (195).
Named Honorable Mention were Clayton Clark (106), Jose Garcia (113), Sean Cotton (138), Joel Torres (152) and Dylan Morris (220).
Jaime Garza was named 4A Coach of the Year.