Vashon wrestlers find success at the Mat

By Stephen Murphy and Anders Blomgren For The Beachcomber • February 27, 2025 1:30 am

The Vashon High School Pirates wrapped up their wrestling season last weekend during the 36th annual Mat Classic state tournament. Ten Vashon wrestlers entered the competition, which saw more than 40 boys teams and 75 girls teams compete at the Tacoma Dome.

Lena Puz, a junior, finished her season with a 26-3 record, pinning all four of her opponents (from Lake Roosevelt, Tonasket, Zillah, & South Whidbey) at the Dome on her climb to becoming Vashon’s first girls state champion in 17 years.

Dozens of islanders were there to cheer and support her decisive run to the final round. Saturday night’s championship match, against senior Kaylie Baker of South Whidbey was a re-match of the district championship from two weeks ago. In the second period of the match, Lena prevented a reversal and turned her opponent to her back for the fall — securing her state title.

Junior Alara Demir placed fifth at the tournament by pinning her first two opponents (competitors from Tenino and Lake Roosevelt) in the first two rounds. After facing adversity in the semifinal, Alara competed hard in the consolation rounds on her way to the fifth place match, which she won by pinning Mercedes Chavez of Life Christian Academy in the first period.

Also wrestling hard and facing the best of the best in their weight classes at state were senior Jair Valle, juniors Ashley Rice, Hazel Nielsen, Oliver Pickney, Teavin Gilbert and Will Henley, sophomore Jacob Lawrence and freshman Johnny Joyce.

Vashon’s grapplers weren’t done after Saturday’s championship matches. Sunday brought the traditional Washington State Wrestling Association’s “Folkstyle Championship” at the Tacoma Dome, to which Vashon brought six competitors.

The Vashon Wrestling program has nine returning state qualifiers and a strong team of teammates. Next season is poised to build upon the 2024 season’s growth. The hard work continues even as this edition is published, with the start of club wrestling, weightlifting, off-season competitions, summer camp, and on-going improvement.

The next generation of wrestlers are already preparing for their chance to train in the wrestling room, wearing green and gold on the mat, and continue Vashon’s legacy of greatness.

Stephen Murphy is an assistant wrestling coach at VHS. Anders Blomgren is a head wrestling coach at VHS.