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Jesse DeLaPena - 152

Jesse will be making his third and final trip to the Mat Classic. Jesse placed 8th last year. The highlight of last years tournament was pinning Shawn Close of Lakeside in the second round while trailing 8-5. That victory allowed Jesse to advance to the medal round. Jesse has 78 career wins going into the tournament. He is 25-8 this year. His victory over Brian Freeman of Connell at regionals showed just how explosive Jesse can be. It is important to come out ready to wrestle that first match. Most of the upsets happen in the first round.

Sergio Avila - 103

Sergio carries 77 career wins into the Mat Classic. He is 25-5 this year with two loses coming against Rudy Garza of Othello. Sergio placed 7th in '99 and 5th in 2000. A top three finish is possible this year. A state title? Sergio can beat anybody he wrestles, his potential is unlimited. If things go well in the first round, then Sergio could be facing the returning state champ Kris Mathews of Lakeside in the second round. This is the match Sergio will need to win if he has any thought of winning it all this year.

Josh Corriell - 171

Josh has wrestled the best this year. He has wrestled Lance Reichert at least twice. He has wrestled Josh Brewer of Ephrata. Reichert placed 2nd at state last year, while Brewer finished 6th. This will help him as he takes on another #1 to start the tournament. Josh has looked better each time he has wrestled Reichert and Brewer, a first round upset over Danny Kruger of Washougal would be a big win. Josh is 16-10 on the year and 31-24 in his career. This will be a great experience for him. I expect to see Josh at Mat Classic in his next two years as well.

Eliseo Llerenas - 215

I wish Eliseo had a couple more years of wrestling to go. He has had a great year and tops it off with a Mat Classic appearance. Not just an appearance though. Eliseo has the ability to bring home some hardware. A top 8 placeing should be within the grasp of Llerenas. Eliseo is 18-4 this year with 13 of his wins coming via pin. He is 8-2 in the postseason with 5 pins. If he can catch some of the big guys in a quick pin than the experience factor will not come into play. Eliseo starts off with a freshman in the first round, but a win there would most likely send him into a matchup with Jamie Rakevich of Elma. Rakevich placed 2nd last year. You gotta beat the best to be the best!

The Bears are 7-3 in state championship finals matches. Here are the results for the 10 finals:

1982 -- 168 lbs Lonnie Renz lost by 13-9 decison to Tono Caballero of Warden

1995 -- 141 lbs Garrett Knutson won by decision 8-6 over Gilbert Chavez of Mabton

1996 -- 141 lbs Travis Knutson won by decision in OT 6-4 over Roger Aguiar of Zillah

1996 -- 148 lbs Garrett Knutson won by fall over Jason Collins of Toledo

1997 -- 148 lbs Travis Knutson lost by decision in OT 9-7 to Ben Barkley of Orting

1997 -- 158lbs Garrett Knutson won by major decision 15-5 over Luke Hughes of Liberty Bell

1998 -- 115 lbs Ale DeLaPena won by decision in OT 6-4 over John Cerna of Toppenish

1998 -- 158 lbs Travis Knutson lost by decision in OT 9-7 to Dino Castilleja of Toppenish

1999 -- 122 lbs Ale DeLaPena won by decision 3-1 over John Cerna of Toppenish

2000 -- 125lbs Ale DeLaPena won by decision 8-2 over Troy Stephens of Quincy