Both have had longstanding state-tournament success - the Cardinals in Class 2A, and Toppenish in Class 1A (and 2A before that). Both came into Mat Classic XXXVI with big-match champions - ones who came into the weekend on four-peat quests.

Gonzaga Prep's Israel Acosta celebrates after winning his 4A boys 144-pound title match at Mat Classic 36 on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, at the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington. (Madison McCord/For The Spokesman-Review)

The match referee lifts up the arm of Orting’s Madison Watts after she defeated Aberdeen’s Felicia Bell to win the Class 2A, 125-pound state title on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, at Mat Classic XXXVI at the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Wash. Pete Caster/Pete Caster / pcaster@thenewstribune.com

Tahoma boys repeat as 4A champions after holding off Mead in finals while White River breaks tie with Hermiston to win 3A boys crown

North Kitsap senior Emily Gomez is a favorite among 140-pound girls as local wrestler look to keep title streak alive.

Anderson: “It was meant to be, you know? I could not see Toppenish beating us. ... It just doesn’t go through my mind, taking second.”

The 2A, 1A, 2B/1B boys’ and 2A, 1A/2B/1B girls’ state wrestling championships commenced Saturday at the Tacoma Dome. The 2025 Mat Classic XXXVI qualified only the best wrestlers

Mat Classic XXXVI’s three-day format kicks off Thursday morning at the Tacoma Dome. Find local teams represented, individual wrestlers to watch, schedules, ticket information, and more: More information and full brackets can be found at the WIAA’s Tournament Central site.

Although Whatcom and Skagit counties did not have a state champion this year, the two combined for 27 athletes reaching the podium, including six wrestlers advancing to their respective championship matches.