The high school wrestling season reaches its pinnacle this weekend.
And what a peak it is. Twenty-four matches happening simultaneously in front of thousands of fans over two days at the Tacoma Dome.
That is the grandeur of Mat Classic, which is celebrating its 30th year.
As usual, Clark County wrestlers will play a big role in the festivities. Sixty-five local boys and girls qualified for Mat Classic at the regional championships last weekend.
Here are five things to watch for Clark County wrestling fans:
1. Malychewski vs. McKinney, Round 5?
The best individual rivalry between Clark County wrestlers this season is between Camas senior Sam Malychewski and Skyview senior Jackson McKinney.
The 195-pounders have clashed four times this season. None of the first three were decided by more than two points, with Malychewski winning twice. But Malychewski made quick work of the regional championship match on Saturday, pinning McKinney in 57 seconds.
Will McKinney have a shot at revenge this weekend? It could come in the state title match, with Malychewski and McKinney ranked No. 1 and 2, respectively, by Washington Wrestling Report.
2. Camas championship pursuit
Malychewski isn’t the only Camas wrestler with his sights on a state title.
Jack Latimer, a junior, is the top-ranked 126-pound wrestler in Class 4A. He beat No. 2-ranked Terrell Sanders of University 2-1 in the regional championship match on Saturday.
Camas also has the top two ranked wrestlers at 132 pounds. Rylan Thompson, a three-time state placer, has thrived since dropping down from 145 pounds shortly before the district championships.
Thompson’s top challenger is teammate Tanner Craig, a junior. The two clashed in the regional title match after they went to overtime for the district title, with Thompson winning both.
3. Goodpaster’s good prospects
Evergreen senior Dylan Goodpaster is no stranger to Mat Classic. He has placed seventh each of the past two years.
This year is his best chance for a title. The Clark County and regional champion is ranked No. 1 at 170 pounds in Class 3A.
Goodpaster pinned No. 4-ranked Tre Phillips of Rogers-Spokane in the regional title match and is one of just two wrestlers in his bracket to have placed at state.
4. Girl power
Some of Clark County’s best prospects for state titles are among the girls at Mat Classic. Ten are ranked No. 5 or higher in their weight classes.
Hikaru Abe, a Skyview senior, is looking for a second state title in a loaded 105-pound division. Three wrestlers enter Mat Classic ranked higher than Abe, despite her rolling through the district and regional tournaments.
Hudson’s Bay sophomore Allison Blaine is the top-ranked wrestler at 135 pounds. She finished third in state last year.
Regional champ Union is a top contender for the team championship. The Titans are led by freshman Riley Aamond, the top-ranked 130-pounder, and two-time state placer Annabelle Helm at 145 pounds. Krista Warren (140 pounds) and Neveah Cassidy (145 pounds) are also ranked in the top four.
5. New Cougs on the block
In its first season, the Seton Catholic qualified three wrestlers to Mat Classic.
Seton wrestlers had previously wrestled with King’s Way Christian’s team. In their debut season, the Cougars had two regional champions.
Elijah Volk won the 126-pound regional title last weekend in Castle Rock. The freshman is the No. 7-ranked wrestler at that weight in Class 1A.
Maritza Chavez-Anguiano won the 190-pound girls regional title in Aberdeen. Amanda Fry also qualified for Mat Classic at 170 pounds.
What: Mat Classic state wrestling championships
When: Matches start 10 a.m. Friday. Finals at 5 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Tacoma Dome.
Updates: Follow Micah Rice on Twitter @col_mrice for updates throughout the tournament.
