Toppenish's Montiel, Zuniga Make History as Mat Classic XXXVII Crowns Champions

TACOMA, WA, February 21, 2026 - The Tacoma Dome pulsed with raw emotion and athletic brilliance this past Saturday as the WIAA Mat Classic XXXVII delivered a thrilling culmination to the high school wrestling season. Leading the charge were history-making performances from Toppenish High School, with both Adalyne Montiel and Justyce Zuniga securing their fourth individual state titles, cementing their legacies in Washington prep sports folklore. Montiel's heroics propelled the Toppenish girls to an incredible fifth consecutive team championship, a testament to sustained excellence.

Toppenish's Dynasty Continues, Boys Power On

Adalyne Montiel's fourth individual crown was not just a personal triumph, it was the cornerstone of an unparalleled dynasty. The Toppenish girls' wrestling program, under intense pressure and with the entire state watching, delivered yet another dominant performance to claim their fifth straight WIAA team title. Montiel's achievement felt "a little different than expected" as she celebrated, a reflection perhaps of the immense weight of expectation and the sweet relief of accomplishment. Her unwavering focus and relentless drive have set a new standard for excellence in Washington girls' wrestling, inspiring countless young athletes. Not to be outdone, Toppenish's boys' team also made a resounding statement. Justyce Zuniga, a name synonymous with high-octane, fast-paced wrestling, capped his illustrious career with his own fourth individual state championship. In the final minute of his last high school match, a career built on a pace "virtually no one could match," Zuniga finally allowed himself a moment to slow down and savor the victory. His remarkable journey underscored Toppenish's strength, leading the Wildcats to a strong second-place finish in the 2A team standings. The hard work and dedication of coach Nick Montiel and his staff continue to produce champions year after year.

Wapato, Granger Claim Team Gold; Zillah & Granger Girls Shine

Beyond Toppenish's historic run, the Mat Classic XXXVII witnessed other compelling narratives. The Wapato boys' team, "built from the bottom up," showcased incredible depth to successfully defend their 1A team title, proving that consistent program development is key to long-term success. Their cross-valley rivals, Zillah, finished as the 1A runner-up, boasting three individual champions themselves, a remarkable showing that highlights the talent in the Central Washington Athletic Conference, CWAC. In the 2B classification, the Granger boys' team narrowly edged out the competition to claim the team title, fueled by a pair of individual champions. It was a victory that proved their consistent presence in the upper echelon of the sport. Granger's girls also had a fantastic tournament, securing the 1A/2B runner-up position. Their success was powered by a trio of standout performances: Gabrielle Berger claimed a repeat individual title, Sonia Mendoza finally captured the championship she had "been chasing for four years," and freshman Vanessa Torres launched her high school career with a promising bid for one of the rarest prizes in prep sports, a four-time state champion. These young athletes represent the heart and soul of Washington high school wrestling. The Mat Classic XXXVII was a spectacular display of skill, grit, and passion. As the dust settles on another incredible season, the stage is already being set for future legends to emerge and continue the rich tradition of Washington high school wrestling.

This article was created with AI assistance. Stats and results sourced from public records.