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.

These South Sound wrestlers (2A/1A/2B/1B) won individual state titles at the Tacoma Dome’s Mat Classic XXXVI: Fife’s William Conroy is held up by his coaches as he celebrates after defeating Toppenish’s Fabricio Alvarez to win the Class 2A,

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.

Tahoma leads tight boys race in 4A while White River, Hermiston tied in 3A heading into championship finals Friday