Moses Lake wrestling No. 1 in the state

CBH Columbia Basin Herald Sports

by CONNOR VANDERWEYST & Herald Sports Editor
Staff Writer | February 16, 2014 5:00 AM

MOSES LAKE - Washington's No. 1 4A wrestling program resides in the Columbia Basin.

In the most recent team rankings done by the Washington Wrestling Report, Moses Lake is tops in the 4A classification with 167 points. Union with 155 points and Lake Stevens with 136 points are second and third, respectively.

The hype surrounding Moses Lake entering the regional tournament this season is of stark contrast compared to last. Last season, the Chiefs finished second in the Columbia Basin Big Nine before winning districts and ultimately winning regionals.

However, head coach Jaime Garza doesn't mind the pressure a No. 1 ranking brings.

"We are the target," he said. "We're number one right now according to the state rankings so it's our job to uphold what we are ranked. Do I prefer one or the other? I mean, last year was kind of nice being under the radar but I don't mind having a target on our backs. There's nothing wrong with it."

Due to Moses Lake's strong showing at the district tournament, seven Chiefs will have the opportunity to face opponents who wrestled "pigtail" matches before the tournament begins.

"I think it's an advantage," Garza said. "It all depends on how you warm up. Usually our guys warm up pretty well, you know, I'm on top of them... Some people look at it as maybe a disadvantage. I feel as though it's an advantage to us."

With just one tournament remaining before the Mat Classic, Garza would be comfortable sending 10-12 wrestlers to Tacoma. The Chiefs will first have to advance past Spokane powers Mead and Central Valley, who project to be Moses Lake's stiffest competition on Saturday.

With its No. 1 ranking in tow, Moses Lake is the favorite entering regionals, but slow starts could derail an opportunity for a team state title.

"We still know that those rankings are just rankings just like any other sport," Garza said. "It feels good to be ranked number one. It's a great accomplishment, I think it's nice to be recognized, but with that being said we've got to go out and compete at a tough regional tournament."

As the season dwindles down to just over a week remaining, Garza has been pushing his team in practice to ensure there will not be a repeat of last year's disappointing opening to the Mat Classic, in which seven Chiefs lost their opening match.

A state title has been Moses Lake's goal since day one and in just over a week it could be realized.

"You get to Tacoma, you get a good drill in and then you call it a day," Garza said. "Everyone's close to on weight, you weigh in Friday then you get after it. It's all business Friday, Saturday and then hopefully, with all that being said and done, we're on top and we're bringing home the trophy that we've been talking about."

The regional tournament begins 10 a.m. Saturday at Pasco High School.