The Grizzlies were hopeful for a top three finish, but in a league loaded with state powerhouses, it is understood why that is hard to achieve.

"The team was hoping for third. There were a lot of close matches," said junior wrestler Josh Humlie, "it really could have gone either way, but the coaches were pleased."

Humlie is the 2008 Pacific Conference champion in the 125 lbs. weight class. With a bye on the first match and a win in the second match he was in a very good spot going into day two. Humlie pinned his man easily. Day two, Humlie was matched up against the wrestler who knocked him out of the district tournament last year.

Humlie was able to pin him in the third round. With a long break before the final match, Humlie enjoyed a long nap.

"I've learned to wait until just before my match before I start worrying about it. I prepare mentally, but I don't get too psyched up. Wrestling is a mind game," said Humlie, discussing his pre-match mentality.

Humlie must have done everything right in preparation, as he won his championship match, becoming district champion at the 125 lbs. weight class. Humlie is very excited about the opportunity to wrestle in the state tournament. "The tournament is at the Portland Coliseum, so that in itself is very exciting," Humlie said.

Going into the season, Humlie was hopeful for a top three finish in state, and entering the tournament, he still has high expectations for himself.

One win shy of a district championship, junior Ryan Robles was the 140 lbs. runner up. Winning all three matches on the first day of the tournament, he advanced to the semifinal match on the second day, beating the number one seed in the tournament. With a win in the semifinals, he would automatically advance to state, and have a chance at a district championship. After winning his semifinal match, Robles had an eight hour break before the championship match.

"I had a long time before the finals, so I was able to go home and take a nap. That was nice," said Robles.

In the final match, Robles wrestled a very close match with Clint Peebles of Newberg. Even with a loss, Robles advances to the state tournament. "After knocking off the number one seed, I'm expecting to do well," Robles said in a calm manner. Robles is hopeful of a top five finish.

"We'll work hard to finish strong," said Humlie.