Orting High School's wrestling team achieved a remarkable feat at Mat Classic XXXVII, clinching their fifth consecutive 2A team championship. Under the innovative leadership of Coach Jody Coleman, whose team sported unique Akatsuki robes inspired by the popular Naruto anime, the Cardinals displayed an unparalleled dominance. Their performance culminated in seven wrestlers reaching the finals, with four securing individual state titles, solidifying their legacy as a powerhouse in high school wrestling.
Coach Jody Coleman introduced an unconventional theme for this year's Mat Classic, moving away from his traditional red suit and gold slippers to embrace black cloaks adorned with red clouds, reminiscent of the Akatsuki organization from Naruto. Initially, the idea was sparked by a wrestler's TikTok post, leading Coleman to procure 25 robes for his team. This creative approach, though met with mixed reactions from officials and coaches, resonated deeply with the wrestlers, who saw themselves reflected in the powerful, villainous clan from the anime. Coleman emphasized that the unique attire would only be 'cool' if they performed exceptionally, a challenge the team readily embraced and conquered.
The Cardinals' triumph was evident even before the final matches began, as they had already amassed enough points to guarantee the team title. Their seven finalists showcased the depth and talent within the squad. Nery Rivas, competing in the 113-pound category, secured his second state championship with a commanding technical fall victory. Arcadius Cruz, at 120 pounds, earned his first state title, demonstrating exceptional pace and determination. The 126-pound division witnessed an "instant classic" as Trevor Anderson, seeking his second title, defeated Steve Romero in a triple-overtime decision, denying Romero a fourth individual championship.
While Orting celebrated numerous victories, the 138-pound final saw Toppenish's Justyce Zuniga defeat Dominic Thomas, marking Zuniga's fourth individual title. Orting's Dakota Anderson, a freshman, triumphed in the 150-pound category with a decisive 13-8 decision. Michael Fritz, a senior, secured his third state title in the 165-pound division with a dominant technical fall. Despite a loss in the 175-pound final to North Kitsap's Luan Bekteshi, the overall performance of the Orting team was outstanding. Coach Coleman expressed immense pride in his team, many of whom he has coached since their younger days, highlighting their comfort and camaraderie as key factors in their sustained success.
The Mat Classic XXXVII reaffirmed Orting's wrestling supremacy, securing their fifth consecutive 2A team title. The innovative team theme, coupled with individual brilliance and collective determination, created a memorable chapter in the school's athletic history. The Cardinals' exceptional performance, highlighted by multiple individual championships, underscored their dedication and the strong bond within the team, truly embodying Coach Coleman's philosophy of turning unique ideas into symbols of success through hard work and victory.