Fresh off a state title, Centralia High School wrestler Antonio Campos was recognized by the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners Tuesday morning.
“We’re just really proud of you, proud that we have a Centralia Tiger as a state champion,” Commissioner Sean Swope said. “It’s been a minute since we’ve had a couple of state champions. So we’re really proud to honor you today.”
On Feb. 17, Campos won the 2A 120-pound bracket at Mat Classic XXXV at the Tacoma Dome. Campos went 39-2 in his 41 matches before Mat Classic XXXV and won his first-round matchup 15-0 before he pinned three straight opponents to earn his elusive state championship, according to previous reporting by The Chronicle.
Campos also took home league, sub-regional and regional championships in the lead-up to the state title.
For Campos, the state title proved to be elusive in past years. As a sophomore, Campos took third, and he finished in second place in his junior year.
“I was just working a lot with my coaches, just working on the little things that held me back from winning it last year,” he said Tuesday. “And really just getting past the mental block that I had.”
In his free time, Campos said he enjoys hanging out with his friends and playing video games and pool. At school, Campos said his favorite subject is civics.
“A good answer in this room,” quipped Commissioner Lindsey Pollock.
While he isn’t quite sure yet where it will be, Campos said he plans to continue wrestling at the collegiate level.
