At the regional wrestling tournament held last Saturday at Bellevue Christian High School, five tough Vashon Pirates ascended the ladder into the Tacoma Dome where the state tournament will be held this weekend. Once inside the Dome, each wrestler will compete with 15 others in his weight class to determine the best in the state.

Rogen Lopez (140 pounds) and Geran Webb (215 pounds) each took first place; Sam Chapman (112 pounds) and Tim Jovanovich (285 pounds) took second place; and Eddie Protzeller took third, by coming from behind to defeat a Port Townsend wrestler who had defeated him twice during the season.

The coaches considered Protzeller’s match one of the outstanding matches of the day. Keegan Shrum (112 pounds), Graeme Britz (125 pounds), Maximo Mandl (130 pounds) and Jordan Lopez (145 pounds) did not place, but experienced the sweet taste of victory. Also participating were Dom Stemer (130 pounds) and Vince Jovanovich (285 pounds).

As a team, the Vashon Pirates placed third behind the Port Townsend Redskins and powerhouse Orting Cardinals. Other teams represented were Nooksack Valley, Meridian, Cascade Christian, Bellevue Christian and Friday Harbor, placing in that order.

The table has been set: The state tournament begins this Friday, Feb. 20, and runs through Saturday. It’s an extravaganza you’ll never forget. See ya’ there.

— Carl Blomgren is an avid wrestling fan.