Regional wrestling is over. Next up is Mat Classic XXI in Tacoma Feb. 20-21. How did teams fare? Pretty well actually. East Valley in 3A, Deer Park in 2A and Republic in B appear to be the teams most likely to contend for state titles.

The Knights qualified eight to state and had six finalists in a region that included perennial power Sedro Woolley. The Knights won 169.5 to 168, so that bodes well. Neighbors Deer Park and Riverside combined for 19 state berths and with those numbers can be among the placers Republic had five champions and another finalist in a tough region which should stand them in good stead at state.

It seems, however, that most of the eastern regions sort of shared individual wealth. During 4A, things were pretty spread out. Moses Lake, with 10 qualifiers and its share of finalists and champions is returning to its glory days. University had seven qualifiers, three of them champions, but will be hard-pressed to challenge Lake Stevens. And Lakeside, with five champions at the 1A regional, is in the hunt, but might need more depth. Five state titles, however, is worth 150 points or so. And that's pretty good ammunition.

 All told, 135 area wrestlers will converge on the Tacoma Dome next weekend.

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