Mat Classic 2020, Session I recap: Favorites Chiawana (4A), Granger (1A) and Tonasket (B) jump out to leads in team race

Chiawana High School junior Tyson Stover said bringing home the 2019 Class 4A Mat Classic title was an unbelievable experience. But defending it would be even
Mat Classic 2020, Session I recap: Favorites Chiawana (4A), Granger (1A) and Tonasket (B) jump out to leads in team race
Mat Classic 2020, Session I recap: Favorites Chiawana (4A), Granger (1A) and Tonasket (B) jump out to leads in team race /

Chiawana High School junior Tyson Stover said bringing home the 2019 Class 4A Mat Classic title was an unbelievable experience.

But defending it would be even sweeter.

"The second one feels even greater than the first one," Stover said, "because you can back it up."

The Riverhawks sent six wrestlers into the state semifinals - Robby Vaughn (138 pounds), Darion Johnson (152), Riley Cissne (170), Isaiah Anderson (195), J.J. Rodriguez (220) and Stover (182) - and lead the team race with 76 points after the opening session of the Washington high school wrestling state championships Friday at the Tacoma Dome.

Sunnyside (66 points) has six semifinalists as well. So does Tahoma (60 points), which saw two-time defending state champion Yusief Lillie (120) make quick work of both of his opponents, including a fall in 1 minute, 28 seconds over Sunnyside's Francisco Magallan in the quarterfinals.

In the 1A ranks, Granger also has six wrestlers in the final four, including returning state champions Abel Nava Jr. (126) and Gage Cook (220).

The Spartans have 74 points, just ahead of Zillah (72.5) and Connell (66). Both of those Eastern Washington teams have four semifinalists.

There was a first-day upset at 1A. Colville's Rueben Seeman was taken down in the 132 quarterfinals by Sultan's Aidan Fleming, 11-8.

Three-time defending 'B' champion Tonasket is in full control of bringing home a fourth consecutive title. The Tigers have a whopping 10 combatants in the state semifinals, including two-time returning state champion Colin Silverthorn at 138.

The second session runs from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Follow our live updates here.

SESSION ONE VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS


Published
Todd Milles, SBLive Sports
TODD MILLES, SBLIVE SPORTS

Todd Milles is a Regional Editor for SBLive Sports, covering Washington, Idaho and Montana.