TACOMA — Kingston wrestler Peyton Reece, 125, won the state championship Feb. 21, defeating Mariah Roggow of Kelso 2-1 in the Tacoma Dome.
The title win completes a perfect year for Reece, who won the Reno World Tournament in 2014 followed by an undefeated season. She entered the Tacoma Dome early Feb. 20 with a 20-0 record and as the No. 1 seed.
The win also fulfilled a commitment she made to herself after she finished second at the 2014 May Classic.
“Last year I took second [at the Mat Classic], and this year I got into the mindset that I was not going to lose to anybody,” Reece said after her first-round win Feb. 20. Of each match, she said, “I don’t try to study my opponent too much. I just go out there.”
It’s the fifth state wrestling championship in the Reece family. Reece’s brother is four-time state wrestling champion Bobby Reece III (KHS class of 2014).
Coach Chris Gilbreath said Peyton Reece’s experience in wrestling competition has made her a seasoned, confident competitor. “The Mat Classic is not an overpowering experience for her,” he said Feb. 20.
En route to the state title, Reece pinned Madeline Corn of Concrete in 31 seconds, pinned Nikki Valazquez of Othello in 5:09, then defeated Hailey Huerta of Centralia 4-3 to advance.
Peyton Reese, 125, of Kingston defeated Hailey Huerta of Centralia 4-3 to advance to the championship match in the Mat Classic, Feb. 21. Reese won the title. Photos: Jim Robertson / Special to the Kingston Community News
