Mat Classic Preview

Troy Cunningham wrestled a good match against Jake Horn at the Super Regionals in Moses Lake. Horn basically won the match on one move. Late in the second round, after an escape, he caught Cunningham with a throw for a 5 point score. Cunningham was the agressor for most of the match and had many near takedowns on Horn. Horn even seemed to be a little confused by Troy's relentless attack, until the throw. Troy made the finals with an impressive 3-1 win over Jake Luczynski, I wasn't there to see it, but I heard that it was a good match.

As I look at the the revised brackets for Mat Classic I see that Troy has a great chance of making it to the finals. The previous brackets had him on the same side as Freight Train Gateman from Vashon Island. The new brackets have Gateman, Horn and Luczynski all on the same side. Troy has already beaten the two top competitors on his side of the bracket, Stelter of Othello and Draper of Ridgefield. If Troy wrestles at the top of his game he will no doubt make the finals against Horn or Gateman.

Mike Mejia recorded three pins at the Super Regionals, two of them under a minute. He will need to be at his best in the 1st round at state as he takes on 3rd place state finisher Blayne Branddenburger of Blaine. 2 wins on Friday night and a medal are not beyond Mikes reach. He is capable of upseting the top wrestlers, but he must be at his best.

Jake Johanns and Britt Samsel went 0-2 at regionals but both gained valuable experience and will be better for their experience next year.