Toppenish's Montiel and Zuniga Dominate, Wapato Defends at Electrifying WIAA Mat Classic XXXVII
TACOMA, Wash. - The Tacoma Dome once again vibrated with the raw power and passion of Washington high school wrestling last weekend, as the WIAA Mat Classic XXXVII delivered a cascade of historic performances, hard-fought team titles, and unforgettable individual triumphs. From four-time state champions etching their names into legend to powerhouse programs extending their dynasties, the 2026 Mat Classic proved to be a spectacular showcase of prep athletic excellence.
Toppenish Girls Extend Unprecedented Reign, Montiel Makes History
Leading the charge was the incredible Toppenish girls' wrestling program, securing their fifth consecutive team championship. This astonishing feat is a testament to the dedication and depth of Coach Joe Montiel's program. At the heart of this dynasty, senior Adalyne Montiel achieved what few can even dream of, capturing her fourth individual state title. Her dominant performance throughout the tournament culminated in a championship victory that felt, as she described it, "a little different," likely due to the sheer magnitude of the accomplishment. Toppenish's girls have established themselves as an undeniable force, setting a standard of excellence that will inspire future generations of wrestlers.
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This article was created with AI assistance. Stats and results sourced from public records.
Zuniga's Fourth Title Highlights Individual Brilliance and Team Triumphs
The quest for four individual titles wasn't exclusive to the girls' side. Toppenish's senior sensation, Justyce Zuniga, also achieved the elusive four-timer status in the 2A boys' division. Zuniga, known for his relentless pace, finally allowed himself to slow down in the final minute of his championship match, soaking in a career built on unmatched intensity. His incredible individual effort propelled the Toppenish boys to a strong second-place team finish in the competitive 2A classification.
Meanwhile, the 1A boys' division saw Wapato once again reign supreme, defending their team title with impressive depth and resilience. Built from the bottom up, Wapato showcased its robust program by fending off strong competition, including a determined Zillah squad that finished as runner-up with three individual champions of their own. In the 2B boys' class, Granger narrowly secured the team championship, fueled by a pair of individual title winners, proving that sustained effort yields championship glory.
Granger Girls Shine with Trio of Champions
The Granger girls also had a fantastic showing, finishing as runner-up in the 1A/2B combined classification, powered by a trio of outstanding individual champions. Senior Gabrielle Berger went out in magnificent style, securing a repeat individual title. Joining her was Sonia Mendoza, who finally grasped the state championship she had been chasing for four years. The future also looks incredibly bright for Granger, as freshman Vanessa Torres launched her high school career with a state title, immediately staking her claim for the rarest of prizes: a four-peat of her own in the coming years.
The WIAA Mat Classic XXXVII was a resounding success, filled with passion, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence from Washington's finest young wrestlers. We eagerly anticipate what these incredible athletes and programs will achieve next season, as the legacy of Mat Classic continues to grow.