3 state placers to lead Royal wrestlers challenge for top

ROYAL CITY - Led by three boys who will enter the season highly ranked at their weights, the Royal High Knights look forward to challenging for league, district, regional and state wrestling titles.

Royal's boys finished 11th at state with 59 points last year. They should jump to the 100-point range this year with a line-up that fills all 14 weight classes.

Four of the six state entries last year will form a strong nucleus. Only two seniors were lost. Forty-three boys are turning out.

"We are way ahead of last year," coach Randy Miller said. "We won't lose duals because of forfeits."

Kiki Chabolla took second place at state at 113 pounds. He'll compete at 113 or 120.

Royal's Carlos Hernandez made it to the semifinals and won third place at 120. He could go as high as 126.

Junior Darrin Miller, dominant all season, took fifth place at 170. He will remain at that weight.

The other state participant who will return is 195-pound Matt Bartlett. Other returners will include junior heavyweight Angel Rojas. He's expected to make state this year.

Among new faces with great promise is freshman Eduardo Rodriguez, who coach Miller says "beat everybody" last year. He will go at 138, a weight that will feature mostly upper classmen.

Royal's first action will be at home on Dec. 11 in a double dual with Granger and Cle Elum. Royal's Christmas Tournament will be held on Dec. 30.