Two wrestlers from Bothell High School are still alive for a state title following a grueling first day of the Mat Classic in the Tacoma Dome on Friday. Bothell seniors Aaron Ibanez and Virgil Smith advanced to the state semifinals of their respective weight classes.
Ibanez, wrestling at 195 pounds, won his first-round match, 8-1, over Zach Harris of Kentlake and then Kevin McLean of Mead was forced from his match with Ibanez due to an injury during the second round. Ibanez will start his Saturday against Adam Hokenson of Tahoma during the state semifinal match.
Smith, wrestling in the 152-pound weight class, earned a 6-1 victory against Joseph Porffit of Snohomish during the first round and then defeated Adrian Avena of Todd Beamer, 7-3, during the second round. Smith will face Ty Wilson during the state semifinal match on Saturday.
Inglemoor junior Andy Pham recovered from a 48 second first-round loss in the 138-pound bracket. Pham regrouped during the first round of the consolation bracket to defeat Emanuel Mendez of Mountain View in two-minutes and 48-seconds. Pham then defeated Kyle Neal of Central Valley, 17-5, and will take on Gavin Eaglin of Graham-Kapowsin during the consolation bracket quarterfinal on Saturday.
Inglemoor junior Riley Seward, wrestling at 145 pounds, beat Bryce Buckley of Chiawana, 10-4, during the first round but lost to Sean Van Earwage of Todd Beamer during second round, 6-4. Seward recovered to advance into Saturday’s action with a 13-4 victory over Zach Berry of Decatur. Seward will take on Oscar Springsteen of Bethel.
Inglemoor senior Terra Strecker was the only female wrestler to advance to state from Northshore. Strecker won her first match by pin fall but then at the 1:47 mark of her next match. Strecker’s day would come to an end during her next match with a pin fall at the 4:57 mark.
