Cruiser Wrestling Sends Nine To State

The Eatonville Cruiser wrestling team had a very successful showing at the WIAA 1A Region 1 tournament on Saturday with 9 of their wrestlers qualifying for the WIAA Mat Classic XXXIII State Tournament February 18-19, 2022.

Eatonville's Austin Frink stands atop the podium after capturing the title in the 120-pound weight class at the WIAA 1A Regionals on Saturday. Photo: Michelle Frink

Leading the way for the Cruisers was senior Austin Frink who took the district title in the 120-pound weight class by pinning Montesano's Jacob Salstrom.

As a team, Eatonville took second place out of 24 teams, trailing Blaine HS by only a half a point.

The full list of wrestlers moving on to the state tournament for Eatonville are:

113lb - Kasey Whitney (3rd place)

120lb - Austin Frink (1st place)

120lb - Ethan Carter (5th place)

126lb - Riley McFadden (5th place)

132lb - Ty Whitney (2nd place)

138lb - Ayden Lilly (5th place)

160lb - Kaden Olsen (3rd place)

182lb - Hunter Sonnenberg (2nd place)

285lb - Carsen Pero (4th place)

One note of significance, Both Austin Frink and Carsen Pero pinned every single one of their opponents they faced on the day in their winning matches.

Eatonville led all teams at the tournament with the most pins with 28.

"I am so impressed with these guys!" said Eatonville coach Mario Ragazzo. " They went out with a goal and achieved it. We are a hard-working group of fighters. I've never seen a group go after their goals like this one."

For those interested in attending the state tournament matches, fans are encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in line at the event.

Ticket Prices

All Tournament (Feb 18 & 19) - Adult $32 / Student/Senior/Military $23

One Day - Adult $18 / Student/Senior/Military $13