The day after Prairie High’s Faith Tarrant became Clark County’s first four-time wrestling state champion, longtime Prairie coach Rob Smith reflected on the senior’s achievement by combing through the state brackets and jotting down names.
Just how dominant was Tarrant — The Columbian’s All-Region girls wrestler of the year for a fourth time — in her historic career that includes 114 pins and being undefeated since mid-way through her freshman season?
Of all the 235-pound state placers in Class 4A, 3A and 2A at last month’s Mat Classic, the senior pinned them all at some point: in a regular-season, invitational or postseason match.
But what Smith cherishes about Tarrant goes beyond the mat.
“The relationship that’s been developed over the years,” the coach said, “is irreplaceable.”
Before Tarrant took the mat for what would become a title-clinching pin of Oak Harbor’s Olivia Hudson in 1 minute, 24 seconds, Tarrant became emotional in a corner of the Tacoma Dome. Not for the historic achievement that soon would be hers, but because her illustrious high school career was about to end.
“It was the realization that I only had so much time left with my coaches and teammates and Prairie wrestling,” Tarrant said. “It was really bittersweet for me. Prairie wrestling is more than just a wrestling team; it’s like a big family and I’m leaving my big family.”
And she’s leaving with a one-of-a-kind legacy.
She became the 27th Washington prep wrestler all-time to capture four state titles. Prior to that, she was one of six wrestlers from Clark County to win three titles. Tarrant is quick to recognize the achievements of past Prairie wrestlers to those wrestlers before her.
Displayed in Prairie’s character-filled upstairs mat room are past champions and state placers. Before Tarrant won her first state title in 2022, the last Prairie state champion was Jay Rogers, who won state titles in 1986 and ‘87. Tarrant is quick to recognize the greatness that came before her.
“I might’ve achieved something, but there had to be people that paved the way,” she said. “Every person that has wrestled before I got there, they left their mark in the room.”
So too has Tarrant and she’s not done wrestling either.
So, where does a four-time high school state champion go from here? Tarrant is in talks with a number of colleges that offer women’s wrestling, and she hopes to make her choice in April.
At the college level — NCAA, NAIA and junior college — the highest weight class for women is 207 pounds. That’s a small dip from where Tarrant wrestles now, but she believes she can get there with ease.
For Tarrant, the nation’s No. 8-ranked prep wrestler at 235, she wants to be a collegiate national champion. One thing will always remain, she said: Wrestling will continue to be part of her life because of the sport’s impact. That includes going into coaching down the road.
Because after all, what wrestling has taught Tarrant goes beyond discipline and accountability, she said.
“It teaches you how to be a friend, even a better family member,” she said. “I would not be the person I am without wrestling. I’ve played many other sports and been part of a lot of other communities, but I’ve never got the same feeling as I’ve gotten from being a wrestler.”
The Rest of the All-Region Girls Wrestling Team
Madisyn Cardens, Skyview: Junior was 4A state champion at 235 pounds. District and Clark County tournament winner.
Kamiah Gaerlan, Kelso: Junior was 3A state runner-up at 115 pounds. Braided 64 and Hammerhead champion.
Lillian Hulegaard, Ridgefield: Sophomore was 2A state runner-up at 120 pounds. Won three of last four tournaments, including districts.
Couley McReynolds, Woodland: Senior was 2A state champion at 115 pounds. Pac Coast champion and third-place finisher at Braided 64.
Hailey Miller, Mountain View: Senior was 3A state runner-up at 125 pounds. Won titles at district and Clark County championships.
Kadence Neumeyer, Castle Rock: Sophomore was 1A state champion at 120 pounds. District and Pac Coast champion.
Victoria Nicacio, Washougal: Junior was 2A state champion at 120 pounds. Top four finisher at Pac Coast and Clark County championships.
Janessa O’Connell, Union: Senior placed third in state at 4A 135 pounds. Clark County, Pac Coast and Hammerhead champion.
Aliyha Vargas, Washougal: Senior was 2A state champion at 145 pounds. Clark County, Pac Coast and district champion.
Avery Vega Padilla, Camas: Junior placed second in state at 4A 190 pounds. Clark County champ and runner-up at Pac Coast and districts.
Leah Wallway, Kelso: Senior placed second in state at 3A 105 pounds. Won her fourth Clark County title and surpassed 100 career wins.
