Washington State's Best Grapplers Collide at 2026 WIAA State Wrestling Mat Classic

Three Days of Elite Competition Showcase Washington's Depth

The 2026 WIAA State Wrestling Mat Classic delivered some of the most intense grappling action Washington has seen this season, with wrestlers from across 1A, 2A, and 1B/2B classifications competing February 19 through 21. The three-day event featured championship matches that crowned new state champions and provided critical preparation for the final stretch of the wrestling season.

Keagan Jarvis from Cle Elum and Preston Mackin of Liberty Launch Academy opened the tournament in the Boys 1B/2B 113-pound consolation round, setting the tone for a weekend packed with competitive wrestling. These wrestlers, along with dozens of others, battled through multiple rounds on the mats, showcasing the technical skill and conditioning that defines Washington prep wrestling.

Championship Glory Across Multiple Classifications

Several standout performances highlighted the classic's final day. In the Girls 1B/2B/1A 235-pound championship, Aubrey Newberry of Kiona Benton faced off against Nina Siribun of Raymond/South Bend in a heavyweight showdown that exemplified the growing strength of girls wrestling in Washington. At 2A girls 235 pounds, Hailey Rains of Anacortes squared off against Charlene Underwood of Toppenish, providing another showcase of women's grappling excellence in the state.

The boys heavyweight divisions proved equally compelling. Kade West from Anacortes battled Landon Hamblin of Aberdeen in the Boys 2A 285-pound finals, while Kenneth Daman of Forks took on Carter Pease of River View in the 1B/2B heavyweight championship. Jake Turner of Zillah and Ulysses Betancourt of Cashmere squared off in the 1A 285-pound title match, representing some of Washington's most dominant heavyweights.

In the 215-pound boys 2A division, Eli Policarpio from Chief Sealth faced Theo Stearns of North Kitsap, continuing the tournament's tradition of bringing together the state's most accomplished wrestlers regardless of classification or region. These wrestlers have logged countless hours on the mat, perfecting their craft and representing their schools with distinction.

Looking Forward to March Championships

The Mat Classic serves as a crucial tournament for wrestlers fine-tuning their techniques before the WIAA regional and state championships later this season. Wrestlers used the competition to test themselves against top talent, identify weaknesses in their wrestling, and build momentum heading into the most important tournaments of the year. The three-day event provided coaches like those at Anacortes, which saw success across multiple weight classes, valuable data about their wrestlers' readiness for postseason action.

FloWrestling's comprehensive coverage of all three days means wrestlers, families, and coaching staffs can review matches, study technique, and prepare for upcoming competitions. As February turns to March, Washington's wrestling community will continue its push toward state championships, with wrestlers from Cle Elum to Cashmere determined to finish strong.

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