Kent wrestlers have strong showings at regional competition

In local Kent high school wrestling action, Kent-Meridian took second place at 3A regionals while Kentridge took third in 4A. Kentwood placed eighth in the boys competition.

The Royals had a total of four wrestlers win their weight division at Edmonds Woodway High School. That was more than any other school that was competing, and Silas High School of Tacoma was the only other school with multiple winners.

Kent-Meridian was led by ​​freshman Adonai Garza (120), sophomore Jessie Neff (170), junior Jackson Esemann (145) and senior Yasar Faiz (152). The one Kent-Meridian girl to qualify also won her division, Chyna Hillegas (105), who won three matches on the way to her title.

The other two Royal men’s qualifiers were juniors, Ramazan Fodlov (2nd at 195) and Elyas Karimi (4th at 106).

The Chargers are sending six wrestlers to the Tacoma Dome, and all six of them are from the boys side. Kentridge had an exceptional day while wrestling at Cavelero Mid High School in Lake Stevens, and the six who are moving on all wrestled in the championship match.

The three victorious wrestlers were Jaheem Zakka (132), Lono Ohumukini (138) and Jaco Barney (152).

Five of the six wrestlers who qualified for Kentridge made the state tournament last year.

Kentwood is sending a very respectable five wrestlers to the Tacoma Dome later this month. Their best finisher on the boys side is Chase Baker. At 220 pounds, Baker is the only returning state placer the Conks have this season. Last year, Baker finished seventh at the state tournament.

The other Conks qualifiers in this regional tournament were Isaiah Adamson (3rd) and Andrew Fletcher (4th).

The best girl wrestler for the Conks is Sarah Wright at 155 pounds. Wright wrestled at the Mat Classic last year, but didn’t place. She is the only female qualifier this year for Kentwood.

The first round of state takes place at 10 a.m. Feb. 17 inside the Tacoma Dome,and will continue to Feb. 18.