Must-watch 14 Washington high school boys wrestlers heading into postseason, including 2022 Mat Classic
With the 2022 Mat Classic tournament in the Tacoma Dome just one month away, SBLive is taking a closer look at the must-see wrestlers in the state of Washington.
After polling coaches and media outlets around the state, here are the headlining 14 boys wrestlers to watch, regardless of classification (ranked in order):
SBLIVE'S 14 BOYS WRESTLERS TO WATCH
1. ISAIAH ANDERSON, Chiawana, sr. (195)
He's back! The two-time WIAA state champion - and Oregon State University signee - has returned from a serious shoulder injury to not only wrestle his senior season for father, Jack - but pursue a third 4A title. Technically elite, and calm under pressure, the two-time national runner-up is state's most complete wrestler.
Quotable: "He is ready to go - and stronger than ever" - Chiawana coach Jack Anderson
2. Q'VELI QUINTANILLA, University, jr. (145)
Wait, what? As a junior, this ultra-fast grappler won a 32-man open college tournament bracket at 141 pounds. Needless to say, he is ready for the next level. The third of four brothers, Quintanilla transferred to 3A contender University after winning the 4A title at 126 for Gonzaga Prep as a ninth grader in 2020.
Quotable: "He's one of the fastest wrestlers I've worked with. And he just doesn't stop." - University coach Ryan Montang
3. CJ HAMBLIN, Mountain View, sr. (182)
Oregon State University signee was on track to join the elite WIAA four-timer club - but COVID-19 killed that quest (Mat Classic was canceled last winter). Now, after winning two 1A titles for Seton Catholic, he's at a new school - and a new weight (170). Elite athlete is making way back from knee injury.
Quotable: "CJ is probably one of the best wrestlers in the state on his feet." - Mountain View coach Joel Denman
4. GAGE COOK, Granger, sr. (285)
Another entrant on long list of athletic big men who have won multiple WIAA state titles. The last time anybody saw Cook in the Tacoma Dome, he was winning the 220 title at 1A two years ago. But the Fargo national champion is bigger (250), stronger and the Army commit is set to become the baddest man at 285.
Quotable: "What stands out is his relentless pressure. If you try and lock up with him, he will toss you." - Granger coach Richard Sanchez
5. ABEL NAVA JR., Toppenish, sr. (152)
Once a teammate of Gage Cook at Granger, Nava is now one of the leaders for a Toppenish group that many consider the best this state has seen in years. And with the Wildcats, his nickname is "Backpack" - because once he is in the dominant wrestling position, he loves riding an opponent's shouder.
Quotable: "He is so frustrating because he is big for his weight class ... and long. He turns opponents like crazy," Toppenish co-coach Austin Kintner
6. DARION JOHNSON, Chiawana, sr. (170)
The other WIAA champion in the 4A favorite's stable (and Chiawana's first state winner ever), Johnson's bid for another title in 2020 was halted by Curtis' Ryan Wheeler in one of the night's marquee matchups. Two years later, he is one of the state's true titans, and he has the look and game of a future college standout.
Quotable: Darion's mat awareness, wrestling intelligence and ability to scramble is what makes him an elite-level wrestler." - Chiawana coach Jack Anderson
7. KENNDYL MOBLEY, North Central, sr. (120)
A Cadet national champion, Mobley also has a pair of 3A titles to his name - 106 in 2019, and 126 in 2020. Now, he will vie to become the third wrestler in program history to win three WIAA champions, joining the Quintanilla brothers. A gentleman off the mat, he is tough as nails once the whistle blows.
Quotable: "He is in your face for six minutes, and attacks with a varsity of offense." - North Central coach Steven Taylor
8. LARS MICHAELSON, Bremerton, fr. (170)
He is the fireworks show of the Michaelson trifecta, wrestling for his father, Ty, and with older brother, Thor. And while his sibling is more defensive-oriented, this Michaelson opens up and takes plenty of risks to score - or go after pins. Keep paying attention to this name is next-generation wave of in-state talent.
Quotable: "His arms are so long ... he will even throw, but goes to the body and likes to take risks." - Bremerton coach Ty Michaelson
9. HORACIO GODINEZ, Toppenish, sr. (138)
Many think this homegrown product is the best combatant in Toppenish's deep wrestling room. A two-time 2A champion, the teenager known as "Lacho" can become the program's fourth three-time WIAA champion this winter if he can dominate the 1A ranks like he did in the bigger classification.
Quotable: "He approaches a match like he wants to make a statement. His style is unique - he can attack from any position." - Toppenish co-coach Austin Kintner
10. THOR MICHAELSON, Bremerton, jr. (160)
If it wasn't for three-time 2A champion Kyler Romero's "Superman" takedown move in the 138 state finals two years ago, Michaelson would be the reigning mat king. Fantastic defensive technician, this multiple national champion has been well-schooled in the Big Ten style of collegiate wrestling.
Quotable: "His positioning is tough to beat. In the last five years, he's been taken down 10 times in well over 100 matches a year." - Bremerton coach Ty Michaelson
11. NATHAN GREGORY, Deer Park, sr. (126)
It didn't take long for this out-of-town transplant to become accepted in the Deer Park wrestling room. Now, the more well-rounded grappler is set up to become the Stags' third three-time WIAA champion after winning 1A titles at 113 in 2019, and 120 in 2020. Signed at Southeastern University in Florida.
Quotable: "He is an on-his-feet wrestler. ... He will cut guys loose so he can build leads that way." - Deer Park coach Ryan Jorgensen
12. MATEO DE LA PENA, Kennedy Catholic, sr. (160)
Kennedy Catholic isn't known for its wrestling tradition, but De La Pena has certainly helped raise the program's profile. And after finishing as the 4A runner-up at 145 to Tahoma's Steele Starren in 2020, all the teenager has to do is finish the deal as a senior, and win his first Mat Classic championship.
Quotable: "Over these last two years, he's grown a ton. His attack rate has gone through the roof." - Kennedy Catholic coach Bobby Brokenshire
13. OWEN CLINE, Orting, sr. (145)
Another podium wrestler in search of his first WIAA title, Cline is ready to break through. Known as the set-the-example, hard-working leader of this young 2A favorite group, he can pile up points in a hurry on his feet. Signed at D2 Colorado-Mesa where ex-Cardinals great Fred Green is wrestling.
Quotable: "The cool thing about him was when he walked through our door, he was not the best kid. But he's done it with hard work." - Orting coach Jody Coleman
14. ALEX RAPELJE, Edmonds-Woodway, sr. (160)
One thing is for sure about this late bloomer, he isn't afraid of a challenge. Before winning the 3A title at 138 in 2020, he went up as many as three weight classes to find the best competition (and win). This Rhinos Club product has attracted the attention of a few D2 programs nationwide.
Quotable: "He is comfortable in any position. He is methodical. And he is a brick wall to try and take down." - Edmonds-Woodway coach Brian Alfi
(Featured file photo by Vince Miller)
