4A
Olympia Bears
Oly returns no state qualifiers from last season. But Bears coach Rockey Isley does have two qualifiers back from regionals. Joel Anthony placed eighth at state last year and has graduated. “We’re a young team,” Isley said. “We’re rebuilding.”
Shelton Highclimbers
Shelton had three state qualifiers last season and all return. Colby Barber (160), Jakeob Garrick (125) and Ty McCullough (112) all reached state and now hope to repeat.
3A
Yelm Tornados
Yelm, under coach Gaylord Strand, advanced eight to state last season and five return. The Tornados hope to make another run at the top five this season after finishing fourth at state. Yelm was double trouble at 125 pounds as it had two reach state. Dylan Hyder won and Dillon Harris placed seventh. Hyder graduated and Harris returns. Other returning state qualifiers are Tyler Wallace (215), Jeff Leuth (189), Anthony Allred (152), James Bradley (135).
Timberline Blazers
Blazer coach Jeff Birbeck has a young team that’s led by Josh Beam, Stone Hart and Dean Reginio. Beam (119), Hart (215) and Reginio (103) all advanced to state last year. Reginio, now a senior, and Hart, now a junior, both placed sixth at state. The Blazers placed second behind Centralia at their own invitation, finishing with 172.5 points. Hart and Beam won their weight class. Reginio and Nick Morf both placed second.
2A
Tumwater Thunderbirds
The T-Birds placed fourth at state last season with 86 points. Five of Tumwater’s nine state qualifiers return. Back are Austin Chase (103), Cameron Nolan (126), James Nolan (120), Riley Prentice (170) and Chandler Rodriguez (135). Rodriguez, now a senior, broke his wrist in football and will be out until late January. Easton Hargrave won a state title at 189 pounds last season and is now wrestling at New Mexico Highlands, a NCAA D-II school. Daniel Page placed fourth at 112 pounds is now wrestling in college at Central Iowa.
Black Hills Wolves
Both of Black Hills state qualifiers graduated. Cody Carlson (145) placed fifth after losing his first match and won three straight by pins. Garrison Stampo (171) also reached state.
North Thurston Rams
Caleb Richards is the Rams top returner after qualifying for state last season as a junior. He placed seventh at 215 pounds.
1A
Elma Eagles
Four of Elma’s seven state qualifiers from last season return. Back are Gage Shepard (125), Tanner Sample (120), Tyson Dick (112) and Ryan Wilson (103). Elma placed 21st at state with 25.5 points.
Tenino Beavers
All four of Tenino’s state qualifiers from last season return. Back are Ryan Wilson (103), Chance Petrich (125), Tyler Langford (140) and Zack Chamerlain (160). Tenino is a young and upcoming team.
Rochester Warriors
Rochester had three advance to state last season and just one returns. Collin Hornby, who is now a senior, advanced to state at 171 pounds.
Rainier Mountaineers
Rainier is led by junior Bryton Mede, the Mountaineers only state qualifier last season.
