Stags, Eagles finish strong in Mat Classic

Two high school wrestling programs accustomed to butting heads in the same league over the years went their separate ways, a product of statewide reclassification.

The end result was a two-pronged attack during last weekend’s Mat Classic XIX state tournament in Tacoma.

Deer Park, remaining in the Great Northern League, finished second in the State 2A tournament with its best state performance in nearly two decades.

Lakeside, which moved to the Northeast A League, finished third in State 1A.

Their efforts highlighted a big effort by North Side schools that amassed 23 individual state medals along with the two team trophies during last weekend’s season-ending extravaganza.

State 4A-3A

Five of six North Side Greater Spokane League schools had medalists. Leading the way was Gonzaga Prep with four as the Bullpups finished 12th overall with 51.5 points

All four placers won first-round matches, lost in the quarterfinals, then won at least once more to assure a medal.

“My goal for the kids when they came to state was having them all place, which was great,” said coach Danny Pearson. “Especially for the two juniors (David Hall and Kevin Healy). It will make them more confident for next year.”

Mead, which had three regional champions the week before, placed two of them. Philip Smith lost an overtime quarterfinal, but won four straight to finish third.

Rogers freshman Jacob Harkness became the first Pirates placer since Ismael Varnell in 2001. The 103-pounder lost his opener to the eventual champion, then won twice to earn his medal.

Mt. Spokane had a pair of fifth-place finishers, including Noah Hatton, a hard-luck loser, 3-2 in the semifinals to the eventual champion. He beat NC’s Mike Pursel for the medal.

State 2A

The Stags qualified nine wrestlers to state, and seven placed. They produced a total of 113 points, not far from former 3A power W.F. West (Chehalis), which scored 126.5

Two Deer Park wrestlers, senior Sam Lane and sophomore Cody Miller, stormed into the finals mostly by pin or technical fall before losing title bids.

Three others finished third, including freshman 103-pounder Drew Acorn, who won five straight, and Levi Zadorozny following an agonizing criteria overtime loss in a 13-13 semifinal. Brandon Leliefeld lost in the quarterfinals, then won four in a row.

“It’s been a roller-coaster year,” said coach Matt Jorgensen, who has helped the program regain prominence.

The ride had a thrilling conclusion and only two of Deer Park’s participants were seniors.

GNL wrestlers brought home 18 medals, including three at Riverside. Junior Ryan DesRoches at 160 won his second straight state title and his sophomore brother, Jacob, following a first-round loss, won four straight at 152 and finished fourth.

State 1A

Lakeside, which finished first or second eight times under outgoing coach Scott Jones, settled for third this time, but there were no tears.

“I’ll be one of Lakeside’s best friends,” Jones said. “They bring back all but Kyle Cartwright and I’ll tell you what, they’re going to be a powerful team.”

Senior Cartwright finished third at 140 pounds. Champions Jacob Lauderdale (112) and Reid Chivers (189) are just sophomores. Second-place finishers Wes McAdam (152) and Dustin Baldwin (171) are juniors, as is Kyle Johnson (130) who has finished second twice and third this year during his career.

“Kyle lost a heartbreaker (5-4 in the second round), but at the same time showed the spirit of a champion to battle back,” Jones said.

The athletes, he said, were already talking about next year.

Lakeside’s 146 points were the third most the Eagles have scored in a state meet, and they finished second the year they scored their second highest total.

It takes the best to beat the best.