The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Wahkiakum will send a contingency to the Mat Classic XXXIII State Championships at the Tacoma Dome this weekend after regional competition wrapped up this past weekend.

The tournament, which pits western and eastern Washington against one another, will take place beginning Friday, with champions crowned Saturday night.

Vying for the crown from Wahkiakum will be senior Cayden Mendez, who finished second in the regionals in the 285 lb. class. Senior Gabe Moon, who finished third in the 195 lb. bracket at regionals, also looks to stand atop the podium as best in state.

Mule senior Gabe Moon takes third place at the Western Regionals. Photo Courtesy of Shawna Moon.

"It's truly an honor to get to go compete to be the best," said Mendez. "All the work we've done comes down to this. It's gonna be memorable regardless, but there will be no letting up on the competition."

Also placing at regional competition and making the journey to Tacoma as alternates will be senior Jerimyah Johnson, junior McKenna Mendez, and freshman Zaya Ray.

"These student athletes have fought off adversity all season, and I cannot think of a more deserving group to earn their way to Tacoma," commented Head Coach Garrett Radcliffe. "Our wrestling room is filled with the names of state placers of the past. There's not a practice that goes by where that standard of excellence is not noticeable. This group has always and will continue to raise that standard."

More information, including tickets to the Mat Classic, are available through the WIAA at wiaa.com.