Whidbey wrestlers made an impressive showing at the state wrestling tournament this weekend.

The state tournament, known as Mat Classic XXXIII, took place Feb. 18 and 19 at the Tacoma Dome.

Two athletes from the Oak Harbor High School boys team and one from the girls team qualified, and all three placed in the tournament.

From the boys team, Cole Valdez (23-13) placed eighth at 126 pounds and Percie Hatfield (23-6) placed sixth at 152 pounds. The boys team tied four ways for 33rd place of 66 teams with 23 points.

From the girls team, Alyssia Grose (25-7) placed seventh at 170 pounds. The girls team tied three ways for 81st out of 138 teams with 11 points.

Boys coach Lawrence Falcon said the Oak Harbor wrestlers battled through great adversity to be so successful and know what to work on in the post season to see even more improvement next year.

“These boys are gladiators and will continue to grow and improve,” he said. “They will also be great ambassadors for Oak Harbor wrestling and the young men and women coming up through our club and middle school.”

From South Whidbey High School, Smokey McClure (30-1) placed second at 138 pounds. Cole Thorsen (15-12), at 145 pounds, and Ravi Neumeyer (13-9), at 113 pounds, both qualified for the state tournament but did not place.

The team took 21st place with 23 points.

“The coaching staff could not have been more proud of the maturity and effort of these athletes,” Assistant Coach John Sommer said. “They really stepped up and performed at a high level.”

Kira Erickson contributed reporting to this story.

Photo provided Cole Valdez, right, places eighth at the state wrestling tournament.

Photo provided Percie Hatfield wrestles at the state tournament.