Four Warriors medal at Mat Classic; Butler siblings shine in Tacoma

TACOMA — The Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors brought home some hardware from this year’s Mat Classic. Siblings Karis and Noah Butler won their state finals matches to become state champions. According to head coach Brandon Walsh, it’s been a while since a pair of siblings won state titles together.   

“A couple of brothers back in ’99 a long time ago,” he said. “It's a credit to them. Those kids work so hard. They love wrestling, they wrestle all year round. They're leaders in the room, (we) just couldn't be happier for them. That's fantastic in the world of wrestling.”  

Alongside the Butlers’ successes in Tacoma, the Warriors had two more wrestlers reach the podium. Evan Tipps earned fifth place in the 190-pound class and Porter Wood earned seventh at 144 pounds. As a team, the boys finished in the top 20 at 18th and the girls at 28th. Noah, a junior, said he was excited to bring home a second state title for Coulee City. 

“(It) means everything, (it’s) a great community. I moved there my eighth-grade year and love it. They're like family to me, now I want to bring back as much as possible,” he said.   

Karis, a freshman, was first to secure a state title Saturday, as she faced Hannah Becker from La Center in the 140-pound finals. Becker started strong, scoring a takedown and a near-fall in the first period. In the second, she scored a reversal as well to give herself a 9-0 lead over Karis. From there, Karis gained momentum after scoring a reversal and a near-fall to cut it to 9-5.  

However, a comeback was not necessary as she scored a pinfall in the final minute of the second.  

“I've done so much this season, in the off-season, and it's been really (about) improving everything, all my technique, on my top and my neutral position is it's been a lot of hard work,” Karis said.   

Overcome with emotion, she ran to her coach and dad Josh Butler to celebrate. He was reflective after her win about watching her journey to reach this milestone.   

“As a coach, I'm always excited to have an athlete who puts in the extra time. Karis has been going pretty much year-round,” Josh said. “As a dad, I'm so proud, and my gut is hurting right now from the pressure; she's done a lot – she's really awesome.”  

To close out the evening, Noah faced a familiar opponent from previous matches, Ares Swain from Newport. It was a back-and-forth battle from the start. After two periods, Noah trailed 5-6. From there, a shootout ensued, where each competitor traded a takedown and mat control.   

Noah scored an escape to tie the match before Swain took him down moments later.   

“Just get one,” Walsh yelled.   

After scoring an escape, Noah capitalized on the moment with another takedown. Swain scored a reversal to keep it a close match, but Noah earned a reversal and a near fall before time ran out to win 16-11 and go back-to-back as a state champion, the first to do so in ACH history, according to Walsh.   

“It lived up to the hype of being a great match with two great kids and thankfully, we came out on top. The plan was to be solid and win it late, and that's what happened,” Walsh said.

Out of breath but overcome with joy, Noah celebrated with his coaches and sister immediately after the win.   

“I wake up at 3:30 in the morning to practice and keep the grind (and keep) growing. Finally, the hard work paid off,” Noah said.  

As the season concluded, Walsh reflected on what his team accomplished this season.   

“It's one of the better seasons we've ever had; four placers from ACH have never happened. I think the most we've ever had is three; two other times we've ever had two state champs in the same season. Just fantastic, one of the best ones in my career, for sure,” Walsh said.   

    Karis Butler, right, and Josh Butler, left, celebrate together after she earned her first state title at the Mat Classic Saturday. Karis and Noah Butler got to celebrate winning state titles together.
  

    Almira/Coulee-Hartline’s Porter Wood, top, wrestles his opponent to the mat at the Mat Classic Friday. Wood placed seventh in the tournament, which earned him a medal and a spot on the podium.
  

    Almira/Coulee-Hartline’s Karis Butler, in red, wrestles her opponent to the mat in her state finals match at the Mat Classic Saturday.
  

    Noah Butler, in red, gets tied up with his opponent Adres Swain, in white, during their state finals match at the Mat Classic Saturday.
  

    The Butler family reacts to Noah Butler winning back-to-back state titles Saturday at the Mat Classic.
  

    Almira/Coulee-Hartline Boys Head Coach Brandon Walsh roots on Noah Butler during the state finals match Saturday. Walsh called this season one of the best he’s been a part of in his career.
  

    A banner supporting the Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors is displayed in the Tacoma Dome as fans from Coulee City turned out in big numbers to support their wrestlers.