Montiel, Zuniga Etch Names in WIAA History as Toppenish Shines at Mat Classic XXXVII
TACOMA, WA, February 21, 2026 - The Tacoma Dome vibrated with the energy of Washington State's finest high school wrestlers at the WIAA Mat Classic XXXVII, and when the dust settled, history had been made. Toppenish High School, a powerhouse from the Valley, cemented its legacy with incredible individual achievements and dominant team performances, led by two athletes who reached the pinnacle of prep wrestling.
Golden Dynasties in the Dome
Leading the charge was the incomparable Adalyne Montiel of Toppenish, who claimed her fourth consecutive individual state championship in girls wrestling. Her victory was not just a personal triumph, but a cornerstone in Toppenish girls' astonishing fifth straight team title. This sustained excellence is a testament to the program's dedication and the sheer will of its athletes, creating a dynasty that will be talked about for generations. It takes extraordinary talent and relentless effort to maintain such a high level of performance, year after year, especially under the immense pressure of the state's biggest stage.
Trade on Every Game with Kalshi
Click Here to sign up to Kalshi — Free $10 when you sign up using our link or use code: ONTAPSEA. The only federally regulated prediction market in the US. Trade on real sports outcomes. Available in all 50 states.
This article was created with AI assistance. Stats and results sourced from public records.
Not to be outdone, Toppenish's boys also saw a phenomenal achievement. In the 2A classification, Justyce Zuniga earned his fourth individual state title, capping a dominant career that showcased a pace virtually unmatched by his opponents. Zuniga's final match saw him briefly slow down, perhaps to savor the moment of an unforgettable journey. His leadership helped propel the Toppenish boys to a formidable second-place finish in the 2A team standings, underscoring the deep talent pool present in the Toppenish program.
Deep Roots, Rising Champions Across Washington
The Mat Classic XXXVII was also a showcase for other outstanding programs and athletes across the state. In the 1A boys' division, Wapato High School successfully defended its team title, demonstrating incredible depth and strategic building from the bottom up. Their victory in a highly competitive field speaks volumes about Coach Tony Esquivel's leadership and the dedication of every wrestler on the squad. Neighboring Zillah High School also made a strong showing, finishing as the 1A runner-up, powered by an impressive three individual state champions.
The 2B boys' team championship was narrowly claimed by Granger High School, who secured a pair of individual titles that proved crucial in their exciting victory. Not far behind, Granger girls also proved their mettle, taking the runner-up spot in the 1A/2B classification. Their success was fueled by several standout performances, including Gabrielle Berger, who earned a repeat championship, and Sonia Mendoza, who finally captured the state title she had tirelessly pursued for four years. Freshman sensation Vanessa Torres also announced her arrival, launching her bid for a rare four-peat with a dominant performance, signaling a bright future for Granger wrestling.
As the final whistles blew and medals were distributed, the Mat Classic XXXVII once again reminded us of the passion, grit, and incredible talent thriving in Washington State high school wrestling, setting the stage for even more thrilling competitions next season.