Class 2A/1A/B wrestling: Othello wins with an assist from Vashon

TACOMA — As the Othello wrestling team celebrated its first state title in 30 years, the Huskies celebrated with a most unlikely hero.

Othello, having just clinched the Class 2A state championship over Mount Baker by 1-1/2 points, gathered for a team photo in the southwest corner of the Tacoma Dome and pulled Vashon Island's Robert Bennedsen into the fray, a newly anointed hero in Othello.

After Alex Torres gave Othello the lead over Mount Baker with a win in the 152-pound final, the Mountaineers had a chance to take it back in the 160 final. But Bennedsen beat Mount Baker's Josh Little with a 14-8 decision, assuring Othello that its 140 points would be enough.

Mount Baker was second for the second year in row with 138.5 points. Vashon was third with 112 points, a school best at Mat Classic.

Tony Cantu won the 119-pound title for Othello, helping set up the dramatic finish. Wins by Mount Baker's Colt Warren at 135 and Craig Jackson at 145 gave the Mountaineers a lead until Torres took it back for good for Othello.

Vashon Island senior Evan Mattingly captured the 189-pound title for the second straight year, running his record to 36-1. He did it impressively, winning by pin in all four matches.

"It's such a great feeling," said Mattingly, who won despite tearing his meniscus ligament in his right knee in Friday's quarterfinal. "Getting four pins has been a goal of mine since my freshman year. I just thought it would be a cool thing to do."

1A/B

Three in a row feels a lot better for Warden this time.

The Cougars won their third straight state title, matching their streak of second-place finishes from 1999-2001.

Warden finished with 220 points, well ahead of second-place Liberty Bell, which had 155 points. Tonasket was third with 146.5.

Senior Frankie Torres led a group of four individual champions for Warden, winning the 112-pound title to finish his season with a 35-0 record.