Washington State's Elite Grapplers Converge on Mat Classic: 2026 WIAA State Wrestling Showdown

The 2026 WIAA State Wrestling Mat Classic delivered three days of intense competition across all classifications, with wrestlers from across Washington showcasing their skills on the biggest stage in prep wrestling. Held February 19-21, the state tournament crowned champions in boys and girls divisions spanning 1A through 2A classifications, with some remarkable performances that will be remembered long after the final whistle.

Championship Highlights Across Multiple Classes

In 2A boys heavyweight action, Kade West of Anacortes defeated Landon Hamblin of Aberdeen in a thrilling 285-pound title match, cementing the Seahawks' presence as a wrestling powerhouse. The 2A division showcased Washington's depth at every weight class, with Eli Policarpio of Chief Sealth claiming the 215-pound championship against Theo Stearns of North Kitsap in another standout final.

The girls competition proved equally compelling. Hailey Rains of Anacortes captured the 2A 235-pound title, defeating Charlene Underwood of Toppenish in a hard-fought match that demonstrated the growing strength of girls wrestling in Washington. Aubrey Newberry of Kiona Benton also won gold, earning first place honors in the girls 1B/2B/1A 235-pound division against Nina Siribun of Raymond/South Bend.

Lower classifications featured their own champions. Jake Turner of Zillah dominated the 1A boys 285-pound bracket, winning the state title over Ulysses Betancourt of Cashmere. In the 1B/2B boys heavyweight class, Kenneth Daman of Forks emerged victorious against Carter Pease of River View in a dominant performance.

Intense Competition Throughout the Bracket

One of the most compelling matchups came in the 2A 150-pound championship round, where Glenny Black of Aberdeen faced off against Emony Villa-Johnson of Marysville Pilchuck. These top-tier athletes from across the state represented the competitive level Washington wrestling has cultivated at the high school level.

The three-day event, broadcast live on FloWrestling, allowed fans across Washington and beyond to follow their favorite wrestlers in real time. All championship matches and bracket action were recorded and archived, giving wrestlers and coaches valuable footage to study as they look ahead to post-season opportunities and next year's campaign.

The 2026 WIAA State Wrestling Mat Classic showcased the remarkable depth of talent across Washington's wrestling community, from the coastal programs like Anacortes to the smaller classifications producing future college grapplers. With championships decided and records set, these wrestlers now turn their attention toward summer training, potential college recruitment, and preparing for another competitive season ahead.

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