Izaak Jensen

Staff Writer

Twenty Kayhi wrestlers will compete in the state tournament at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage. Weigh-ins begin at 7 a.m. on Friday with matches beginning at 8 a.m. and continuing on Saturday with finals beginning at 6 p.m.
Head coach Rick Collins is confident in his team’s ability to succeed this year and next year.
“I think we have a great team,” Collins said. “The state tournament is a meat grinder, it’s a tough tournament with lots of emotional swings, and ups and downs, but I feel very confident we have a very good team. This team is one of the best ones in school history and it’s a young group. We only have two seniors traveling to state with us so that should make us that much better next year.”
This year is also the first time a girl will travel to the state tournament for wrestling in school history. Freshman Haylee Stewart is wrestling in the 113 weight class in the girls bracket.
“I’m excited to go to state, but I’m also nervous,” Stewart said. “I’ve been pushing myself pretty hard this season so I’m prepared.”
Sophomore Matthew Rodriguez is seeded 1st in state this season and is confident he can win.
“Yeah I’m nervous, but I’m ready. I’ve beat both people that are expected to go to finals with me and I’ve never lost a match at a state tournament in my wrestling career so I’m expecting a good outcome,” Rodriguez said.