Hankins at State Wrestling

WAITSBURG - Waitsburg senior Jarod Hankins finished his high school wrestling career at the W.I.A.A. State Wrestling Tournament at the Tacoma Dome on February 21.

Hankins started wrestling in high school, his sophomore year, and has made the trip to the State Tournament twice, his junior and senior years. Hankins qualified for the State Tournament when he finished in sixth place at the 1B/2B State Qualifying Wrestling Tournament at Freeman High School on February 13 and 14.

Thirty athletes from 1B/2B schools competed in Hankin's weight bracket. Eight wrestlers stood on the podium, with the top three receiving medals. Hankins finished in the top third.

On Friday, Hankins won his first match by pin in the second round and lost his second match by pin to the first seed by pin in the second round.

In Saturday's matches, Jarod won two by pin in the second and third rounds. He lost one by pin to the fourth-place seed. Hankins ended the tournament with a 3-2 record.

"Watching him grow and become the person he is today was amazing.  It was an honor to be his coach.  Jarod showed what it meant to be a Cardinal.  His drive for excellence and determination to be the best in everything showed," said Coach Lash LaRue.

"Early morning lifts and staying late after practice are why he ended a three-year wrestling career as a two-time State qualifier.  Waitsburg should be very proud of him. I hope some look up to him and find this obsession of simply not wanting to lose," said LaRue

Times Archive/Karen Huwe

Waitsburg Cardinal Jarod Hankins from the College Place tournament in January.

All heart. All fight. All Cardinal.