Wrestling: Area teams begin pursuit of state berths

February means many things to high school winter sports athletes.

To wrestlers it means the last few weeks of a grueling season. And payoff for their hard work.

Districts take place this weekend for all classifications. It’s the first step toward earning a trip to the Tacoma Dome, home of all the state tournaments.

Greater Spokane League and Great Northern League teams gather at Shadle Park High School on Friday and Saturday to determine berths to regionals. Action begins Friday at 4 p.m. and Saturday morning at 9.

4A: Mead cruised to the GSL championship and is heavily favored to win a district title.

The top six placers at eight weight advance to regional the following weekend at Richland.

“They’ve been getting better and better and I hope they compete like that in the postseason,” Mead coach Phil McLean said. “I expect really good things out of them. Our strength is our depth.”

3A: North Central and Mt. Spokane will battle for the district title.

Regional berths are at a premium with only two at each weight advancing. The regional is the following Saturday at Juanita.

2A: League champ East Valley, along with Cheney and Clarkston, will challenge for the district title.

The GNL will advance two at each weight to regional the following weekend at Ellensburg.

1A: Northeast A teams meet at Freeman, beginning Friday at 4 p.m. and starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Deer Park and Colville will see which team has the most depth for a district title.

The top five at each weight advance to regional the following weekend at Omak.

2B/1B: Northeast small schools divide into two subregionals on Saturday.

The North teams meet at Davenport and the South teams are at Colfax. Both tournaments begin at 11 a.m.

Each subregional advances the top four at each weight to the regional the following weekend at Northwest Christian.