Two from Royal place at Tri-State Tournament

ROYAL CITY - Royal High School entered five wrestlers in the 35th annual Tri-State Tournament at North Idaho College last weekend, and two of them placed.

The rest of the team went to an invitational in Pasco, where there was limited success.

At Tri-State, Darrin Miller finished as the runner-up at 170 pounds. He had 48 wrestlers in his bracket, eight state placers and three state champions.

Miller's final match was against the returning Tri-State champion and the two-time state champion from North Central of Spokane. Miller earned two pins en route to the finals.

Carlos Hernandez finished eighth at 126 pounds. He wrestled some tough wrestlers but earned enough wins to place in the top eight.

Kiki Chabolla, at 120 pounds, came close. He was one match away from placing in the top 8. His road consisted of three overtime wins.

Steven Toro battled hard at 126 pounds. He earned a pin in his first match against a boy from University High but lost his next two next matches by close scores.

Royal's lone freshman, Eduardo Rodriguez, wrestled at 113 pounds. Both of his matches were decided by one point.

"When he is down at 106 pounds in January, he will be a very dominate wrestler in our varsity lineup," coach Randy Miller said.

One highlight at Pasco was Miguel Alaya's runner-up finish at 220 pounds.

Not bad for not wrestling in high school till this year," coach Miller said.

The next action for Royal High wrestlers will be at the Royal Christmas Tournament on Dec. 30 at 10 a.m.

"The team would like to have everyone there to support them," coach Miller said.

If you are interested in helping out running a table, contact coach Miller at RMiller@royal.wednet.edu