Stags, Eagles contenders at Mat Classic XIX

North Side high school wrestlers will take their best shots Friday and Saturday in Tacoma during Mat Classic XIX.

Both Deer Park and Lakeside, which advanced nine wrestlers apiece to the state tournament, are among contenders for Class 2A and 1A team championships, respectively.

Both won their respective regional tournaments. The Eagles, who last year were 2A champs before moving down, face a difficult battle against Royal, Omak, Castle Rock and Orting.

They’ll challenge with regional champions Ryan Nordstadt, Jacob Lauderdale, Wes McAdam and Reid Chivers among the eight Eagles who were regional finalists.

Deer Park won what may have been the toughest 2A region which featured five returning state champions, including Riverside’s Ryan DesRoches. The Stags had two regional winners, seniors Viktor Nesenchuk and Cody Miller back-to-back at 140 and 145 pounds among five finalists. Riverside has seven state entrants.

Greater Spokane League schools combined for 20 state qualifiers in Class 4A and 3A.

Mead had three regional champions, juniors Philip Smith, Drew Comito and senior Jordan Greco. Gonzaga Prep’s Kevin Healy won at 130.

Mt. Spokane advanced six to 3A state, including two finalists featuring champion Noah Hatton. NC’s Thomas Montague won at 135, one of two Indians finalists.