Washington's Elite Wrestlers Converge for 2026 WIAA State Mat Classic

The 2026 WIAA State Wrestling Mat Classic delivered three days of intense competition and breakthrough moments as Washington's best wrestlers from 1A, 2A, and 1B/2B divisions clashed on the mat February 19-21. The event, streamed live on FloWrestling, showcased the depth of wrestling talent across the state and crowned champions in multiple weight classes that will define the postseason conversation.

Championship Performances Highlight Eastern Washington Talent

Eastern Washington wrestlers made their presence felt throughout the tournament, with standout performances from across the region. In the Boys 1B/2B 132-pound championship round, Kaden Williams of Goldendale battled Trevin Stauffer of Jenkins High School in Chewelah in a match that exemplified the technical wrestling these divisions produce. The Goldendale program continues to be a pipeline for quality wrestlers in the rural classifications.

The heavyweight divisions produced some of the tournament's most compelling action. Kenneth Daman of Forks claimed the 1B/2B 285-pound title, while Jake Turner of Zillah dominated the 1A heavyweight division. On the 2A side, Kade West of Anacortes secured the 285-pound crown against Landon Hamblin of Aberdeen, giving the Seahawks wrestlers a significant achievement in one of the most demanding weight classes.

Girls Wrestling Continues Strong Growth

The tournament underscored the explosive growth of girls wrestling in Washington. Aubrey Newberry of Kiona Benton captured the Girls 1B/2B/1A 235-pound championship, while Hailey Rains of Anacortes earned the Girls 2A heavyweight title against Charlene Underwood of Toppenish. These young women are proving that elite wrestling talent in Washington is no longer exclusively male, with programs across all classifications now fielding competitive girls teams.

The Road Ahead

The Mat Classic served as a crucial tune-up before the WIAA state tournament push. Wrestlers like Eli Policarpio of Chief Sealth, who won the Boys 2A 215-pound division, and Theo Stearns of North Kitsap, who wrestled to the championship, now have championship-round experience heading into the final stretch of the season. Ulysses Betancourt of Cashmere fell to Turner in the 1A 285 final but delivered a strong performance that signals Cashmere's wrestling program remains competitive at the highest levels.

With full broadcast coverage available through FloWrestling, fans and coaches across Washington could study film and analyze the competition at all levels. As the season marches toward March tournaments and the state championships, the wrestlers who stepped on the mat at this classic have proven they belong among Washington's elite grapplers, setting the stage for an unforgettable postseason.

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