After getting five through to Mat Classic XXXVI at the EvCo Championships, the Tumwater High School wrestling team doubled the group of wrestlers on Tuesday through the Class 2A Crossover tournament at Mark Morris High School.
It was the final tournament for the largest classification in SW Washington before embarking on the Tacoma Dome. In all 14 weight classes, three more qualifiers were determined in win-and-in bouts against the GSHL.
The Thunderbirds finished with an area-best five more qualifiers and outside of Antonio Hernandez at 106-pounds, they picked up a pin. Gavin Kaikkonen (157) needed 1 minute, 46 seconds to lock up the fall while Collin McPherson (126), Andrew Yocom (138) and Cash Short (175) notched the falls in the second period.
Black Hills and Centralia each nabbed four additional spots.
Caleb Stuckert had the most thrilling win of the night for the Wolves at 138, getting two takedowns and four back points to build up a 12-7 lead and held on for the 12-11 win. Evan Aguilar (132), Ammon Combs (165) and Max Whitehall (285) recorded bonus point wins.
The Tigers’ quartet of Jose Alatorre (113), Henry Matias-Rodas (126), Dobah Denetclaw (138) and Lafel Denetclaw (144) each recorded pins.
W.F. West, the league tournament champ, sent three more to Mat Classic in both of its lightweights Ryker Jensen and Jayce Ayers at 106 plus Lakin Baker at 215.
