Athletics Update - by Athletic Dir Chris Ferenz

February 23 Blue Devil Athletics Update - by Athletic Director Chris Ferenz

This past week has been very exciting and successful for Walla Walla High School athletes. At the Mat Classic State Wrestling championships last Friday and Saturday, senior Mateo Caso powered his way through the bracket to win a state wrestling championship. After finishing 3rd as a Junior, Mateo became the first state wrestling champion from WWHS since Shane Anderson in 1996. To get a peek at what it takes to be a champion, please read the feature story about Mateo and his wrestling career in the Walla Walla Union Bulletin.

Also placing at the Mat Classic was freshman Kylie Whitaker. After an outstanding freshman year, Kylie wrestled her way to a 3rd place finish in Tacoma. After an outstanding season on the gridiron, named all-conference on both the defensive and offensive lines, senior Jon Smith earned a 5th place medal on the mat. Congratulations to Mateo, Kylie, Jon, Coach Jacob Butenhoff, and all the program coaches for their success at the state championships.

Also, competing last week, the WWHS Swim and Dive team traveled to Federal Way for their state championship. Freshman Eli Bona swam to a 9th place finish in the finals of the 500 Freestyle, earning 9 points for the team. Also earning points at the meet was the 200 Medley Relay team of Noah Stillman, Jerry Yao, Hayes Hendley, and Zach Juhnke. Congratulations to the athletes and coach Nancy Rose for their performances at state.

Saturday, February 18, the Blue Devil boy’s basketball team defeated Kennewick HS 57-53 to advance to the Regional Round of the WIAA State Basketball tournament. A vocal and enthusiastic crowd of Blue Devil supporters saw the Blue Devils come storming back from a 9-0 deficit to win an intense and physical basketball game. The reward for making the state playoffs, a Tuesday, February 21 matchup 330 miles one way at Mount Vernon High School. In the historic “Sistine Chapel” of high school gyms, as named by the Seattle Times, Walla Walla jumped out to a 27-15 lead at the half behind a stingy defense. Wa-Hi closed out the game with timely free-throw shooting for a 55-46 win.

With the first round victory, the team will head to Arlington HS (WA) to take on the home team Eagles in an 8:00 p.m. matchup Saturday, February 25. For fans willing to make the 630 mile round trip drive to Arlington, you may purchase tickets online at AHSTicket.

There will be no cash sales at the door.

To view a livestream of the game, the NFHS network will carry the game at AHSVideoLink. 

 Photo: Senior Mateo Caso wins state wrestling championship.