Securing first place in state this year was truly an amazing moment for the Lake Stevens Wrestlers. They put their heart and soul into this sport and left it all on the mat at the state tournament, held at the Tacoma Dome February 19th and 20th.

Many wrestlers who went to state triumphed over the competition and won major state titles. Jake Bennett placed 8th in the 106 lbs. weight class. Senior Gino Loera placed 5th in the 120 lbs. weight class. Malachi Lawerence placed third in the 160 lbs. weight class. Nathan Sciliey placed third as well in the 113 lbs. weight class, and senior Jake Douglas also placed in third in the 138 lbs. weight class.

Individual state champions included seniors Trysten Perales in the 145 lbs. weight class and Michael Solar in the 170 lbs. weight class.

Senior Michael Soler won his fourth first place state title this year, earning an honor that only a handful of others share in Washington. The last Viking to do this was Burke Barnes in 2000. Although this is a noteworthy accomplishment, his humble outlook on his success makes him a true champion.

“Being a four-time state champion hasn’t really changed anything. I would be the same person today even if I wasn’t. It’s the journey that changes you and the friendships you make with your team mates,” said Soler.

Senior Trysten Perales also won first in state in his 145 lbs. weight class. This was Perales’ debut winning first in state, and his victory was even sweeter because it’s his last year getting to wrestle in high school.

“Winning an individual state title was amazing. Knowing all the years of hard work and preparation finally paid off made things so much better. It’s an indescribable feeling that not many people will understand, and that’s what makes it extraordinary. But winning a Team State title was the best part! Knowing that the team came together and wrestled for one another to help us win the title truly put a blessing on my heart. Not many people believed in us, but knowing we showed them up got me so pumped and proud of my fellow Berzerkers!” said Perales.

The entire wrestling team never gave up; they pushed through the hard matches to come out on top. And as much as winning state has become a bit of a Lake Stevens tradition, the journey there is never easy, and it’s because of the hard work and dedication of the wrestlers and coaches that they are so successful.

“The journey to State was a grind, days before districts my uncle passed away and that mentally broke me, but I knew I had worked too hard to let everything fall apart now. It was an intense three weeks of hard practices with a lot of emotions flying around the room from everyone. But we truly enjoyed the hard work we were putting in before state,” said Perales.

The ambition of this team is truly incredible. Despite facing setbacks, they overcame obstacles as a team and individually. This dedication to their sport speaks volumes to who they are as a team and will take them far into the next seasons to come.

“The only thing I would say to the wrestlers next year is to have fun, enjoy it and work hard. There is nothing like wrestling and the time you spend working out in the mat room with your friends,” said Soler.

Congratulations to the Lake Stevens wrestling team on first place in Washington state. The students at Lake Stevens are proud to wear purple and gold because of the Berserkers.