Wrestler Hankins qualifies for State Championship

Waitsburg High School’s wrestling team competed in the 1B/2B State Qualifying Wrestling Tournament meet at Freeman High School on February 13 and 14.

The top nine athletes in each weight class qualified for the WIAA State Wrestling Tournament to be held on February 20 and 21 at the Tacoma Dome.

Cardinal senior Jarod Hankins placed 6th and will be the lone Cardinal representing Waitsburg at the State Championships. Hankins won two matches by pin and lost three by pin.

Senior Graycen Teal’s season ended with one win and two losses. In his first match, he pinned his opponent in the first round, then lost the next two matches by pin in the second round.

Sophomore Dylan Gutierrez did not make the top nine in his weight class. He won one match and lost two in his last competition for the season. He will work during the off-season to prepare for the 2026-2027 season.

Regarding Hankins’ sixth-place finish, Coach Lash LaRue said, “Next weekend is when the wins really matter, and I am sure he will get to the podium.”