Toppenish's Montiel and Zuniga Make History, Wapato and Granger Crowned at WIAA Mat Classic XXXVII
TACOMA, WA - The Tacoma Dome vibrated with the raw energy and fierce determination of Washington’s finest high school wrestlers this past weekend, as the WIAA Mat Classic XXXVII delivered unforgettable moments. Amidst the cheers and pinfalls, two Toppenish Wildcats, Adalyne Montiel and Justyce Zuniga, etched their names into the state's prep sports lore, each securing their incredible fourth individual state championship.
Montiel’s historic achievement propelled the Toppenish girls' wrestling program to its astonishing fifth consecutive team championship, a feat that cements their dynasty in the 1A/2B ranks. Her performance, a culmination of four years of relentless effort and dominance, set the tone for an incredible showing from the Valley schools. Meanwhile, Toppenish's boys, led by the electrifying Justyce Zuniga, fought valiantly to a second-place finish in the highly competitive 2A classification, with Zuniga himself demonstrating a pace virtually unmatched throughout his illustrious career.
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.
Valley Powerhouses Dominate the Mats
The Yakima Valley showcased its wrestling prowess across multiple classifications, proving that hard work and dedication yield undeniable results. In the 1A boys' division, the Wapato Wolves once again demonstrated their depth and strategic coaching, successfully defending their team title. Their disciplined approach, built from the bottom up, saw them reign supreme against tough competition. Not far behind, Zillah High School clinched the runner-up spot, boasting three individual state champions who pushed their team to the brink of glory.
The 2B boys' team title was a nail-biting affair, ultimately claimed by the resilient Granger Spartans. Their narrow victory was fueled by a pair of individual champions who rose to the occasion, showcasing the grit and talent inherent in the Granger program. This was a testament to their perseverance, proving that every point, every match, truly matters in the high-stakes environment of the Mat Classic.
Granger Girls Shine with Trio of Champions
The Granger girls' team also had an outstanding weekend, securing a strong runner-up finish in the combined 1A/2B classification, powered by an impressive trio of individual title winners. Senior Gabrielle Berger went out in style, successfully defending her state championship and ending her high school career on the highest note possible. Joining her in the winner's circle was Sonia Mendoza, who, after years of chasing the elusive gold, finally captured her first state title in a deeply emotional victory.
Perhaps most exciting for the future, freshman sensation Vanessa Torres launched her bid for wrestling immortality, clinching her first state championship. Her explosive debut at the Mat Classic suggests a future where she, too, could join the ranks of four-time champions, an incredibly rare achievement in Washington high school sports. The sheer talent and commitment displayed by these young athletes are truly inspiring, reflecting countless hours spent in practice rooms and sacrificing for their sport.
As the curtains close on Mat Classic XXXVII, the memories of these hard-fought battles and record-breaking performances will resonate long into the next season, fueling the ambitions of future champions across Washington State.